We take thousands of photos each year, but most of them are scattered across phones, computers, cloud accounts, and forgotten hard drives. Digital photos are precious, and just like your old printed pictures, they deserve to be safely stored, backed up, and easy to find when you need them. Here are my go-to tips for keeping your digital photo collection safe and secure for generations to come.
✅ 1. Create a Simple Folder Structure
Don’t just dump all your photos into one folder labeled “Pictures.” Set up a system that’s easy to follow:
- 📁 I suggest By Year (e.g. 2020, 2021, 2022)
- 📁 Inside each year, organize by Month
This structure keeps your files neat and makes it easy to find a photo later.
🖥️ 2. Store Photos in Two (or More) Places
The Golden Rule of digital storage is: If your photos live in only one place, they’re at risk. Technology can fail—hard drives crash, phones get lost, and cloud services change.
Here’s a safe setup:
- One copy on an external hard drive Check out this one that I use:
- One copy in a trusted cloud service (like Google Photos, Amazon Photos, iCloud, or Dropbox)
- Optional: A third copy on a second hard drive stored offsite or with a family member
☁️ 3. Choose a Reliable Cloud Backup
Not all cloud services are equal when it comes to photos. Look for one that:
- Offers original resolution storage
- Has easy photo search and tagging features
- Automatically backs up from your phone
Some good choices:
- Google Photos (great search tools and facial recognition)
- iCloud (perfect for Apple users)
- Amazon Photos (free full-resolution storage for Prime members)
📆 4. Set a Backup Reminder
Put it on your calendar: “Photo Backup Day” once a month. This small habit can save you years of memories in the event of a crash, loss, or phone upgrade.
📦 5. Don’t Rely on Social Media for Storage
Facebook and Instagram compress your images and aren’t designed for archiving. They also have the right to delete your photos at any time. It’s just not a safe option. Even if you’ve shared it online, make sure the original photo is stored safely elsewhere.
The photos you take today are tomorrow’s memories. A little time spent organizing and backing them up means your favorite moments won’t get lost in the digital abyss. Your future self—and your family—will thank you.
If you are looking for more inspiration check out my book! Beyond the Storm is available for pre-sale now!!
Part memoir, part practical guide, "Beyond The Storm" delivers emotional, real-life stories while providing invaluable tips for digitizing, organizing, and protecting your own precious memories before disaster strikes. This book is a must-read for anyone who values the power of photographs and the stories they tell. Perfect for fans of "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up" and "Hold Still," it’s a call to action—reminding us that even in the wake of destruction, our most cherished moments can still be saved.