How to Safely Store Books
Posted on Fri, Oct 07, 2011
If you are a bibliophile with an out-of-control collection, or just need some more room in your home, then storing your books in a storage unit is a quick and simple space-saver. This article covers basic book care, packing and proper storage to keep you books safe and undamaged.
If you love your books and want them to last for years, you must take care of them. Dust them regularly, inspect them for moisture or pest damage and keep them out of direct sunlight. Always use flat bookmarks rather than metal paper clips or dog-earring page corners. Over time, folded pages can break down and rip, and metal bookmarks can rust, damaging the paper and binding.
As you prepare to pack up your classics for storage, find storage containers that are small and easy to handle. Acid-free boxes are best, but, if anything, ensure that your containers are clean. Mildew and mold from unclean boxes can quickly damage books and attract pests.
When packing books, stand them upright, as if they were on a shelf, which reduces stress on the spine and pressure on the paper. Alternate which direction the spine faces and pack the box as snugly as possible.
Avoid wrapping or surrounding books with newspaper since the ink can transfer on to the cloth or leather bindings. For added protection, place a piece of cardboard between books to prevent them from sticking to one another after long-term storage.
Once your books are clean and securely packed, find a nearby climate controlled storage unit. Climate controlled units are crucial to the integrity of your books since they monitor humidity levels and protect the bindings from moisture damage and drying.
Label the boxes and make an inventory of the books you’re putting into storage to help your future self quickly find your copy of Ulysses (why, oh why did you store it in the first place?). Place the boxes on top of other stored items or on a pallet to prevent the paper from absorbing moisture from the floor.
Storage Post self storage is the perfect place to store all of your favorite books, and not-so-favored text books. We offer climate controlled storage units that regulate temperature and humidity and offer a variety of security features, like 24-hour video surveillance, secure entry points and individual door alarms. The items you store will be safe and lovingly cared for (in an un-creepy way). Visit www.storagepost.com for more information.