Your Family Mementos Might Not Be Safe In Plastic Storage Bins

For many of us, a weekend project of organizing the attic or basement ends with a sign of relief as we snap the lids shut on a dozen plastic bins. We assume that because these bins are labeled as waterproof or airtight at the store, our precious family mementos, like wedding portraits or childhood birthday Polaroids, are totally safe. However, that sense of security might be misplaced. While plastic bins are great for garage storage when it comes to holiday decor or sporting goods, they can be an unsuspecting enemy to delicate paper and photos. The very seal meant to keep the outside world out of these containers can create an environment inside that speeds up the decay of your family history.

The biggest danger lies in extreme temperatures and humidity; those are an archivist's worst nightmare. When plastic bins are stored in areas with uncontrolled climates (such as garages or attics), they can have wildly fluctuating temperatures inside. These fluctations cause photographs to warp or crack. Additionally, plastic storage bins made from PVC aren't meant for photo storage and release damaging acidic vapors over time. If you've ever plucked a yellowing photo or document out of one of these bins, that's one potential reason why. Exposure to light, as with clear plastic bins, can also accelerate fading and yellowing.

Furthermore, any moisture that gets trapped inside the box at the time you sealed it stays there and can help create a breeding ground for mold and mildew. This moisture can also cause the photographic emulsion to soften, which causes photos to stick together in a solid, inseparable clump that damages the images forever. 

Finding safer storage for your delicate papers and photos doesn't require a degree in museum science, nor does it mean you'll be heading to some pricey specialty retailer. The key is to look for "archival quality" materials; this means they're designed not to damage your mementos over time. Unlike standard plastic boxes, archival quality boxes are made from acid-free and lignin-free materials, often paper-based. These materials allow for a tiny amount of breathability while still preventing temperature and humidity fluctuations, and they do a much better job shielding your photos from dust and light. Good photo storage boxes are available at everyday stores like The Container Store, Michaels, or even Amazon; look for familiar brands like Lineco or Gaylord Archival. You'll want a product that has passed the Photographic Activity Test or PAT, showing that it's safe to protect your photos. These brands offer just that. If you still want the rigidity of a plastic container, make sure you specifically buy acid-free, polyethylene or polypropylene cases, such as those made by Iris USA. 

Even with a good photo storage box by your side, there's still a wrong way to store photos. The container needs to be somewhere cool and dry with stable humidity and temperatures year-round. By making these simple swaps to pro-grade and acid-free storage, and choosing the right storage location, you can be sure your family's most cherished memories remain vibrant and intact for decades to come. Taking the time to re-house your collection today is the best gift you can give to the generations of tomorrow.