What is the best way to store old paper documents so they do not deteriorate?

Paper deteriorates because of its environment and how it is handled. The good news is that a few well-understood, low-cost practices can extend the usable life of documents by decades. The goal is to slow the chemical and physical processes that cause paper to become brittle, discolored, or moldy.

Control the Environment

Temperature and humidity are the biggest factors. Heat and moisture accelerate the breakdown of paper and encourage mold and pests.

• Aim for a cool, stable environment. Many preservation guidelines suggest moderate temperatures (often around 65–70°F) and relative humidity in roughly the 35–50% range. Stability matters as much as the exact numbers.
• Avoid attics, basements, and garages, where conditions swing widely and leaks or flooding are common.
• Keep records away from direct sunlight and bright artificial light, which fade ink and weaken fibers.

Use Safe Storage Materials

Ordinary folders, boxes, and adhesives can be acidic and actively damage paper over time.

• Store documents flat in acid-free, lignin-free folders and boxes rated for archival use.
• Remove staples, paper clips, rubber bands, and tape, which rust, stain, or leave residue.
• Interleave fragile or oversized items with acid-free tissue, and avoid overstuffing boxes.

Handle and Organize Carefully

• Handle documents with clean, dry hands; support large or brittle sheets fully when moving them.
• Keep food, drink, and pests away from storage areas, and inspect periodically for signs of mold or insect activity.
• Label boxes clearly so items are retrieved less often and handled less.

Digitize for Access and Backup

Scanning frequently used or fragile records reduces physical handling and protects against loss from fire, water, or simple decay. Treat the original and the digital copy as a paired strategy: store originals safely, and manage the digital files with backups and periodic checks so they remain readable over time.

For more on preserving physical and digital records, see the Archives and Preservation topic hub.

When documents have legal, historical, or permanent value, consult a professional conservator or archivist before attempting repairs—well-meaning fixes can cause irreversible harm.