Avoid using adhesives that may cause chemical damage. Also, avoid pressure- sensitive tapes and damaging fasteners such as paper clips or rubber bands. Because adhesives can be problematic, photographs that are stored in paper envelopes should be positioned with their emulsion away from the seam. Also seams should be on the sides of the enclosure, not through the center. Once materials have been properly housed in window mats, folders, sleeves, or envelopes, they should be stored in cabinets or boxes of archival quality.
Horizontal storage is preferable for many photographic prints and oversized photographs.
It provides overall support to the images and avoids the possibility of mechanical damage such as bending. Vertical storage is often preferred for negative collections, but it can also be very effective for certain photographic print collections. Vertical storage is often more efficient and may make access to a collection easier. Glass plate negatives require vertical storage in order to prevent breakage. However, very large plates may be supported horizontally.