When moving time comes, one of the most common items to get packed away is books. Books are a great addition to any home but sometimes there is just no room for a constantly growing collection. That’s why the idea of storing books in self storage is such a common theme.
If you’re wondering if you can safely store books in self storage – the answer is yes! Self storage, especially in a climate controlled environment, is a very feasible way to keep your books handy without cluttering up your living space.
Of course, there are some methods you can use to ensure that your books don’t damage, decay, and lose value over time.
Don’t Overlook Cleanliness
When you are beginning to store your books, don’t assume that grime and dirt won’t effect their longevity. The dirtier your books are going into the box, the more likely they will be to grow mold, meldew, and all sorts of other unpleasantness. Although it may take some time, wiping down your books before storage may be a beneficial practice.
Utilize Quality Storage Containers
You may be tempted to toss your books in bags or average cardboard boxes, but that could lead to problems down the road. First, books in mass can get quite heavy so you want a box that can maintain its integrity over time. Second, a thicker package material can handle inclement weather, moisture, and temperature change better than shabby boxes.
If you have the resources, we highly recommend large plastic/rubber bins (polyethylene primarily). These will last over time and repel moisture. Otherwise, high quality moving boxes should do the trick.
Stack with Gravity
The long, slow pull of gravity will effect your books over time. If you stack them vertically the pages will drift and warp over time. The best bet is laying them flat on their sides and stacking them accordingly.
Label Generously
It’s extremely frustrating having to sort through hundreds of binned books in a vain attempt to find the one particular title you need. Label as much as you can, be it by genre, age, title, or whatever. You’ll thank yourself later for the effort.
Keep the Climate Under Control
When shopping for a storage facility, one of your primary objectives should be to find a climate controlled building. Books store best between 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit, especially rare books that are starting to show their age. Don’t let Mother Nature turn your book investments into piles of useless junk.
Let Books Hang Out with Books
You may be inclined to mix other items with your book storage, but it’s best to avoid that if possible. Books are heavy and shifty. If you have something fragile packed with books it may get crunched during transit. Book stack well together, so let book boxes be a book-only hangout.
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We hope these tips have helped you in your self storage journeys! Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions you may have.