If you’ve been on the hunt for the best photo storage box, you’ve landed in the right place! After trying everything from bulky albums, photo storage envelopes, and board photo boxes, I finally found a system that actually works: Iris photo storage cases!
When my mom and I organized over 30 years of old family photos, we needed something compact, protective, and easy to use. The Iris plastic photo storage boxes ticked all of these boxes. They’re acid-free, affordable, and can hold up to 1,600 photos in a single 12-case or 16-case photo storage carrier.
If you’re wondering how to store old photos safely and efficiently, this is it! Whether you’re sorting decades of birthday, holiday, trip, or baby photos, the Iris photo storage carrier is hands-down the best photo storage box I’ve found.
In this post, I’m covering:
- What is the Iris Photo Storage Carrier (And What Size Fits Your Photos)?
- Why I Love This Photo Storage System
- Cons of Plastic Photo Storage
- Iris vs. Other Photo Storage Options
- How I Organize My Photos Using Iris Photo Cases
- Bonus: Organizing Baby Photos in the Iris Case (toddler mom over here!)
- Where to Buy + Final Thoughts
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them (at no extra cost to you!). I only share products I truly love and recommend.
What Is The Iris Photo Storage Carrier (And Which Size Fits Your Photos?)
The Iris photo storage carrier is a stackable, acid-free, BPA-free plastic case designed to hold and protect printed photos. Each carrier includes a set of individual inner cases, with each one storing around 100 photos, perfect for organizing by year, event, or family member. This system works as a full photo storage box that holds thousands of pictures! Here are the options in capacity and photo sizes:
- 16-case photo storage carrier for 4×6 prints – holds up to 1,600 4×6 photos
- 12-case photo storage carrier for 4×6 prints (including the colorful rainbow photo storage organizing case!) – holds up to 1,000 4×6 photos
- 6-case 5×7 photo storage carrier for 5×7 prints – holds up to 600 5×7 prints
The 4×6 carriers also feature a convenient built-in handle, making them easy to carry, stack, or store on a shelf. You can also buy individual 4×6 and 5×7 cases separately, which is great for overflow, or if you want to test the system before committing to a full set. Some people also use these cases for recipe cards, crafts, or scrapbooking supplies, but they’re especially perfect for storing and protecting photo prints!
Why I Love This Photo Storage System
Here’s why the Iris photo storage case is my go-to solution for organizing printed photos:
1. Saves space
These stackable plastic photo storage boxes hold thousands of photos in a compact carrier. One 16-case and two 12-case carriers holding nearly 4,000 prints have replaced my family’s stacks of albums and bulky bins!
A quick tip: the 16-case can get heavy when it’s full. If you’d prefer something lighter and easier to handle, go with the 12-case option instead!
2. It’s stackable and portable
The 4×6 versions come with a built-in handle, making it easy to carry from closet to table so you can easily enjoy them. And if you need more than two carriers like we did, they’re designed to stack neatly for storage.
3. Perfect for long-term storage (when done correctly)
When my mom and I organized our photos, one cardboard box had water damage from a basement leak, and some prints inside were ruined. These carriers protect your photos from water, dust, and scratches. Keep reading for tips on how to store them safely for the long haul!
4. You can see what’s inside at a glance
The clear plastic makes it simple to identify what’s inside quickly. Plus, the cases have a perfect spot for a label. I’ll take any excuse to bust out my label maker!
5. Easy to organize by category
Customize your organization system however you’d like, by year, category, event, era, person, or theme. The inner cases keep everything neat, categorized, and easy to access.
6. Works for any level of photo organizing
Whether you’re just trying to contain the chaos or doing a full photo organizing project, this system grows with you. You can start with one case or stack multiple carriers full of organized memories.
Cons of Plastic Photo Storage
While plastic photo storage boxes are a great solution for most people, they’re not perfect for every situation.
Plastic can retain moisture, and clear plastic allows light through, which can contribute to fading over time. To protect your prints, store your carrier in a cool, dry, and dark place. Think closets or cabinets, not basements, attics, or garages.
If you’re sorting very old or fragile prints (like photos from grandparents or great-grandparents) you may want to invest in a true archival storage box made of acid-free board, and Image Permanence Institute’s Photo Activity Test (PAT) certified. These options cost more but offer better long-term preservation.
