I love finding hidden surprises in Photo Collections, But NOt THIS!
Today, while working on a client’s photo digitization order, I opened a box and was not pleasantly surprised. Inside was a photo album that had clearly been chewed by rodents.
The cover and many pages had been chewed right through. Many photos were damaged. Some images completely destroyed. Years of memories had literally been eaten away and little tiny reminders were left behind for me to find. Eew!
We often talk to our clients about the dangers of storing photos in attics and basements. Most people think first about moisture, humidity, and temperature changes, and those are real threats. Heat can warp photos. Dampness can cause mold. Fluctuating temperatures can make prints crack and fade.
But this box was a reminder of another risk that’s easy to forget: pests.
Mice and rats love paper. Photo albums, envelopes, and cardboard boxes are perfect nesting material. Once they find a way in, they don’t see “memories.” They see “building supplies.”
Why Proper Storage Matters
This client had done what many people do: stored their photos away “safely” in a basement box, assuming they were protected.
Unfortunately, cardboard boxes aren’t enough.
They don’t stop moisture.
They don’t seal out pests.
And over time, they often break down.
That’s why, in our own workflow, we always store and transport photos in sealed, waterproof storage bins. These containers help protect against:
Moisture and humidity
Leaks and minor flooding
Dust and debris
Rodents and insects
Accidental spills
It’s a simple step that makes a huge difference.
What You Can Do to Protect Your Photos
If you have irreplaceable family photos, I strongly recommend:
Store them in waterproof, tightly sealed bins
Avoid cardboard boxes
Keep them off basement floors and out of attics
Store them in a climate-stable part of your home when possible
Use archival sleeves or envelopes inside containers
Think of it as insurance for your memories.
A Reminder of Why We Do This Work
Seeing that chewed album was heartbreaking. Some photos were gone forever. Moments. Faces. Stories.
That’s why we’re so passionate about digitization and preservation. Once photos are safely scanned and backed up, they’re protected from floods, fires, pests, and time itself. Physical photos are precious, but they’re fragile. If this story helps even one person rethink how they store their memories, then it’s worth sharing.
And if organizing, storing, or digitizing your photos feels overwhelming, you don’t have to do it alone. We’re always happy to help take that task off your hands and make sure your memories are protected for the long term.
