- Store paper in a dark and stable environment.pile of paper sheets with paper-clips image by stassad from Fotolia.com
Family documents, legal documents and other important papers will last longer if stored properly. The U.S. National Archives states stable environments are best to preserve papers. Storing paper properly is important as damage to paper is irreversible. A central location in the home provides a more stable environment than the extremities of a basement say. - The proper temperature for paper storage is between 60 and 70 degrees F. High temperatures increases the rate at which paper become brittle. Papers left in a high-heat environment can become warped and discolored. Cold temperatures also make paper brittle and susceptible to damage.
- The U.S. National Archives states relative humidity levels between 40 and 50 percent are acceptable. Too much moisture in the air encourages the growth of mold on the paper as well as increasing the desirability of the paper as a nesting material for pests. Air that is too dry can result in brittle paper.
- Valuable papers stored in dark places are protected against the damaging ultraviolet rays. Natural daylight as well as fluorescent lights contain high levels of ultraviolet that causes inks to fade. Ultraviolet light damage is irreversible and cumulative. Photocopies are ideal substitutes for the real document for display purposes.
- Proper enclosures protect stored papers from dust and light. Folders, portfolios and boxes are examples of appropriate enclosures. The size of the box needs to match the contents inside. Underfilled and overfilled boxes cause damage to their contents. Underfilled boxes allow papers to bend and distort while overfilled boxes cause damage when force is required to insert or remove papers, according to the U.S. National Archives.
Temperature
Humidity
Light
Enclosure
SHARE