At the end of the day, no photo storage system is completely bulletproof. But with smart storage habits, you can protect your prints for decades to come.
That said, even the best plastic or archival box won’t help if there’s a flood, fire, or unexpected loss. You also need to digitally back up your photos. That way, even if something happens to your physical prints, your memories are still safe.
My mom and I used ScanMyPhotos for digitizing both prints and slide film, and the process was so easy. You can read more about it here!
Iris vs. Other Photo Storage Options
Over the years, I’ve used all the usual photo storage methods. Each one has its strengths, but only the Iris carrier solved the two biggest issues for me: keeping prints protected and organized.
Here’s how it compares to other common photo storage methods:
Board Photo Boxes
Photo boxes made of board are often the most archival of the storage options, but when I used them, I was constantly frustrated by how the prints flopped forward and backward inside. Without cases inside, it was hard to keep photos organized by year or category, and flipping through them always felt messy.
Photo Albums
Photo albums are the best option for enjoying your memories since you can display and flip through them. But they’re bulky and not ideal as your primary storage system. Instead, I recommend scanning your favorite prints and creating photo books later. I love Artifact Uprising’s Hardcover Photo Books. I’ve used them for both wedding and vacation albums!
Photo Storage Envelopes
I still recommend these for in-process organizing (especially during sorting or digitizing). But for long-term storage, they’re too flimsy, prone to dust, and easy to lose or mix up.
The Iris photo storage case solves all these problems in one go, with structured, stackable, labeled storage that keeps prints upright, separated, and safe!
How I Organize My Photos Using Iris Photo Cases
Here’s a quick look at how I use my Iris carriers:
- We organized our family photos chronologically by year, and then grouped things like school pictures and professional family photos by event or theme
- Each inner case holds about 1-2 years of prints, depending on how photo-happy that era was
- I used a label maker to mark the top of each case with the year(s) it covers
- On the front of each case, I added labels for the key events from that year. This makes it easy to pop out a case and know exactly what’s inside!
This is a simplified version of the full system I used when my mom and I organized thousands of old family photos. If you want the detailed step-by-step (including tips for sorting, scanning, and sentimental decisions), you can read the full breakdown in this post!
Organizing Baby Photos in the Iris Case
When my daughter was born, I bought a 16-case Iris carrier just for her prints. I’m using Kodak disposable cameras for fun (about 3 to 4 a year), and those prints go straight into the carrier. I’m also ordering my favorite iPhone shots as prints to add alongside them.
Since I grew up with Kodak prints, I can’t imagine my daughter not having physical copies of her memories, too. That’s why I’m committed to organizing her photos as we go. It makes me so thankful I’m not leaving this task for 30 years later- ha!
If you’re wondering how to wrangle all those baby photos, this is a simple, practical system that will grow alongside your family. It makes ongoing organizing totally doable (and even a little fun!).
Where to Buy + Final Thoughts
Organizing printed photos can be a total headache, but these Iris photo storage carriers have been a game-changer for me. They’re high-quality, easy to stack or store, and actually keep your photos protected. I usually grab mine at The Container Store, but I did some digging and found a few other retailers that carry different sizes, finishes, and even 2-pack bundles worth checking out.
The Container Store – My go-to! They sell the 16- and 12-case carriers for 4×6 photos, the 6-case for 5x7s, and the individual cases. Shop at The Container Store →
Target – Offers a 2-pack bundle of the 16-case carrier if you’re organizing a lot at once. They also sell a 10-pack of the individual 5×7 cases.
Michaels – They sell the same 16-case 2-pack as Target, the 5×7 carrier, and a frosted-finish 16-case 2-pack.
Whether you’re organizing decades of family photos or just trying to stay ahead of the clutter, Iris storage cases make it so much easier to organize and enjoy your memories. If you’re looking for a durable and easy-to-use photo storage box, I highly recommend this system! For more of the tools and supplies I use for scrapbooking and memory-keeping, check out a round-up of my favorite supplies here.
I hope this helped you figure out if Iris carriers are right for you, and if you grab one, let me know how you use it! Leave a comment or email me at hello@abbymurphyphoto.com.
+ SHOW comments
Add a comment