Our family is preparing for a move and I’m in the purging phase. I have tons of framed photos and artwork, mostly larger (8X10 not 4X6) professional ones, that probably will not be hung or displayed in our new home. Our new home is much smaller, so storage space will be minimal.
I’ve decided to remove the photos from the frames, and donate most of the frames to Goodwill. But I don’t know the best way to store the photos that will keep them safe and won’t take up a lot of room. I’m worried that they’ll stick together if I just stack them in a box and store them.
Anyone have opinions on the best way to store them? Boxed and stacked vs. photo album? I have done some research and I do know that I need to store them inside, not in a hot, cold, or humid place.
We digitized a lot of old photos and then tossed the originals. We just didn’t have room for all of them.
If I have time, I’ll probably sort thru and toss a lot of smaller photos. Honestly, ditching the frames is probably going to solve my space problem. I just want to know how to store the larger ones I want to keep.
I already have over 60,000 digital photos that I need to manage :(.
Research suggests layering them between sheets of acid free paper and storing them in archival boxes. Keep away from moist or potential insect areas. Also don’t forget to label the photos on the back with a specialty pencil or marker - as much detail as you can remember.
@Marilyn agreed. @LeastComplicated Our family saved a lot of photos but once a generation was gone it is hard to know who is who and what they were doing and where. I would suggest having a piece of acid free paper in the box with the overall years, family members activities etc to help those who come later know what is what if you cannot label each one. If you are going to have the photos in the main house perhaps using a top loaded scrapbook where you can just put in each 8x10, 4x6 etc in a sleeve and call it good. This method is preferable because you can show the book to others when they visit yet it takes minimal effort. Again, I would put a paper of what these pictures are as mentioned above
Staples sells boxes of clear plastic 8.5x11 insert sheets that are acid free and can be put in a loose leaf for easy storage of the 8x10s. You can find similar insert sheets for 4x6s at Amazon, Michaels, Joanns or a scrapbooking site or just attach them to a piece of acid free paper and insert into the full size sheet. You can buy 8.5x11 sheets of solid color acid free paper for under $10.
Thanks for all the great advice! Sorry I haven’t been back sooner, I’ve been busy in the basement sorting stuff. I think I’m going to go with scrapbooks with sleeves. I want the photos to be easily accessed and looked at.
You guys are the best!