Storage Tips for Bookworms
People who love books see their collections as more than just paper and ink – books are a treasure chest of information, stories, and memories. If you want to keep your collection, and maybe even pass it down to your children, you'll need to keep your books in good shape. Learn more about how to preserve your collection and some of the best ways to store books in a storage unit.
Preparing Your Books for Storage
Preparing well is essential if you're going to be storing your books long-term. First, thoroughly clean your books. Wipe down the covers and page edges with a soft cloth or a small brush to get rid of dust. Wear gloves while doing this; prolonged skin contact with seemingly harmless particles can discolor and damage your skin. Also, it's very important to make sure your books are fully dry before putting them away. Mold and mildew can grow in still water, and they can quickly ruin even the best-kept collection.
Take the time to look over each book as you clean. Look for signs of pests, like small holes and yellow stains. If you see any issues, you should quarantine the damaged books so that the pests don't spread to other books in your collection. Any books that have bookworms, lice, or mites should be put into an airtight bag and frozen for several days; this will kill off the pests without damaging your books.
Packing Your Books for Storage
After you have cleaned and checked your books, it's time to pack them carefully. Using quality packing materials is important. The best way to store books in a storage unit is to use strong, acid-free, waterproof boxes – either plastic or sturdy specialized cardboard. These boxes will protect your books from environmental hazards that can damage the pages and covers. Don't use regular cardboard boxes because they might break down over time or have materials that can leak chemicals into your books.
Box your books cover-up to spread the weight out and keep the spine from buckling. Do not store books with the front edge facing down, as this can cause the binding to become wavy. Use acid-free paper or bubble wrap to fill in the gaps in the boxes and keep the books from moving around. Do not put too many books in the boxes; this can cause damage to the covers and spines.
Make sure your boxes are clearly labeled, especially if you have a lot of things. Making a list of what's in each box will help you find specific books without having to handle them too much.
Choosing the Right Storage Environment
How you pack your books is just as important as where you keep them. The best way to store books is in climate-controlled storage units to keep them safe from extreme temperatures and humidity. To stay as safe as possible, put silica gel packets inside each box to get rid of extra moisture. Using boards, shelves, or cinder blocks to store your boxes off the ground; this will keep them safe from water damage and condensation.
Putting your boxes in the middle of the storage unit, away from the walls, can also help by letting more air flow through and lowering the risk of temperature changes. For extra peace of mind, make sure you check your storage unit often. This lets you take care of problems as they arise and before they become big issues.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When you store books, don't make these usual mistakes. Don't use plastic bags or containers that can't breathe because they can trap water and help mold grow. You should instead choose materials that let air flow while still keeping your collection clean and free of dust and dirt. Also, don't stack boxes too high, because the weight of the boxes on top can damage the boxes below and lead to your books bowing and warping. With all of these in mind, you'll be sure to find the best way to store books in your storage unit.
Long-Term Maintenance and Care
Maintenance is important even after you've put your books away. Make plans to check on your storage unit often, at least once every few months, to see how your things are doing. Check for any signs of pests, evidence of water, or temperature variation. Regular checks prevent minor problems from becoming major losses.
Also, make a thorough list of everything in your collection, either on paper or electronically. Separate the list by box, and consider drawing a map of your unit so you know precisely where everything is located. This is especially helpful for libraries with a lot of books; it makes it easier to find specific titles when you need them.
If you follow these storage tips, your library will stay in perfect shape and be ready to bring you joy and ideas for years to come. Feel free to contact the staff at any of our facilities to book a unit or find out more about how they can help you keep your collection safe. At StaxUP Storage, we're happy to help you take the best care of your books.
