Where to Store
Store items in the coolest, driest, and most environmentally stable place in your home. Avoid attics, garages, and barns where
temperature fluctuates.
Keep items away from light sources, including sunlight.
Monitor pest problems regularly.
Box and/or cover items to prevent dust accumulation.
How to Store
Keep storage area well ventilated.
Store items on shelves, not on the floor.
Use ‘acid-free’ and ‘archival-safe’ boxes and enclosures.
Keep most books upright. Heavy books and photo albums should lie flat.
Wrap objects in ‘acid-free’ tissue.
Use ‘archival-safe’ photo sleeves for your photographs and film.
Pad clothing with ‘acid-free’ tissue to prevent wrinkles.
Electronic/digital/audio visual items should be stored in their respective cases.
Internet Resources
American Institute for Conservation
(AIC) “Find a Conservator”:
https://www.culturalheritage.org/about-conservation/find-a-conservator
AIC “Caring for Belongings”:
https://www.culturalheritage.org/aboutconservation/caring-for-your-treasures
American Library Association “Saving
Your Stuff”:
www.ala.org/alcts/preservationweek/howto
Library of Congress “Personal Archiving:
Preserving your digital memories”:
www.digitalpreservation.gov/personalarchiving
NEDCC Preservation Leaflets:
https://www.nedcc.org/freeresources/preservation-leaflets/overview
Questions to Ask with Initial Planning
How many items do I own legally?
Who should I return items to?
Donate? Gift?
Do I have access to the information associated with these items?
Are any of these items damaged? Are they worth the cost of professional repair?
Who can assist in taking care of these valuable family heirlooms?
Organization and Planning
Use one organizational method—create a physical list of items with an explanation of the organizational method.
Label everything: Who, What, When, Where.
Write in pencil.
Use non-sticky label tags and string to label objects and textiles.
How to Handle
Regularly wash your hands.
Use lotion after you handle items, not before.
Wear gloves when touching photographs, film, metal, and textiles—no need to wear gloves
with books and documents.
Be aware of a book’s resistance to being opened—only open up to the point of resistance.
Do not use tape, staples, paper clips, and/or adhesives—including Post-it Notes. Use folders to keep documents together.
Use boxes or rigid cardboard to carry fragile items.
When and How to Display
Display only on special occasions and for short periods of time.
Find a professional framer and make sure your item does not touch the glazing or any
adhesives.
Angle light sources away from your item and avoid direct sunlight.
Make Digital Copies
Make digital copies and store the copies in different locations.
Avoid camera flashes. Some scanning devices can be harmful; avoid machines that use sticky surfaces or run parts across the surface of your items.
Avoid copying audio/visual items on your own—contact a qualified vendor.