How to Preserve Home Videos

Preserve your home videos.

Home videos have come a long way, from VHS to DVD; a lot of memories have been captured and watched over and over again. Take care of the home videos so that they can be enjoyed in the years to come.

Instructions

1. Place your home video in its own VHS or DVD case. Label the VHS or DVD case and the VHS tape or DVD so in case they get switched you can still easily identify them. Seal your videos in plastic bags for protection from dust, smoke and moisture.

2. Invest in a fire-proof safe to protect your home videos from fire.

3. Ensure that proper room temperature is maintained in the place where you are storing your home videos. Do not store your home videos in your garage or attic.

4. Rewind your tapes before storing them. Avoid skipping or stopping when rewinding; this can cause damage to the tape.

5. Make copies of your VHS tapes and DVDs and store the originals in a fire-proof safe. Use a high-quality DVD and VHS recorder or burner.

6. Purchase VHS and DVD head cleaners to clean the player heads to prevent any damage to the videos.

7. Don't leave VHS tapes and DVDs inside the players. After each viewing, stow them away.

Tips & Warnings

• When lending home videos to family and friends, lend them copies instead of the originals.