Archival Storage - Finding the Right Fit for Your Treasures


Hello Reader,

As Family Photo Keepers, we know how important it is to preserve those family heirlooms and cherished memories. And when you are in the sorting/organizing phase, any box is fine to use - even old Amazon boxes! However, for long-term storage, purchasing archival quality products is best. When it comes to archival storage, the options can be overwhelming. But don’t worry, I’ve done the research so you don’t have to.

Although I have one button on my Amazon Prime Days page that leads to a mix of brands, let’s break down a few of the top brands on Amazon and what sets them apart from each other:

  • Archival Methods - These boxes are made right here in the USA using acid-free and lignin-free materials. Lignin is a wood protein that doesn’t age well. That’s what makes papers turn yellow and become brittle over time. They’re also ISO 9706 certified*, so you can trust your photos, documents and memorabilia will be well-protected.
  • Golden State Art - These California-made boxes are top-notch. They use 100% rag content materials** and are certified to meet the ISO 16245 standard***.
  • Gaylord - A big name in archival supplies. Their boxes meet the Library of Congress standards and are available in a wide range of sizes. They have manufacturing facilities in the US and Canada.
  • Lineco - Another American manufacturer with a strong reputation. Their products are pH neutral and they have some great specialty boxes for odd-sized items.
  • Kolo - A family-owned business based in Oregon. Their boxes have a beautiful, modern aesthetic and they use sustainable forestry practices.
  • Pioneer - A classic brand that’s been around for ages. Their boxes are affordably priced, but the quality isn’t always as consistent as some of the other options. They’re made in both the US and overseas.

Personally, I lean towards either the Archival Methods or Golden State Art boxes. The quality, certifications, and US-based manufacturing give me peace of mind when it comes to preserving my family’s precious memories.

Let me know if you have any questions! I’m happy to provide more details to help you find the perfect fit.

Warmly,

Fancy

*ISO 9706 specifies the requirements for permanent paper intended for documents given in terms of minimum strength measured by a tear test, minimum content of substance (such as calcium carbonate) that neutralize acid action measured by the alkali reserve, maximum content of easily oxidized material measured by the kappa number, maximum and minimum pH values of a cold water extract of the paper. Is applicable to unprinted papers. Is not applicable to boards.

**Rag content refers to paper made from cotton cuttings. Since cotton is naturally pH neutral, 100-percent rag content paper is acid-free and of archival quality without any additional chemical treatment.

***ISO 16245 specifies requirements for boxes and file covers made of cellulosic material to be used for long-term storage.


I help overwhelmed family photo keepers become memory preservation masters so they can enjoy their memories now and leave meaningful collections for future generations.

Did Someone Forward You This Email?

Sign up for your own copy - plus all the freebies - here:

I'm a Family Photo Keeper. Are you?

I help overwhelmed family photo keepers become memory preservation masters so they can enjoy their photos again and leave meaningful collections for future generations.

Read more from I'm a Family Photo Keeper. Are you?

Hi Reader, I'm in your inbox early this week because I have something special to share with you. I am committed to helping you create the curated photo memory collection of your dreams - no matter what stage of the project you’re in right now. How would your life be different if your photo memory collection was organized and finished just the way you want, with only periodic maintenance tasks on your schedule? Would you… Be able to enjoy your photos anytime you wanted to? Be able to find any...

Hi Reader, One of my favorite quotes of all time is “Life is what happens when you’re busy planning something else.” I believe this came from an Ashleigh Brilliant book I had in the 70s. I had planned to announce something special this week - a free community event - but due to a multitude of cat and health problems, it’s not ready. It WILL be ready in a couple weeks (or I’ll die trying). But it’s not ready today. Instead, I decided to have a flash sale on The Family Photo Keeper’s Planning...

Hi Reader, It’s Time to Sign Up for Save Your Photos Month (and it’s FREE!) Save Your Photos Month is an annual event put on by my professional organization, The Photo Managers. This is the 11th year they’ve hosted this event (and they’ve done it virtually ever since 2020)! Each year there are different speakers and live events, and this year, there’s even a prize giveaway! Sign Up Now! From the sign-up page: Join us in celebrating the art of saving and sharing your cherished photographs this...