If you’re an avid reader, your books are probably among your most cherished possessions. However, if you’ve collected enough, they can take up a lot of valuable space in your home or apartment. Whether you’re downsizing, remodeling, or just need some more room, a storage unit is perfect for getting books out of your way until you have the time to sort them out. The guide below will help you keep your books in peak condition while they’re in storage.

A Guide to Moving Books Into a Storage Unit

Organize

Eventually, you’ll want to retrieve your books from storage, and there are a few steps to make this process easier. First, make an inventory list of what books you’re storing. That way you won’t have to play a guessing game to determine whether a title is in your home or your storage unit.

Then put the books you’re storing into alphabetized boxes that are clearly marked on all sides. You’ll be able to clearly see which box you need to retrieve, keeping you from digging through the entire unit. You never know when the urge to reread an old favorite will strike, and you’ll pat yourself on the back for your organizational skills.

Protect

The most important feature for book storage is climate control. If you live in a humid area, the high moisture content in the air can warp pages and lead to mildew. Once this problem develops, there’s no salvaging the book. When humidity drops and the air becomes dry, the pages can also become brittle. Climate control will equalize the temperature and humidity level, keeping your books safe.

If you’re storing volumes that could be valuable as collector's items—or just have sentimental value—you should also take some extra precautions. Consider wrapping each book individually to keep the dust jackets from ripping as they shift. You should also dust them thoroughly before they go in storage, and choose a facility that’s fully secure so you don’t risk losing books to theft or vandalism.

If you need a storage unit in Dalton, GA, you can trust the Mini-Warehouses of North Georgia. Their facilities are fully equipped with secure fences and video cameras. They also have climate-controlled units for temperature- and moisture-sensitive items such as books and appliances. To discuss a unit rental, call (706) 226-3433. You can also visit them online to learn more about their facility features, unit sizes, and locations.