Whether you’re a collector of rare books, a photographer with a trove of prints, or someone with a stack of beloved magazines, proper storage is essential to preserve the quality and longevity of your printed products. At My Storage, we understand the nuances of storing these delicate items and offer tailored solutions to ensure they’re kept in prime condition. Here’s a guide on how to effectively store your pictures, books, and magazines!
The first step in preserving printed materials is to control the environment in which they’re stored. Fluctuations in temperature and humidity can be particularly damaging.
Ideally, printed products should be stored in a climate-controlled environment where the temperature is steady around 65-70°F (18-21°C), and humidity is maintained at approximately 50%. Our climate-controlled units at My Storage provide an ideal setting that prevents the common enemies of paper—mold, mildew, and brittleness.
Exposure to direct sunlight or even strong artificial light can cause fading and deterioration of ink and paper. When storing printed items such as photographs, books, or magazines, keep them away from light by storing them in opaque boxes or drawers. Alternatively, if they are to be kept out for display, ensure they are kept in areas where sunlight does not directly hit them.
For books and magazines, sturdy shelving is essential. Ensure that your shelving is strong enough to bear the weight of books to prevent sagging, which can warp your collection. Books should be stored upright if they are of a medium to large size, while smaller books can be laid flat but should not be stacked too high to avoid pressure damage.
Always support your books with bookends to keep them from slumping. When handling these items, make sure your hands are clean to avoid transferring oils or dirt onto the paper.
When storing valuable or irreplaceable items like vintage photographs or first edition books, invest in archival-quality materials. Acid-free boxes, folders, and sleeves can provide extra protection and are especially important for delicate items like photographs or fragile paper. Ensure that anything in direct contact with the items, from boxes to shelving liners, is also acid-free.
Schedule periodic checks of your stored items to ensure there are no issues such as pest infestations or the onset of mold. At the same time, dust your storage area and the items if necessary, using a soft, dry cloth for books and magazines, or appropriate cleaning materials for more sensitive items like photographs.
If you choose to display some of your printed collections, such as in a rotating exhibit in your home or office, be sure to rotate these items regularly. This reduces prolonged exposure to environmental factors from any one side and distributes potential wear more evenly.
Plastic containers and bags can sometimes emit harmful chemicals over time that might accelerate the degradation of paper and inks. Instead, opt for breathable materials such as cloth or specially designed paper storage bags and boxes that prevent these issues. Additionally, if plastic must be used, ensure it’s archival quality and primarily intended for long-term storage of collectibles.
Keeping a detailed inventory of what you have stored can be incredibly beneficial, especially when storing vast numbers of books, magazines, or photos. An organized list that includes the location, condition, and specifics of each item helps in easily locating and rotating them without unnecessary handling and exposure. This practice not only saves time but also reduces the risk of damaging items during searches.
At My Storage, we offer a variety of storage solutions that cater to the unique needs of storing printed products. Our climate-controlled units ensure that delicate items are not exposed to harmful temperature swings or humidity levels.
With state-of-the-art security and a variety of unit sizes, you can trust My Storage to preserve your precious printed memories and collections. Visit us today to find out more about how we can help you store your pictures, books, magazines, and more, ensuring they stand the test of time!
To protect printed products like books, pictures, and magazines from moisture, store them in a dry environment ideally with humidity control. Use desiccants such as silica gel packets within storage boxes to absorb excess moisture. Ensure that storage containers are airtight if possible and keep them off the floor on shelving or pallets to avoid any potential water damage.
Archival-quality containers made from acid-free materials are best for storing old print media to prevent deterioration. These materials do not release harmful acids that can degrade paper over time. For added protection, specifically consider containers that block light to further preserve the integrity of your items.
Yes, direct sunlight can significantly damage printed materials by causing fading and accelerating the degradation process of the paper and ink, even if they are framed. UV-filtering glass or acrylic in frames can help minimize this exposure, but it is also advisable to keep valuable printed materials out of direct sunlight entirely.
While it is generally safe to stack books and magazines, it should be done cautiously to avoid damage. Do not stack them too high as the weight can damage the spines or covers of items at the bottom. Ideally, books should be stored upright on shelves or laid flat in small stacks. Use sturdy shelving that won’t sag under weight and avoid overcrowding.