Family photographs represent the memories you’ve shared throughout the years. They provide a family history for younger generations in the future. For this reason, they are irreplaceable. That’s why you feel broken and devastated when you lose keepsakes due to improper storage or wear and tear that comes with shifting from one home to another.

Knowing how to keep them safe and ensure they’re in good condition is the best way to preserve these memories. If you’re looking to protect those photos while storing them in your storage unit, the team at Olympic Storage is happy to help you keep them safely and securely. In this post, we will discuss how you can do this successfully.

Can you store old photos in a storage unit?

You don’t have to compromise your home’s space to accommodate old photos. It may be a great option to keep them tucked away somewhere that you can easily retrieve and show a friend or family remember. So, yes, you can store photos in a storage unit. However, it’s important to understand how you want to do it based on your needs. For instance, if you need to access the photos frequently, keep them near the front row or the door.

Preparing Your Photos for Storage

Once you decide on the storage unit size, you must take preventive measures to preserve their condition. You may need to organize them inside plastic sleeves, photo storage boxes, or envelopes rather than throwing them inside your storage unit. The perfect container for storing photos is a water-resistant and sealed plastic that is soft and with stiff dividers or separated prints.

You can roll larger flexible prints into tubes and place a polyester film for additional protection. You can use your imagination to protect your photos best. Remember to ensure your storage unit is climate-controlled, as Olympic Storage offers.

Do’s & Don’ts for Storing Old Photos and Keepsakes in a Storage Unit

Here are some common dos and don’ts for storing photos in a storage unit.

• Do seal all the photos completely, whether you’re keeping them in containers, frames, or boxes. This prevents damage from moisture in the air, harsh sunlight exposure, and other elements.
• Don’t place old photos on the ground, even if packed in plastic containers or boxes. Use a pallet or wire rack to keep the boxes off the ground. This prevents water damage, crawling insects, and other things from damaging your old photos.
• Do choose a good climate-controlled unit to prevent the heat, moisture, and cold from causing damage to your photos.

How to Store Old Photo Albums & Scrapbooks

Tips for storing pictures include:

• Use flat, stiff materials, dividers, and containers to keep your photos flat.
• Avoid placing them on top of each other, as this leads to bending and permanent damage.
• If you’re getting a new storage container, ensure it’s the right size; squeezing pictures in smaller containers or boxes can easily ruin them.
• Avoid stuffing the boxes, as it could have the same effect as squeezing them. On the flip side, don’t leave too much room in your photo storage box.

Contact Us Today!

Learning to preserve your old photos in a storage unit is the best step you can take to preserve those memories. If you don’t have a storage unit in Sioux City, Olympic Storage is here for you. Our climate-controlled units offer the space you need to store items while giving you plenty of space for your home. Contact us today to book one.