{"id":23810,"date":"2026-01-05T08:18:41","date_gmt":"2026-01-05T13:18:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/?p=23810"},"modified":"2026-02-09T08:34:59","modified_gmt":"2026-02-09T13:34:59","slug":"how-to-store-old-photos","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/how-to-store-old-photos\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Store Old Photos"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Do you have boxes of old photos stashed away in your home? People often store old photos in basements, garages, or attics, which are the worst places for them. This post will provide steps on how to store old photos to preserve them for future generations to enjoy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#Step-1-Location\">Location<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#Storage-Containers\">Storage Containers<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#organizing-your-photos\">Organizing Your Photos<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#storing-photo-albums\">Storing Photo Albums<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"724\" data-src=\"https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Shoe-Box-Storage-02-BLOG.jpg\" alt=\"An old beat up shoebox storing photographs as an example of a bad storage environment.\" class=\"wp-image-23811 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Shoe-Box-Storage-02-BLOG.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Shoe-Box-Storage-02-BLOG-600x434.jpg 600w, https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Shoe-Box-Storage-02-BLOG-768x556.jpg 768w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1000px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1000\/724;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">People often store their photos in an old shoebox, which is not a good environment for long-term storage because of the high acid and lignin content of mass-produced, disposable boxes.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Step-1-Location\">Location<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Avoid Attics, Basements, and Garages<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This is the easiest step and doesn&#8217;t cost a dime. Your home and storage location within it is an important aspect of preservation. If your photos are stored in an attic, basement, or garage, move them. These areas are high risk. They are likely to experience temperature and humidity extremes and fluctuations, which are very bad for photographs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They are more prone to flooding and water damage from leaky roofs, pipes, or water heaters. They are also more prone to insects and other pests which can damage photos and collectibles. These spaces are not used as often, so if something like a leak happens it&#8217;s more likely to go unnoticed for longer, causing irreversible damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.archivalmethods.com\/category\/boxes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"753\" data-src=\"https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Boxes-Closet-Shelf-2-archival-methods-1.jpg\" alt=\"Tan and gray metal edge archival boxes with labels stored on a closet shelf is the ideal home storage solution.\" class=\"wp-image-23812 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Boxes-Closet-Shelf-2-archival-methods-1.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Boxes-Closet-Shelf-2-archival-methods-1-600x452.jpg 600w, https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Boxes-Closet-Shelf-2-archival-methods-1-768x578.jpg 768w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1000px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1000\/753;\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Archival metal edge boxes stored on a closet shelf is an ideal home storage solution for photos and collectibles.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Ideal Second Story Closet<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The ideal home storage spot is a second floor interior closet shelf. If there&#8217;s not room for a shelf then the closet floor is okay. Second floor is good because it is not likely to be underneath a bathroom or pipes which can leak. Interior walls are better because exterior walls experience more temperature fluctuations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Underneath a bed on a second floor is an okay choice if no closet is available. But this space will experience much more dust than a closet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If storing your photos on the ground floor, store them on a shelf. If your house is ever flooded, higher is safer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Storage-Containers\">Storage Containers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.archivalmethods.com\/product\/4-x-6-simple-kit\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"999\" height=\"702\" data-src=\"https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/60-1050-BK-Black-4x6-Simple-Kit-BLOG-03-Archival-Methods-1.jpg\" alt=\"Black 4 x 6 Simple Kit with 4 x 6 photos, index card dividers, and a photo box spacer.\" class=\"wp-image-23813 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/60-1050-BK-Black-4x6-Simple-Kit-BLOG-03-Archival-Methods-1.jpg 999w, https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/60-1050-BK-Black-4x6-Simple-Kit-BLOG-03-Archival-Methods-1-600x422.jpg 600w, https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/60-1050-BK-Black-4x6-Simple-Kit-BLOG-03-Archival-Methods-1-768x540.jpg 768w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 999px) 100vw, 999px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 999px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 999\/702;\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Black 4 x 6 Simple Kit from Archival Methods &#8211; made with acid-free, lignin-free, buffered materials.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Storing 4 x 6 Photos<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Transfer your photos from the shoebox or other acidic container into an archival, <a href=\"http:\/\/archivalmethods.com\/blog\/beyond-photo-safe-mean\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">acid-free<\/a>, lignin-free, buffered <a href=\"https:\/\/www.archivalmethods.com\/category\/metal-edge-boxes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">box<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.archivalmethods.com\/category\/binders-albums\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">binder<\/a>. Check out <a href=\"https:\/\/www.archivalmethods.com\/blog\/boxes-versus-binders\/\">Boxes Versus Binders<\/a> for help deciding which one is more suitable for your project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We have a selection of great <a href=\"https:\/\/www.archivalmethods.com\/category\/photo-storage-kits\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Photo Storage Kits<\/a> but the two most popular ones are the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.archivalmethods.com\/product\/4-x-6-simple-kit\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">4 x 6 Simple Kit<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.archivalmethods.com\/product\/4-x-6-archive-900-kit\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">4 x 6 Archive 900 Kit<\/a>. They are great for storing large quantities of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.archivalmethods.com\/blog\/introducing-the-4-x-6-simple-kit-for-archival-storage-of-photos-and-postcards\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">4 x 6 photos<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The 4 x 6 Simple Kit comes with archival <a href=\"https:\/\/www.archivalmethods.com\/product\/index-dividers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Index Card Dividers<\/a> for sorting and labeling along with a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.archivalmethods.com\/product\/photo-box-spacers\">Photo Box Spacer<\/a> to keep the photos upright when the box isn&#8217;t full. But if you don&#8217;t need these extras, just order the 04-003 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.archivalmethods.com\/product\/short-top-boxes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Short Top Box<\/a>. It will hold up to 1,050 photos!