5 Best Photo Storage Boxes for Your Collection

Photo storage boxes to keep your photographs organized.

High-quality image storage boxes can help you save your prints in perfect condition for a long time. Unless kept in a container, pictures are prone to various types of damage: they can get crumpled, burn out under sunlight, etc. The best photo storage boxes are not only great for sorting your photos but also for protecting them. The prices for such items range from $15 to $60.

Nowadays, people often use photo storage sites for keeping their digital pics, but it is also important to have special storage for printed images. Not everyone takes this issue seriously, tossing their photos into shoeboxes or plastic sleeves neglecting the fact that such containers can damage prints. Therefore, purchasing the best photo storage box is a reasonable decision.

When shopping for a top-rated photo storage box, there are many aspects you need to take into account like archival qualities, extra storage options, design, etc. Besides, to make the right choice, define the way you want to organize your images, where you are going to keep them, and how accessible you want them to be. Avoid dusty and sunny spots as they can negatively affect your pics.

Material: plastic | Weight: 2.95 pounds | Item dimensions: 9.5 x 15 x 5 inches 

IRIS Photo Keeper is an ideal variant for anybody who wants to keep their prints neatly organized. It contains twelve plastic cases of high quality, which can provide a safe storage not only for your photos but also for cards, craft supplies, stickers, stamps, etc.

There is also a convenient handle that allows taking a box with you anywhere. This is a stackable photo storage box with a tight-fitting lid that prevents dust from getting inside. The boxes are made of plastic that does not contain Bisphenol A, acid, PVC, lignin, or other undesirable components.

Material: acid-free cardboard | Weight: 1 pound | Item dimensions: 14.76 x 13.03 x 3.7 inches

Purchasing Pioneer Jumbo Storage is a great photo storage idea, especially for those who store large prints, even large sizes up to 11 x 14". This box provides ideal storage for images, fabric, cards, drawings, and similar stuff.

The construction is fitted with a metal identification slot that allows categorizing the content inside the box by various criteria like subject, date, or occasion. The lack of index cards may disappoint someone, but actually, this is not a drawback. Laying your prints flat is a safer way to keep the images and protect them from dirt. As a top-rated product, Pioneer Jumbo Storage doesn’t contain acid, lignin, or PVC.

Material: metal | Weight: 2.8 pounds | Item dimensions: 25 x 20.9 x 3.9 inches

Lineco Museum photo storage box may satisfy professional photographers who are looking for the most convenient print storage. As the front side of the box drops, there is no need to lift all the prints out to get a single shot, as you can easily pull the required photo out without the risk to bend your images.

Lineco is one of the most reliable and well-known manufacturers of storage, bookmaking, and framing products. Its archival boxes for storing photos come in various sizes, so customers can find a suitable option. The fact that this box is buffered, lignin- and acid-free also appeals to buyers. Built-in metal corners allow you to stack the containers without the fear that the whole construction would once collapse.

Material: plastic | Weight: 3.59 pounds | Item dimensions: 15 x 12 x 5 inches

Jigitz Colorful photo storage will keep such objects like images, crafting supplies, and scrapbooking items in complete safety. The main container houses sixteen compact and transparent cases that are easy to move and organize the way you like. It is fitted with a reliable closure, which secures the inner boxes preventing them from falling out. You can also use a large box as one bin for storing some big items.

Jigitz Colorful Set is perfect for multiple usages. Gardeners can keep their seeds in it, whereas hobbyists can use it for assembling puzzle pieces, stickers, etc. Convenient sorting your images by color or years allows keeping a photo collection neat and well-organized. Besides, with this box you can easily create a photo diary. Lastly, an easy-to-carry construction with a handle makes this unit one of the best photo storage boxes for any crafter.

Material: cardboard | Weight: 0.4 pounds | Item dimensions: 11.4 x 6.5 x 2.7 inches

Print File Box is a reliable acid-free, lining-free barrier boxboard that features a flip-top design so you can put your photos in or take them out in a flash. With such a high-quality product, keeping your stationary, craft supplies, or memorable prints in perfect condition is a breeze. The container is made of buffered material that neutralizes acidity and protects the inner content from dust, dirt, and similar hazards.

The outer box can house up to 12 archival-quality envelopes where you can store twelve pictures, the size of which does not exceed 6x6 inches. With this unit, grouping your photos by years or event is as easy as with photo organizing software. As the box is black and does not let the light through, it might be perfect storage for your negatives. Besides, it is certified by Image Permanence Institute's Photo Activity committee.

Basically, photo storage boxes are simple containers for organizing your images or stationery items and protecting them from dust, moisture, and light. But still, there are many aspects you need to keep in mind when selecting a reliable photo storage box.

Archival qualities. An archival photo box should not contain any elements that can negatively affect prints. For example, such chemicals as acid and lignin can deteriorate the quality of pics, especially with long-term exposure. 

We recommend choosing the units made of buffered material that can neutralize acid introduced by the prints that are inside. Prefer boxes that come with Photographic Activity Test (PAT) certificate, which is the most solid proof that they are safe for your printed images.

Maximum print size. Gauge your items to select a proper unit. The standard photo sizes are 4×6 inches and 8×10 inches, so keep these measurements in mind when choosing a box. Professional photographers and artists who usually deal with larger prints should opt for more sizeable units.

Storage space. Nowadays, the majority of photo boxes have modest storage space. However, some units can accommodate up to 700 images. So, if you need to organize many photos, purchasing several containers is a good way out. Besides, consider the number of photos you are going to print in the coming year to make sure that there is enough space for keeping them.

Also, if you’ve managed to find the box that satisfies you with its design and parameters, it would be a good idea to purchase a few of them as you may struggle to find an identical box in the future.

Organizational features. Most photo organizers are empty inside, while some sophisticated units come with dividers or envelopes for sorting your prints. The boxes with additional compartments are a win-win option for photographers who are scrupulous about organizing their