5 Simple Ways to Protect Your Photos This Month
September is Save Your Photos Month — the perfect reminder to take steps to safeguard your memories. The thought of organizing years’ worth of pictures can feel overwhelming, but the good news is you don’t have to do it all at once. Even small actions can make a big difference in keeping your stories safe.
Here are five simple ways to start protecting your photos today:
1. Follow the 3-2-1 Backup Rule
When it comes to protecting your digital photos, the 3-2-1 system is the gold standard:
3 copies of your photos (your original + 2 backups)
2 different types of storage media (for example, an external hard drive and the cloud)
1 copy stored off-site (such as a trusted family member’s house or a cloud service)
This way, if one copy is lost or damaged, your memories are still safe.
2. Create a “Photo Hub” Folder
Scattered photos lead to forgotten photos. Gather digital files from your phone, camera, and computer into one central folder. From there, you can sort them into subfolders by year or event. Even if you don’t organize everything immediately, you’ll know exactly where to look.
3. Scan Irreplaceable Prints
Old photos fade, and albums can deteriorate. Start small by scanning a handful of your most meaningful prints — maybe your grandparents’ wedding picture, your child’s baby photo, or a favorite family holiday snapshot. Once digitized, you can back them up just like your digital images.
4. Store Originals Safely
If you have print photos, store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Acid-free boxes and photo-safe sleeves will help protect them. Avoid attics and basements, which are more prone to heat, humidity, and flooding.
5. Share With Family
Don’t keep all your photos to yourself. Share digital copies with siblings, children, or extended family. When multiple people have access, the stories are more likely to survive — and sharing often sparks new conversations and memories you may not have heard before.
Start Small, But Start Now
Saving your photos doesn’t mean tackling your entire collection in one sitting. Even backing up your phone today or scanning five prints this weekend is progress worth celebrating.
This Save Your Photos Month, pick one step and begin. Your photos tell your story — and they deserve to be preserved for the generations to come.
