What is Archive Storage?

Written by Cassandra Merkling (last updated July 18, 2019)

Archive storage is important if you want to preserve your videos, photos, documents, and other objects that are not needed often. Basically, you can store your archival items in several ways to make sure your items are safe for when you need them in the future. For example, if you want to store documents, you may wish to purchase a fire safe. These come in handy when you want to keep information close to you, but don't want it to be vulnerable to a fire disaster. Some people prefer to keep a list of their documents at home in a binder or file and do the actual storing in a bank safe deposit box, which can keep your documents and other objects safe in the event that a major disaster or thief with knowledge of your taste in usual hiding places strikes your home.

Something else that may need archival storage is any video you have. The kinds of media you choose to use to preserve your memories will all have some kind of deterioration rate. In fact, even if you use a DVD to store your information, you will find that it tends to be corrupted after 9 or 10 years. However, you can still do some things to keep your information fresh for the time being (since you'll need to keep it somewhere until you can get your information transferred to a more permanent medium). A popular choice is the archival box. These tend to be useful because they fit normal videotapes and are acid-free, which means they do not contain acid that can eat away at your materials. Another bonus to using this method is that, if there's room, you can also safely store photos in it, which require acid-free storage in order to keep them in prime condition.

And speaking of photos, you may find that you wish to store your photos in a more attractive way. This can be done by scrapbooking, a method in which you present your photos in an artistic way so that they are more pleasant to see. This can be done by hand or digitally. If done by hand, you will wish to use acid- and lignin-free, which will keep your photos from prematurely discoloring and disintegrating. Digital scrapbooking can be less expensive than the other kind of scrapbooking because you can find both free software and free images online with which to embellish your pictures. However, remember that this, too, is not an indestructible way of preserving memories, since the memory in your computer decays over time. In fact, the only way to make sure your archival items remain viable for many, many years is for them to be transferred every once in awhile to a new version of the old archival method, such as moving your digital files to a newer technological format (such as a new computer).

Author Bio

Cassandra Merkling

MORE FROM CASSANDRA

Training for a Marathon

Marathons are difficult and grueling. It is imperative that you start training well in advance of the race. Be prepared ...

Discover More

Removing Blood Stains from Bedding

How many times have you had to run into the kids room due to someone screaming in pain? Getting into the room, you find ...

Discover More

Crystal Cleaning

Is your crystal no longer crystal-clear? Worry no more! Here are some ideas about what you can do to get your crystal ...

Discover More

Cordless, Compact, and Powerful! DeWalt's 20-volt drill-driver kit packs a big punch in a small package, with a powerful high-performance motor tucked away inside a compact design. A great addition to the tool chest of any professional or DIYer! Check out DeWalt 20-Volt Drill/Driver Kit today!

More Organizing Tips

Banish Clutter to Unusual Places

The main component in being able to dispose of clutter through organization is imagination. Here are a few ideas on how ...

Discover More

Adding Storage to Any Room

We all have a room in our homes that could probably be best described as "cluttered." Many of us are filled with dread at ...

Discover More

Portable Moving Storage

A new trend has been emerging over recent years in the moving and storage industries. That trend is portable moving ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is five more than 3?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)