The Simple Dos and Don’ts for Preserving Old Family Photos

Do you have stacks of boxes of old pictures that you need to take care of? It’s not as simple as stuffing them in a corner and calling it a day! Check out our guide on the simple dos and don’ts for preserving old family photos so that you can pass down your family’s legacy to the next generation.

The Dos

As you plan what to do with your old family photo collection, keep these simple but essential tips in mind for storage and preservation.

Declutter and Organize

It will always be easier to organize a smaller collection, so if your stacks of photos are getting unruly, take time to go through and declutter and organize the collection. You can’t keep every picture forever, so if you’ve got damaged, faded, or unwanted photos, now is the time to get rid of them to organize the rest better.

Pro Tip

Use gloves while handling old photos to avoid leaving fingerprints.

Make Digital Copies

The best way to ensure that your old family photos are preserved for a long time is to use a photo digitization service to make digital copies. Unlike physical photographs, digital files will never fade or age or become ripped or crumpled—they’ll be picture-perfect for as long as you want them.

Store in a Controlled Environment

If you want your photos to last, you must keep them in a controlled environment with stable temperatures and humidity levels. Ideally, you should store pictures in a place that stays at a comfortable 70 degrees and never gets too dry or humid, which can lead to brittleness or mold.

The Don’ts

Now that you know the simple dos of preserving old family photos, it’s time to go over the don’ts that far too many people make the mistake of doing.

Expose Them to Sunlight

Photos exposed to sunlight get damaged by ultraviolet rays. Sun damage causes the photos to fade and become brittle. Don’t leave your collection outside, and be mindful of hanging your photos near windows—ensure they’re not in the path of direct sunlight.

Store in the Basement or Attic

Many people decide to throw their boxes of old photos in the basement or attic and call it a day. But these areas fluctuate wildly in temperatures and can be too damp or too dry, leading to mold, brittleness, and even exposing them to pest infestation.

Pro Tip

If you don’t have room in your home for boxes of photos, consider renting out a temperature-controlled storage unit.

Use Adhesives

One of the most common mistakes people make with old pictures is using tape or glue to stick them to photo albums or scrapbooks. These adhesives contain chemicals and acids that could ruin photos in the long run, so always use plastic sleeves for album storage instead.