Month: June 2025

Photographs aren’t just images on paper – they’re treasured memories frozen in time. From childhood holidays and weddings to those everyday moments that make life meaningful, photos help us hold on to the stories that shape us. That’s why learning how to store photos carefully is so important.

Whether you’re safeguarding old family albums, cherished prints, or professional photographs, proper storage can prevent damage from light, damp, and time. In this guide, we’ll explore how to store your photographs safely and how self storage can help protect these irreplaceable memories.

Why Proper Photo Storage Matters

Photographs are surprisingly fragile. Without the right conditions, they can fade, stick together, discolour or warp. Here are the main threats to watch out for:

  • Sunlight: Prolonged exposure to direct light, especially UV rays, causes fading and discolouration.
  • Humidity: Moist conditions can lead to mould growth, curling, or photos sticking together.
  • Temperature Fluctuations: Extreme changes can warp paper or cause prints to become brittle.
  • Handling: Frequent handling, creasing or touching the surface with bare hands can leave lasting damage.

Taking the right precautions now means your memories will last for generations.

How to Store Photos: Tips for Long-Term Preservation

Here’s how to store photos properly to ensure they remain in pristine condition:

1. Use Acid-Free Materials

Always choose acid-free photo albums, sleeves and boxes. Standard cardboard and paper contain acids that can deteriorate photographs over time.

2. Store in Cool, Dark, and Dry Conditions

Avoid attics, garages or basements, which are prone to damp and temperature swings. Instead, choose a stable environment — ideally between 15–21°C and with low humidity.

3. Avoid Plastic Bags

Never store photos in plastic bags or cling film, as they can trap moisture and cause sticking or mould. Use polyester, polypropylene or polyethylene sleeves instead.

4. Handle with Care

Wear clean cotton gloves when handling valuable prints, and avoid touching the image surface directly. Fingerprints contain oils that can cause damage.

5. Keep Photos Flat and Organised

Store photographs flat to avoid bending and creasing. Use labelled boxes or albums to organise by date, event or person — making it easier to enjoy and protect them.

Why Self Storage Is Ideal for Preserving Photographs

If you’re running out of space at home or want to create a dedicated memory archive, self storage is a brilliant solution. A high-quality self storage unit provides:

  • Dry, damp-free conditions ideal for long-term preservation
  • Secure access so your memories are always safe
  • Extra space to store photos, albums and other sentimental items without cluttering your home

At Cookes Storage, we believe your memories deserve more than just a box in the cupboard. That’s why our facilities offer clean, monitored, and purpose-built environments that go beyond storage — we’re here to help you protect the moments that matter most.

Whether it’s your grandparents’ wedding album or a shoebox full of 90s snaps, your photographs deserve to be treated with care. Because memories aren’t just made — they’re stored.

Looking to store your precious memories?
Get in touch today and discover safe, secure self storage designed to protect what really matters.

Your baby’s first outfit. Their hospital wristband. That tiny pair of booties knitted by Grandma. These sentimental treasures often carry more emotional value than anything else we own. But what happens when you no longer have space to keep them at home?

Whether you’re holding onto baby clothes and keepsakes for future children, or simply can’t bear to part with those special items, long-term storage is a smart solution. In this blog, we’ll show you exactly how to store baby clothes and keepsakes to ensure they stay safe, clean, and preserved for years to come.

1. Wash and Dry Everything First

Before you pack anything away, it’s essential to clean all garments and items thoroughly. Dirt, body oils, and milk stains can cause yellowing or attract pests over time.

  • Use a gentle, baby-safe detergent.
  • Avoid fabric softener, as it can leave residue.
  • Make sure all items are completely dry before storing to prevent mould or mildew.

For keepsakes like soft toys or blankets, follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions carefully before storage.

2. Choose the Right Storage Materials

The materials you use can make a big difference in long-term preservation. To protect fabrics and delicate items:

  • Use acid-free tissue paper to wrap each item—this prevents yellowing and fabric breakdown.
  • Store in plastic containers with airtight lids, ideally made of polypropylene (look for the #5 recycling symbol).
  • Avoid cardboard boxes, which can attract moisture and pests over time.

Label each container clearly, and consider using smaller boxes to make it easier to organise by age or category.

3. Keep Items in a Cool, Dry Place

Temperature and humidity can cause damage to textiles and paper-based keepsakes. That’s why it’s important to store everything in a location that’s dry and free from extreme heat or cold.

A self storage unit is ideal for baby clothes and keepsakes. It offers consistent conditions and peace of mind that your precious items are protected no matter the season.

4. Be Selective With What You Store

As tempting as it is to keep every tiny outfit, be realistic about what you’ll want to pass on or look at in the future. Choose only the most meaningful or high-quality pieces, such as:

  • First outfits
  • Special occasion clothing (christening gowns, birthday outfits)
  • Handmade items
  • Keepsakes like baby books, shoes, or blankets

Donate or repurpose anything that no longer holds sentimental value.

5. Protect Keepsakes and Paper Items

If you’re storing items like birth certificates, cards, or baby books, make sure they are:

  • Stored in acid-free envelopes or plastic sleeves
  • Placed flat to prevent bending or warping
  • Kept in a moisture-resistant box

Silica gel packets can also be added to containers to absorb any residual moisture.

6. Avoid Vacuum-Sealing for Long-Term Storage

While vacuum-sealed bags save space, they’re not ideal for long-term storage of delicate baby clothes. Compression can damage fibres and leave creases that are hard to remove. These bags also trap moisture, which could lead to mould if not used correctly.

7. Consider Self Storage for Extra Space

When your loft is full or your cupboards are overflowing, self storage offers a safe and convenient solution. A clean, dry unit allows you to store baby clothes and keepsakes without cluttering up your living space.

At Cookes Storage, our units are perfect for families looking to preserve their little one’s memories while freeing up room at home.

Understanding how to store baby clothes and keepsakes properly is key to keeping those cherished memories intact. With the right preparation and storage solution, your baby’s treasured items will be ready to hand down—or simply enjoy looking back on—for many years to come.

If you’re looking for a safe, secure place to store your sentimental items, contact Cookes Storage today. We’re here to help you protect what matters most.