• FAQ's – Archival Storage Boxes

    Q: What’s the best way to store my old family photos so they don’t fade or get damaged? 1. Use Archival Quality Boxes
    • Store your photos in archival-safe boxes made from acid-free, lignin-free materials. For example, our Metal Edge Boxes are made from heavyweight boxboard and are both acid-free and buffered, which helps protect your photos long-term.
    • For larger photographs choose a 1-1/2'' or 3'' Drop Front Box so you can access your photos without bending or flexing them. See the selection below.
    Choose a Kit That Matches Your Collection Size
    • If you have a large amount of standard-size 4 x 6 prints, the 4 x 6 Archive 900 Kit and the 4 x 6 Simple Kit are very efficient — offering archival storage for 900 to 1050 prints. 4 x 6 Archive 900 Kit, 4 x 6 Simple Kit
    • The Create-a-Kit system lets you pick a box size and internal organizers for mixed collections. Create-a-Kit
    2. Control Your Storage Environment
    • Keep boxes in a cool, dark, dry place (60–70°F and 35–55% RH).
    • Avoid damp areas like basements or leak-prone attics; store boxes up high and away from water sources.
    • Protect photos from UV exposure and direct sunlight to prevent fading.
    3. Handle Photos Carefully
    • Use clean, dry hands or cotton or nitrile gloves to avoid oils or fingerprints.
    • Label boxes clearly using the embossed labeling areas on Archival Methods boxes.
    4. Layer for Protection
    • Place photos in archival envelopes or sleeves, or interleave them with acid-free tissue or paper for added protection.
    • Avoid overfilling the box to prevent bending or pressure damage.
    5. Organize & Document
    • Use dividers or index cards to separate groups by family, year, or event to reduce unnecessary handling.
    • Store negatives and fragile photos in their own archival sleeves before placing them in the box.
    6. Monitor & Maintain
    • Periodically inspect storage boxes for moisture, pests, or deterioration.
    • Use a hygrometer to ensure humidity stays within the safe range; add desiccants if needed.
    Q: Which archival box should I use for keeping documents safe long-term? 1. Choose the Right Box Type for Documents
    • Document Boxes are a good choice for long-term document storage. They are made from acid-free, lignin-free, buffered boxboard and provide archival storage for papers, letters, records, and manuscripts. The hinged lid prevents bending or creasing when removing folders or documents.
    2. Match Box Size to Your Document Format
    • For standard 8-1/2 x 11 documents, use the Archival Methods Letter-Size Document Box.
    • For legal size 8-1/2 x 14 documents choose a Legal-Size Document Box.
    • For large, flat materials like diplomas, photos, or historical documents, Drop Front Boxes prevent damage when removing items from storage.
    3. Use Archival Folders and Enclosures Inside the Box
    • Place documents inside acid-free archival folders to provide an additional protective layer and make organization easier.
    • Use buffered folders for paper-based documents, especially items containing acids (e.g., newspaper clippings, older papers).
    • If storing photographs with documents, use folders or sleeves to avoid chemical interactions.
    4. Environmental Protection Matters
    • Store boxes in cool, dark, dry conditions (60–70°F and 35–55% relative humidity).
    • Keep boxes away from direct sunlight, water sources, and inappropriate storage areas like basements and attics.
    • Consider adding archival-safe desiccants if humidity fluctuates or if the environment is not fully controlled.
    5. Label and Organize for Long-Term Access
    • Use the embossed labeling areas for consistent placement of adhesive labels or Label Holders
    • Group documents by year, subject, or category using archival dividers or folders to minimize handling over time.
    Q: I need a sturdy box for storing collectibles — what do you recommend? For 3-dimensional objects we recommend Archival Methods Object Storage Kits
    • The Object Storage Kits are designed specifically for safely storing collectibles, family heirlooms, and small objects within 9 or 16 compartments. Object Storage Kit
    • Our Compartment Storage Kit has 4 larger compartments and a top tray for flat items. Compartment Storage Kit
    • The boxes have metal-reinforced edges, making them durable and stackable — helpful if you plan to store multiple boxes long-term.
    How to Use Them for Collectibles
    • Put each collectible (or small group of similar items) into its own compartment — this prevents items from knocking against each other, scratching, chipping or rubbing. Use acid-free Archival Tissue (sold separately) to wrap and cushion the items inside the box.
    • Group items by type, size or fragility so you know where everything is, making retrieval easier and reducing unnecessary handling.
    • Store the boxes in a stable environment — cool, dry, dark — to minimize exposure to humidity, light, dust, or other damaging conditions.

METAL EDGE BOXES