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1350\" height=\"900\" data-src=\"https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Disorganized-photo-collection-1.jpeg\" alt=\"Disorganized assortment of photographs from the 1800s to the late 20th century on a table.\" class=\"wp-image-23816 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Disorganized-photo-collection-1.jpeg 1350w, https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Disorganized-photo-collection-1-600x400.jpeg 600w, https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Disorganized-photo-collection-1-768x512.jpeg 768w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1350px) 100vw, 1350px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1350px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1350\/900;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A typical family archive prior to being sorted. The cigar boxes and old Kodak paper box are not archival and over time the acids and lignins will damage your photos. Note the wide variety of photographic processes spanning 150 years \u2013 from a daguerreotype to an analog color C-print!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Storing Mixed Photo Collections of Various Sizes and Types<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While 4 x 6 photos make up the bulk of many photo collections, there are others, such as the one pictured above, that have a wide variety of photo processes, shapes, and sizes. The minimal amount of effort and expenditure would be to put them in an archival box (from a reputable company) and store them on a closet shelf. And simply doing that would be a great start if you don&#8217;t have the time or money to do more at this point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.archivalmethods.com\/product\/create-a-kit\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"753\" data-src=\"https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/60-2700-L-2-archival-methods.jpg\" alt=\"Large pre-assembled Create-a-Kit with photos and other collectibles inside.\" class=\"wp-image-23818 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/60-2700-L-2-archival-methods.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/60-2700-L-2-archival-methods-600x452.jpg 600w, https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/60-2700-L-2-archival-methods-768x578.jpg 768w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1000px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1000\/753;\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Large Gray Storage Kit is the pre-assembled version of the Create-a-Kit. The 4 x 6 and 5 x 7 caddies hold different sizes of photos. The 11 x 14 envelope can hold larger photos or documents.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Create-a-Kits<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/A typical family archive prior to being sorted. The cigar boxes and old Kodak paper box are not archival and over time the acids and lignins will damage your photos. Note the wide variety of photographic processes spanning 150 years \u2013 from a daguerreotype to an analog color C-print!\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Create-a-Kits<\/a> are photo storage kits designed to hold various photos and collectibles inside caddies within an archival metal edge box. There are pre-assembled options in small and large or you can select your components to create your own combination. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"517\" data-src=\"https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Tan-Drop-Front-Box-photos-BLOG-1.jpg\" alt=\"8 x 10 photos inside a tan metal edge drop front box.\" class=\"wp-image-23819 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Tan-Drop-Front-Box-photos-BLOG-1.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Tan-Drop-Front-Box-photos-BLOG-1-600x310.jpg 600w, https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Tan-Drop-Front-Box-photos-BLOG-1-768x397.jpg 768w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1000px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1000\/517;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Stack of 8 x 10&#8243; photos fit nicely into the 1-1\/2&#8243; Drop Front Box. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Drop Front Boxes for Larger Photographs and Albums<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have some larger photos in your collection I recommend an archival <a href=\"https:\/\/www.archivalmethods.com\/category\/boxes\/\">Metal Edge Drop Front Box<\/a>. We offer them in 1-1\/2&#8243; and 3&#8243; depths. Drop front means one edge on the base of the box is left unattached so it can fold down when you need to remove the contents. This helps avoid damaging your photos during removal. The lid keeps the loose side closed during storage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can place the individual photos in polypropylene <a href=\"https:\/\/www.archivalmethods.com\/product\/3-sided-sleeves\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">3-Side Sleeves<\/a> or polyester <a href=\"https:\/\/www.archivalmethods.com\/product\/side-loading-print-sleeves\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Side Loading Print Sleeves<\/a> which protect them during handling and from each other. Or, you can use an archival <a href=\"https:\/\/www.archivalmethods.com\/category\/paper-tissue\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Paper or Tissue<\/a> to interleave the photos. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"organizing-your-photos\">Organizing Your Photos<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.archivalmethods.com\/product\/crystal-clear-bags\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"753\" data-src=\"https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/86-0507-clear-bag-card-stock-woman-archival-methods-1.jpg\" alt=\"Vintage sepia photograph in a Crystal Clear Bag with a piece of Card Stock backing for support and labeling.\" class=\"wp-image-23824 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/86-0507-clear-bag-card-stock-woman-archival-methods-1.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/86-0507-clear-bag-card-stock-woman-archival-methods-1-600x452.jpg 600w, https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/86-0507-clear-bag-card-stock-woman-archival-methods-1-768x578.jpg 768w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1000px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1000\/753;\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Vintage sepia photograph in a Crystal Clear Bag with a piece of Card Stock backing for support and labeling.