Whether you retain services of a professional or do archiving yourself it is imperative to create multiple backup copies and store them in a safe place. I strongly recommend storing at least two copies in a safe deposit box at your local bank. These storage facilities are generally fire proofed, temperature and humidity controlled but you should inquire just to be safe. Another option is to take multiple copies and distribute them amongst family and friends. They should store them in a cool, dry place in home; more people who store a copy of your digital archive, greater chance that it will remain undamaged over time.

As you can see having a digital archive is an excellent way to preserve your precious memorabilia. So gather up your cherished photos, slides, video, home movies, documents, etc., have them digitized and store them in a safe place. You will never be sorry you made effort but you may regret it if you don’t.

Jay Corrao is the founder and president of Memory Archivers, a video production company based in Apple Valley Minnesota. His company specializes in wedding and event videograpy, video biographies, and consumer digital archiving.

This same logic applies to other physical items such as artwork, posters, furniture, trinkets, etc.

Now about toaster; taking pictures of all of items in your house can be a great way to recall what you actually own in case of theft or vandalism, fire or other such disaster. It is often hard to remember all of items you own and this is especially true when under a great deal of stress. My insurance agent told me once that claims can be settled much quicker with this kind of documentation because you have proof of what you owned.

I strongly recommend having a number of copies made and storing two copies in a safe deposit box at your local bank. These storage facilities are generally fire proofed, temperature and humidity controlled but you should inquire just to be safe. Another option is to give a friend or family member a copy. They should store CD in its case in a cool, dry place in home; more people who store a copy of your digital archive, greater chance that it will remain undamaged over time.

There are definitely more uses for your camera as an archiving tool than have been covered here. If you use a little imagination and ingenuity you will find yourself coming up with all kinds of ways to put your trusty old or new camera into service.

Jay Corrao is the founder and president of Memory Archivers, a video production company based in Apple Valley Minnesota. His company specializes in wedding and event videograpy, video biographies, and consumer digital archiving.