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VHS memories: six steps to store tapes upright and plan digitization

Keep family videotapes in protective cases, upright and away from heat, humidity and strong magnetic fields, then prioritize digitizing important recordings.

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Wikimedia Commons · Toby Hudson / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.5 Australia) · CC BY-SA 2.5 AU ↗

The U.S. National Archives notes that magnetic video tapes deteriorate and compatible players may become scarce. Storage is not a permanent solution; important originals should be copied or digitized with appropriately maintained equipment, preferably by a preservation specialist.

Your try-it-at-home checklist

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1. Identify the cassette format (such as VHS or VHS-C) and list its recorded contents. Prioritize irreplaceable family footage and vulnerable recordings.
2. Handle cassettes by their outer shell only. Do not touch exposed tape or reels; do not play a visibly moldy or debris-covered tape.
3. Put each cassette in a protective case and shelve it upright on its edge. Avoid horizontal stacks or storing cassettes directly on the floor.
4. Choose a cool, dry indoor cabinet with stable conditions. Avoid direct sun, attics, garages and areas vulnerable to water leaks.
5. Keep tapes away from strong magnetic sources such as motors, transformers and large speakers. Do not leave unused tapes inside a VCR.
6. Make digital copies of valued recordings soon and back them up separately. Consult an audiovisual preservation professional rather than opening or repairing damaged, tangled or moldy tapes yourself.

Your try-it-at-home checklist

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