Frequently Asked Questions About Memory Boxes Archival Products and Services


Can I buy my archival supplies online from Memory Boxes?
Yes, the new webshop is now up and running where you can buy your archival products securely online. Please click on the link above to be taken to the shop. We have added new products to our online ranges so do visit for more details.

Remember, you can still order your archival supplies by telephone or mail order. For further details please visit How to Order.
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Can I use PVC storage enclosures for my family history records?
Family history collections consist of large amounts of paper documents, certificates, photos and postcards and good quality indexing and storage solutions are needed to ensure the long life of your collection. PVC pockets, pages and folders are inexpensive and easily obtainable from all high street stationers. However, they do contain harmful plasticisers that are unstable and break down over time releasing the acids that cause your photos and documents to become brittle and discoloured. Also they tend to trap moisture which cause the fragile contents to stick to the plastic making them very difficult to remove without damage to the surfaces. Choose enclosures that are the best quality that you can afford and at least are acid free / archivally safe.
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What is the difference between the types of album sleeves that you supply?
We supply two types of album sleeves - polypropylene and polyester. Both are archival quality and chemically inert. The high clarity polypropylene sleeves are acid free and do not contain the harmful plasticisers and solvents found in PVC enclosures. They are ideal for many types of family history or photo collections. The album sleeves made from archival polyester are glass clear and inert that will not crack or yellow with age. They are very strong and can withstand constant handling. Polyester has for many years now been regarded as the safest choice for the long term protection of records, documents and certificates from the risks of handling and moisture. The proven high qualities of archival polyester make these album sleeves, though more expensive, the first choice for the serious archivist or collector.
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Do the wedding memory storage boxes come in other colours?
Many of the dyes used in the colouring and printing of high street fashion boxes, coloured tissue paper and ribbons contain high levels of acid. Since the acid is responsible for much of the damage over time to your keepsakes and heirlooms we offer a range of archivally safe products manufactured from box board that is acid free and does not contain damaging dyes.
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What do you mean by 'acid free'?
Acid is a natural ingredient of wood and cotton pulp used to make boxes and materials. This acid acts over time to weaken the structure of the box or fabric causing it to become brittle and crack. Storing items for long periods of time in such containers will lead to the migration of the acid from the container into the contents causing them to become yellow, brittle and fragile too. The removal of active acids during the manufacturing process allows for the production of safer acid-free materials (with a chemical pH of 7.0 or higher). The range of archival products from Memory Boxes have all been manufactured as acid free for use by museums and archives for the long term safe storage of valuable and fragile items.
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Is 'acid free' the only consideration when storing my keepsakes safely?
Storing your memories, keepsakes and precious collections in archivally safe, acid free storage containers is a large part of the battle of conservation. However, there are lots of other factors which need to be considered if you are serious about preservation. For example, using a clear acid free sleeve for postcards or photos will reduce the risks of acid migration from other items in close proximity and from the effects of frequent handling but will not offer much protection from the damaging effects of light. Opaque paper sleeves that are acid free will protect from light but will increase the risks from over handling since the contents have to be removed from their protective cover for viewing. You need to plan the storage of your collection very carefully and select the most appropriate solution for its contents. For more information and ideas please have a look at the Archival Guides included on this site.
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What is your privacy policy?
Memory Boxes understand, respect and are committed to maintaining your privacy. We collect your personal information only when you place an order with Memory Boxes or register with us for the purpose of receiving product information. At no time do we disclose, sell or disseminate in any way your personal details to a third party. We will not send you unsolicited electronic or land mail. We apologise if you do receive such mail and ask that you inform us as soon as possible so that we can ensure your details are removed from our records. For full detail of our privacy policy please click here.
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I do not want to continue receiving the Memory Boxes E-Newsletter. How do I cancel my registration?
You can cancel your registration at any time by emailing sales@memoryboxes.co.uk. Please allow upto 7 working days for any changes to be made to our records. We apologise if you receive any further communication from us in that time.

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