Most of us have hundreds of photo prints in boxes, frames or albums. Try these strategies to get them in order and store and display them safely.
Loose prints
- Sort through them one box at a time and decide what you will keep. Toss most blurry or damaged prints. You have my permission to throw away any photo you do not like!
- Give duplicates to friends and family.
Older prints
- Do you have any old family photos in albums with those awful sticky pages with the plastic overlay sheet? The adhesive, paper and plastic are damaging your photos so it is best to remove them carefully if you can.
- For photos that are stuck to the pages, take them to your favorite photo shop that has scanning and restoration services. They likely can scan the whole album page, make a digital copy of your photos and reprint them for you.
- Some older photos need retouching or restoring. Your favorite local photo shop can repair faded colors and damaged areas and reprint the photo for you.
Organize
- Collect them into groups such as by the year, by the individuals or families, or by event such as vacations, sports games or hobbies.
- Use a photo-safe pen (available at craft stores) to write names, dates and notes on the back.
- Collect the prints with unidentified people and spread them out at your next extended family gathering. It’s a fun way to figure out who’s who.
Safely store and display photographs
- Display copies rather than original prints.
- Buy archive quality acid-free and lignen-free framing, boxes and envelopes.
- Do not display photos in direct sunlight.
- Avoid hanging photo prints on external walls of your home that get cold and hot.
- Store them inside a climate-controlled room like a spare bedroom. Avoid hot attics and damp basements.
Next blog: Digital Photograph Organizing
Rachel M. Gambone is the owner of ReOrganize with Rachel, LLC. In addition to general home organizing, she specializes in helping you organize your office, papers and digital information. Her signature approach is positive organizing where she builds on your strengths, helps you find your treasures, and teaches you life-long organizing skills. See more organizing tips and a link to her free podcast at reorganizewithrachel.com.
