Over the course of our lifetime, we build up a collection of possessions, many of which have some significance to us for the memories that they evoke. In our increasingly digital world, we take for granted that our photos and videos will be backed up and stored automatically, but this is not always the case. Below are some words of advice when it comes to keeping your treasured possessions safe.
Backing Up Digital Files To USB
Most cameras these days are digital and, increasingly, they are built into phones, tablets, and laptops. One of the main advantages of digital formats is the ease with which they can be backed up. Because a digital file can be easily replicated, it can be stored in multiple locations simultaneously. By plugging a phone or camera into your computer, you will have the option of copying the files from the phone onto the computer. Most people then choose to erase the photos from the camera to make room for new photos. When it comes to backing up these photos, you have a few different options. Firstly, you can plug in a USB flash drive and copy the files onto this. Of course, you will have to keep the thumb drive itself safe as if it becomes damaged it is next to impossible to retrieve the files contained in it (some professional services might be able to do this for you).
Backing Up to The Cloud
Another option for backing up digital files, and probably the best one, is to store your files using a cloud service. Cloud storage means copies of your files are stored remotely at a data center. A data center will keep multiple backups in case they experience a hardware failure. If you are taking photos on your phone, then the major manufacturers all offer automatic cloud backups using either Apple’s iCloud or Google’s Cloud Platform. In addition, there are any number of third-party apps and services you can use.
Cloud storage is very secure, but you need to ensure you choose a secure password and you should remember that you are relying on the service provider to maintain effective cyber security to keep your files safe from unauthorized access.
Keeping Physical Items Safe
Physical items are a completely different kettle of fish from digital files. Of course, they can’t be replicated and they also occupy space in our homes. If you find yourself in the position of having to move homes, you may need to downsize the number of possessions you keep around you. If this is the case then you might want to seek out some cheap storage. You can use Self Storage Finders to take advantage of their AAA self storage discounts to find cheap storage to hold anything that you wish to keep but don’t necessarily have room for. Self-storage units, as they are known, offer a secure environment to keep your possessions in and the vast majority have CCTV and fire suppression systems in case of an emergency.
We all have treasured possessions and photos of key moments in our life and it is tragic when these things are lost. Fortunately, keeping both physical and digital items safe is easier and more affordable than ever before.