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Organizing your photos can be challenging, which is why there&#8217;s a whole new industry of <a href=\"https:\/\/thephotomanagers.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Photo Organizers<\/a> who will do it for you. But the DIY approach is totally doable! The challenge depends on the scope of your collection and how much information you have about the photos. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Organizing means finding a system for sorting and filing your photos that makes sense to you. Chronological is a common method and genealogists might sort using family trees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Organizing also means identifying people, dates, events, and locations whenever possible. If you have older family members to help you identify your photos, schedule a time to do that. You can even make a recording with your phone of your session to refer to down the road if you aren&#8217;t going to tackle your project right now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.archivalmethods.com\/product\/caption-pocket-4x6-photo-page\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"753\" data-src=\"https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/15-5010-Narrow-Binder-Pages-03-Archival-Methods.jpg\" alt=\"Caption Pocket 4 x 6 Photo Page with photos and caption in a Narrow Collector Grade Binder\" class=\"wp-image-23825 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/15-5010-Narrow-Binder-Pages-03-Archival-Methods.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/15-5010-Narrow-Binder-Pages-03-Archival-Methods-600x452.jpg 600w, https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/15-5010-Narrow-Binder-Pages-03-Archival-Methods-768x578.jpg 768w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1000px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1000\/753;\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Caption Pocket 4 x 6 Photo Page in a Narrow Collector Grade Binder<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Archival <a href=\"https:\/\/www.archivalmethods.com\/product\/index-dividers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Index Card Dividers<\/a> are a good tool when it comes to organizing and labeling photo collections. We sell several sizes and designs to fit different boxes and caddies. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.archivalmethods.com\/product\/caption-pocket-4x6-photo-page\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Caption Pocket 4 x 6 Photo Pages<\/a> include a center area for captioning your photos. Check out <a href=\"https:\/\/www.archivalmethods.com\/blog\/tips-for-labeling-photos-and-snapshots\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tips for Labeling Photos and Snapshots<\/a> for more on this topic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"storing-photo-albums\">Storing Photo Albums<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.archivalmethods.com\/product\/archival-tissue\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"951\" height=\"420\" data-src=\"https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Tissue-as-interleaving-in-Photo-Album-blog.jpg\" alt=\"Early 20th century photo album with Archival Tissue inserted as interleaving between pages.\" class=\"wp-image-23834 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Tissue-as-interleaving-in-Photo-Album-blog.jpg 951w, https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Tissue-as-interleaving-in-Photo-Album-blog-600x265.jpg 600w, https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Tissue-as-interleaving-in-Photo-Album-blog-768x339.jpg 768w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 951px) 100vw, 951px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 951px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 951\/420;\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Early 20th century photo album with Archival Tissue inserted as interleaving between pages.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Here&#8217;s a great <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.cornell.edu\/culconservation\/2019\/04\/26\/preservation-week-photo-albums-and-scrapbooks\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">overview of the various photo album types<\/a> by Cornell University Library Conservation. When it comes to how to handle photo albums the common question is whether or not to leave the album intact or remove the photos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For vintage (pre-1950s) photo albums such as the one above we usually recommend keeping the album intact and improving its storage conditions. Read <a href=\"https:\/\/www.archivalmethods.com\/blog\/archival-storage-for-scrapbooks-and-vintage-photo-albums\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Archival Storage for Scrapbooks and Vintage Photo Albums<\/a> for more info. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1130\" data-src=\"https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Magnetic-album-front-page-1-1500x1130.jpg\" alt=\"Magnetic photo album from the 1980s with color photos of a house inserted.\" class=\"wp-image-23835 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Magnetic-album-front-page-1-1500x1130.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Magnetic-album-front-page-1-600x452.jpg 600w, https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Magnetic-album-front-page-1-768x578.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Magnetic-album-front-page-1-1536x1157.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Magnetic-album-front-page-1-2048x1542.jpg 2048w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1500px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1500\/1130;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Magnetic photo album from the 1980s &#8211; photos stored in these should be removed to prevent further deterioration of your prints.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>For magnetic albums that were popular in the second half of the 20th century, we recommend removing the photos and storing them in a safer environment. The paper, adhesives, and plastics used to make these albums are usually not archival and will hasten deterioration. In the above example the yellowing along the edges is visible proof of the glues breaking down. See <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/magnetic-photo-albums-are-bad-for-your-photographs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ditch Your Magnetic Photo Albums<\/a> for more info.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These are just a few tips to get you started organizing your photos. We hope this helps inspire you to save your photos! <a href=\"https:\/\/www.archivalmethods.com\/help-center\/contact-us\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Contact us<\/a> if you have questions. We&#8217;re happy to help!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How to organize and store old photos and preserve them for future generations. 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