storing your family's overflow in a storage unit

Old home movies from the 50's and 60's can be a blast to watch. When you come across an old trunk filled with these reels of home movies, what do you do with them? If these reels aren't stored properly, those moments could be lost forever. Here, you will learn what to do with old movie reels that you have found:

Transfer the Movies

To be sure that the home movies are protected for future generations to enjoy, having them transferred from the reels to DVDs. Find a local expert that deals with old movie reels and offers the service of transferring them.

It is best to have these reels examined by a professional before you attempt to put them through a projector to view. If they haven't been stored properly, and most of them aren't, further damage could be sustained and the movies could be lost forever.

Research the company you are considering hiring to do the transfer. You need to be sure that they are skilled and experienced working with the delicate film on the reels.

Store the Reels

After you have had the home movies transferred from the reels, it is time to store the reels properly. How do you do that?

1. Clean the Reels – use a slightly dampened cloth to wipe off any dust that may have settled on the reels.
2. Wrap the Reels – after the reels have dried completely, individually wrap them in acid-free tissue paper. The tissue paper will protect them from further dust settling on them.
3. Pack the Reels – if you don't have proper cases for the reels, you must find something to put them in that will protect them from moisture which could lead to corrosion. Never store the reels vertically or the reels could become misshaped. Instead, lay them flat on top of each other.
4. Control the Climate – if you don't have a place in your home that maintains a steady temperature and humidity level, it would be in your best interest to store these old reels in a climate-controlled storage unit.

Tip: Never store these reels in a damp basement or hot attic. The moisture will lead to corrosion of the reels and the heat will cause the film on the reels to decompose.

The memories recorded on that film is precious to your family now and those in the future. The low cost of a small climate-controlled storage unit for these precious, irreplaceable keepsakes is well worth the investment. To learn more, contact a company like Back Acres Mini-Storage & Mobile Home Park with any questions or concerns you have.