Should You Only Store Photos in a Climate-Controlled Storage Unit?
Photographs are more than just images. They let you create tangible memories you’ll remember for the rest of your life. For generations, families have taken snapshots of family portraits, vacations, or special events and stored them in a cabinet or photo album. After years of collecting memories, one may contemplate storage options. In this blog, we’ll discuss whether you should only store photos in a climate-controlled storage unit.
How Photographs Can Get Damaged
Printed photographs are susceptible to numerous environmental factors:
Constant Temperature Changes
Photos can become brittle or warp when stored in extreme temperatures.
Humidity
Photos stored in high humidity levels can lead to mold growth and cause photos to stick together or become saturated and fall apart.
Light Exposure
Photos that are exposed to direct sunlight can make images fade over time.
Debris
When dust and debris settle between images, it can settle on photos, leading to discoloration from scratching the images.
Given these vulnerabilities, you must take extra precautions when storing your photos.
Why You Need Climate-Controlled Storage
Climate-controlled storage units help keep temperature and humidity in check. They provide the best conditions for photographs. Here's why:
- Temperature Regulation: Climate-controlled storage facilities usually keep their facilities from 65°F to 75°F to help preserve items. Internal temperatures vary from facility to facility. Speak with a storage facility manager to get information for your specific unit.
- Humidity Control: Climate-controlled storage units help combat humidity. They prevent mold growth, photo sticking, and color bleeding through.
- Air Quality: These storage units often have better air filtration, reducing the risk of pollutants settling on your photos.
- Light Protection: Storage units are enclosed to prevent photos from being exposed to harmful light.
By providing a constant environment, climate-controlled units can extend the lifespan of your photographs.
Best Practices for Storing Photos
Even in a climate-controlled storage unit, there are several additional steps you can take to protect your photos:
- Use Materials That Will Last: Store photos in acid-free, lignin-free containers or albums to prevent chemical reactions.
- Avoid Plastic Bags: Regular plastic bags can trap moisture; instead, use materials that have passed the Photographic Activity Test.
- Store Vertically: Keeping photos upright prevents warping and sticking.
- Limit Handling: Frequent handling can introduce oils and dirt; always handle photos with clean hands or gloves.
- Digitize Your Collection: Creating digital backups ensures your memories are preserved even if physical copies degrade.
Why Choose StorPlace Self Storage in Murfreesboro, TN
At StorPlace Self Storage, located at 138 Veterans Pkwy, Murfreesboro, TN 37128, we know how valuable it is to preserve your memories. Our climate-controlled facility has everything you need for your memories to last as long as possible. Contact our storage facility manager today to experience the environment for preserving your precious photographs.
