Proper Storage and Care Techniques for VHS and Video Tapes When you are in the act of capturing video, you’re probably not thinking about what to do with that footage 20 years from now. The reality is that your tapes and film can start degrading in as little as 5 years.  We regularly get tapes in advanced state of decay that are rendered useless for transfer, usually because of poor storage techniques. The first thing to understand is that videotape was never designed to be a long-term storage solution.  It was primarily designed to be easy to use and easy to copy. The good news is that with proper storage the life of your videotapes can be extended (by years... not decades). Storing your videotapes is just as important as editing and publishing your finished product. As one of the premier preservation and archiving services in the country, HomeMovie.Com believes that keeping your memories alive for years to come is of utmost importance. If you are not able to get your videotapes into us for archiving through Afiniti (or after you have had your tapes returned to you), please be sure to follow these proper storage and care techniques.  How to Store Your VHS and Video Tapes A quick check -- where are your video tapes right now?  Are they in a shoebox in the attic or the garage? If so, please stop reading right now, find your tapes and come back. OK.  now that you are ready to go, here are the basics: Do not let the temperature regularly exceed 70 degrees Fahrenheit Do not let the humidity exceed 20 to 30% Avoid storing your video tapes in a room with southern exposure You should be able to conduct normal activity in the storage area without breaking a sweat, becoming out-of-breath or sneezing.  Any of these results are warning signs that your storage room is not suitable for your video memories. How to properly care for video tape You want to keep your video tapes free from moisture, excess heat and dust.  Once that is taken care of, there are other environmental issues for consideration as well: Never store your video tapes by your Television set.  Magnetic fields generated by your television will damage your video tapes very quickly over time. Exercise your video tapes by fast-forwarding through to the end of the tape, and then rewinding to the beginning of the tape.  This will reduce reel-tension and reduce the tendency to adhesion by the tape. Never store your video tapes in your care.  On even a moderately sunny day, the temperature can easily exceed 90-100 degrees when in direct sunlight. Smell the container in which your video tapes are being stored.  If you smell vinegar or other odors, chances are your tapes are in an accelerated stage of decay.