“When selecting photo storage boxes, considerations include archival qualities, extra storage features, and external appearance,” says Carl Mink, owner of Millburn Camera ASAP Photo in New Jersey. Be sure to consider your photos’ sizes, how you want to organize your photos, where you want them to live, and how accessible you want them to be. Dust and sunlight can negatively impact your photos, so choosing the right spot is pivotal. Here are the best photo storage boxes available online. Dimensions: 14.8 x 12 x 5.1 inches | Capacity: 1,600 photos | Material: Plastic | Maximum Photo Size: 4 x 6 inches Dimensions: 11.25 x 7.75 x 4.5 inches | Capacity: 1,100 photos | Material: Acid-free cardboard | Maximum Photo Size: 4 x 7 inches Dimensions: 8.60 x 7.40 x 5.50 inches | Capacity: 600 photos | Material: Plastic | Maximum Photo Size: 4 x 6 inches Dimensions: 7.5 x 7.5 x 5 inches | Capacity: 432 photos | Material: Boxboard | Maximum Photo Size: 6 x 6 inches Dimensions: 15.2 x 8 x 6.2 inches | Capacity: 100 photos | Material: Polypropylene | Maximum Photo Size: 4 x 6 inches Dimensions: 19 x 16 x 7 inches | Capacity: 1,600 photos | Material: Plastic | Maximum Photo Size: 5 x 7 inches Dimensions: 8 x 7.5 x 5.25 inches | Capacity: 400 photos | Material: Plastic | Maximum Photo Size: 4 x 6 inches Dimensions: 9.25 x 7.36 x 4.72 inches | Capacity: Not Listed | Material: Wood | Maximum Photo Size: Not Listed
Material
Different materials will affect the longevity of your photos. Many options on this list are made from plastic that is acid-free and designed to keep photos looking like new for longer. Cardboard photo boxes tend to have extra features like linings or additional buffers to protect against dust and debris. Wood may be a more stylish option but will not have the added benefit of being acid-free.
Design
The purpose of a photo storage box is often to find a place to store photographs in a safe and organized manner that still remains attractive in appearance. For those who will regularly be looking at their store photos, clear boxes and photo sleeves will make it easy to search for photos. Also, additional features like labels or color-coded boxes can add to the level or organization. For those placing their storage boxes in attics or storage rooms, the appearance will not be as important. Those who still wish to have their photos on hand may choose a more aesthetically pleasing option or one that can easily be decorated or painted. Consider where your photo boxes will live and how they look if that’s important when making your decision.
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This article was written by Anne Fritz, a freelance home writer with over 20 years of experience. Previously, she was an editor, and her work has appeared in several top publications. Additional research was done by Julia Fields, a lifestyle writer for The Spruce brands covering all things surrounding toys, gifts, and the holidays since October 2021. Before that, she covered similar topics, including toy reviews, product round-ups, expert-focused articles, and more. Mink makes sure to note that some very old photos may already show signs of aging that a storage box will not be able to fix. “Many studio prints from the 1920s to the 1950s did not have the fixer properly washed from them when they were printed,” he says. “If your photos from this era have a dull silver sheen when you tilt them at an angle, that is the original silver coming through the paper onto the front of the image. This damage cannot be arrested—these photos should be professionally duplicated and restoration copies should be made.” Mink shares another reason why photographs may change over time. “The primary cause of long-term photo damage is sunlight, and, to a lesser degree, indoor light. A box keeps out light that an album or frame (with non-UV glass) will not protect against,” he says. Therefore, a box of any kind is vital when storing. Expert advice was provided by Carl Mink, owner of Millburn Camera ASAP Photo in New Jersey.
