How to Preserve Old Photos (Keep Memories Safe)

TL;DR

Digitize fragile prints first to create a backup you can’t lose.

Handle photos by the edges with clean, dry hands or cotton gloves.

Store in acid-free, lignin-free boxes in a cool, dry, dark place.

Label and share copies so family context travels with the image.

Related: scan originals quickly with our beginner digitizing guide.

Preserving old photos means safeguarding both the physical print and the stories attached to it. Heat, humidity, light, and everyday handling slowly erase detail—unless you intervene with a simple, repeatable plan. This guide outlines practical steps families can follow without special equipment: create reliable digital copies, store prints in archival materials, and document who and what appears in each image. We also show how PhotoScanRestore keeps everything organized, from scanning to sharing, so every generation can enjoy the same memories in pristine condition.

1) Digitize before you do anything else

Scanning or photographing your collection creates an insurance policy against loss. Prioritize rare or deteriorating prints, then move through albums methodically. Follow the scanning workflow to capture 600+ DPI images, and upload them to at least two safe locations (cloud storage plus an external drive). Share highlights with relatives using PhotoScanRestore timelines so multiple households hold copies.

2) Handle prints and albums with care

Wash and dry your hands or use cotton gloves before touching photos. Support each print from beneath to avoid creasing and only touch edges. When flipping album pages, slide a sheet of clean cardstock underneath to lift fragile corners. If adhesive or magnetic album pages are deteriorating, digitize them in place rather than trying to peel photos free—the risk of tearing is high.

3) Create a stable storage environment

Photos thrive in cool, dry, dark conditions. Aim for temperatures below 75°F (24°C) and relative humidity between 30% and 50%, as recommended by the U.S. National Archives. Avoid attics, basements, and garages where conditions swing wildly. Instead, store boxes on interior shelves away from vents or plumbing. Add silica gel packets if your climate is humid, and inspect them twice a year.

4) Use archival materials—no PVC, no newsprint

Choose acid-free, lignin-free boxes, folders, and sleeves so the storage container doesn’t break down and stain your photos. Clear enclosures should be made from polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyester (Mylar). Skip PVC binders, self-adhesive “magnetic” albums, and ordinary manila envelopes; all of them release chemicals that accelerate fading. When mounting photos for display, use museum-grade corners or hinges and pair them with acid-free mats.

5) Label thoughtfully and capture context

Context is part of preservation. Write gentle notes in pencil on the back margin (“1954, Maria & José, Brooklyn”) or attach an archival tag that references a fuller story in your digital archive. Inside PhotoScanRestore, add captions, locations, and audio notes so relatives instantly know who they’re looking at. Cross-reference print boxes with digital folders—for example, note “Album 3 ↔ Folder 1950s-Holiday” on your inventory sheet.

6) Put display and access on a rotation

Original prints should spend most of their time in storage. When you want to display a favorite photo, frame a high-quality reprint instead. If you must hang an original, use UV-filtering glass, keep it out of direct sunlight, and rotate it back to storage after a season. For family gatherings, create digital albums or slide decks so guests handle tablets instead of fragile originals.

Troubleshooting & maintenance

Mold or mildew: Quarantine affected items immediately. Let them dry in a ventilated area, then consult a conservator; wiping can smear emulsion.
Stuck photos: Do not pry them apart. Digitize in place and seek professional help for separation.
Curling prints: Humidity swings cause warping. Place photos between two sheets of acid-free board under light weight for a few days to flatten gently.
Disaster prep: Store a duplicate drive off-site or in a fireproof safe. Document insurance details alongside your photo inventory.

What's next

Preservation is ongoing. Set calendar reminders to audit boxes twice a year, confirm backups are healthy, and add new scans from family members. Use our restoration guide when you encounter fading, and explore colorization tips if you want to reimagine historic scenes for younger viewers. Ready for a single home for every memory? Join the PhotoScanRestore waitlist to manage scanning, preservation notes, and sharing from one secure dashboard.

FAQs

How do I label photos without damaging them?
Use a soft graphite pencil or archival photo pen on the back margin, writing lightly. Alternatively, place a slip of acid-free paper behind the photo with detailed notes.

What’s the best box for long-term storage?
Acid-free, lignin-free boxes with snug lids keep light and dust out. Pair them with polypropylene sleeves or four-flap enclosures for extra protection.

Can I store photos in plastic bins?
Only if the plastic is archival-grade and you add desiccant packs; otherwise, plastic bins can trap moisture and cause mold. Place archival boxes inside the bin for an extra layer instead.

How often should I check on stored photos?
Inspect collections every 6–12 months. Look for humidity issues, pests, or adhesive failures, and address problems before they spread.

Is digital storage enough on its own?
Digital backups are crucial but not infallible. Maintain multiple copies in different locations and schedule regular spot checks to ensure drives and accounts stay accessible.

Editor’s note: Continue building your archive with the Digitize Old Photos and Restore Old Photos hubs.