If you are like a lot of American families, someone, somewhere has the bin or box(es) of treasured VHS videos, cassette tapes holding those favorite mixes, and the negatives of pictures already developed. And now, we can even add CD’s and DVDs to the collection since almost everything is digital these days.

Maybe some of those VHS’s or Cassettes have a loved one who has left this world, or the sounds of baby’s voices recorded on tape. The joy of being able to go back and watch or listen to these irreplaceable moments just about tops everything. But in many cases, these things are destroyed simply because of how and where we have tucked them away. Sometimes they can be repaired. Sometimes not. So, it’s best to start as soon as possible to store them in a way that will preserve them as long as possible.

Here are 3 helpful tips when storing VHS tapes, Cassette Tapes, Film, CD’s, or DVD’s:

Weather-Proof Storage Containers-

A box in the garage, basement or attic is probably where they are right now, right? Sadly, this can and will harm the tapes for multiple reasons. Heat, extreme cold, darkness and humidity are a few examples, unless your attic is insulated.

A weather-proof tub with a sealable lid will keep out the heat, moisture, dust, and any small multi-legged critters from getting in.

A great place to keep the bin would be in a closet or under the bed.

Be Kind. Rewind-

As it turns out, this is not just for the next person to rent at Blockbuster. It’s because the tape can sag if it hasn’t been rewound.

When you rewind the tape, it keeps it nice and tight so that there is no tearing or crinkling, and so that you can rewatch it again and again.

Upright is Best-

When storing tapes in a bin, it is first best to make sure they have a sleeve or case. If the sleeve or case has been lost, a piece of paper folded could do the trick to prevent air exposure to the insides. Secondly, storing the tapes upright will keep pressure off of them. And direct light and heat could damage the tapes film by warping it and fading.

You will also want to avoid storing them near any type of magnetic field, such as loudspeakers, surge protectors or high-voltage power lines. These can actually erase the contents of the tapes.

And if storing these tapes safely is not an option, digitizing is! It definitely saves your space and preserves the memories far longer and it would be ideal to do it sooner than later. A lot of the content stored on a VHS, Cassette or film negative will lose clarity and vibrancy every day it sits there. 

Thinking about digitizing your archives? Give us a call.