The Best Way to Store and Protect Your Favorite Family Photos, Videos, and More

Are you trying to figure out the best way to store and protect your favorite family photos and videos?

Here are 3 main options for storing your memories:

1. Hard copy storage
2. Digital storage
3. FOREVER® storage—which is permanent storage. Guaranteed.

Read on to see how you can use each of the three and to see what I mean by permanent storage that’s guaranteed.

First, declutter and digitize

Before we talk about storing your memories, let’s address the need to declutter and digitize.

Many families need to declutter the printed photos, VHS videos, and other files stored in boxes in closets, garages, and storage units. Then your phone and other electronic devices are likely filled with photos and videos and you’re not sure what to do with them.

I’ve written a lot about decluttering and digitizing in 3 easy steps so I’ll have links to those posts at the end of this post.

I suggest you start the process of decluttering, digitizing, and storing your files with some of your collection. You don’t have to do it all at one time.

As you’re decluttering and digitizing, let’s look at your storage options.

Option 1: Hard copy storage

Printed photos can last decades and more than a century if they’re stored properly.

Challenges: keeping them safe from natural disasters, from getting lost, and preventing them from getting damaged if kept at home.

Sharing them with family and friends who are scattered isn’t possible unless they’re digitized.

Tips for storing hard copy files:

1. Keep them away from sunlight as much as possible.
2. Store old photographs at constant temperatures below 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Avoid storing old photographs in attics, basements, or garages where temperature and humidity tend to fluctuate. This can lead to mold, chemical decay, or brittleness
4. Keep them away from areas where they can be damaged by rodents or household issues like broken pipes.

I found these tips on Cold Spring Harbor Laboratories Library Guide. The link is at the end of this post.

Option 2: Digital storage

Files that you store digitally are easily shared via email and online through social media and personal blogs for those who keep one.

Traditional digital storage isn’t foolproof. Electronic devices like flash drives and external hard drives can get corrupted, damaged, or lost. They’re not made to last decade after decade.

Taking inventory of your photos is another challenge for both hard copy storage and digital storage. You can set up albums on platforms like Facebook, but easily tracking what photos and videos you have of vacations, children or grandchildren, and other key memories is difficult.

Option 3: FOREVER® storage: permanent storage you own

This is a cloud storage solution that I call permanent storage.

In March 2025, I’ll observe my 30-year anniversary as a photo coach helping families tell their stories and safeguard their memories for now and into the distant future. I started in 1995 and helped family use photos to tell their stories.

My business adapted as technology changed and photos and videos were taken digitally. Almost 10 years ago, I came across the company FOREVER® and started using their services personally and with my clients.

This is the only way I’ve found to store files permanently.

Here’s why I say “permanent storage.”

FOREVER® guarantees that your photos, videos, and other files are safely stored for a lifetime plus 100 years and with the goal of having them safe and accessible beyond that time frame. The FOREVER® Guarantee Fund ensures that files are backed up and migrated to newer technologies as the current file that’s stored becomes obsolete.

This is done at no extra cost to you or future generations.

You own your digital rights so that your content can’t be used for data mining or other marketing and advertising purposes. The Terms of Service are favorable for you and you won’t get locked out of your account.

You’re in control.

Easily find your photos, videos, and other memories

FOREVER® has a suite of professional services that make it easy to enjoy your photos, videos, and other memories now while leaving a legacy for family descendants a century from now. You’ll see why you have more control with FOREVER® over the future of your memories than with any other company.

You’ll have access to a main storage area called a Gallery.

From there, you can create albums and tag your photos, videos, and other files so you can find them easily and share them with friends and family who have an internet connection. You can also keep them completely private.

You’re in control of the settings.

Here are 4 ways to use FOREVER®:

1. Digitize older files like printed photos, audio cassettes, VHS tapes, handwritten letters and many other formats.
2. Store them for a lifetime, plus 100 years and beyond.
3. Print photo books and gifts like wall art and ornaments using your digitized files.
4. Research your family history on your own or use professional genealogists with FOREVER® and store your findings in your FOREVER® Gallery.

FOREVER® is the best way to leave a legacy and pass your family story on to future generations.

How can I help you store your memories?

Contact me and let me know how I can help you store your memories safely.

I’m available to listen to your questions and answer them as needed.

Find me on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

My passion is helping families like you safeguard and enjoy their memories.

Learn more about digitizing your memories here:

Safeguard Your Memories / digitizing

Do you enjoy preserving family stories?

Turn your passion into an income. Click here for more:

Start a home business offering permanent digital storage for photos and videos (and more)

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory: Tips for Storing Hard Copy Photos