Studying abroad, a lack of space, and moving between houses are all reasons to choose a storage unit. However, storing books can be tricky. They’re thick, heavy, and accumulate moisture, making them more difficult to prepare for storage than many other common items around your home. Here’s a guide to help you prepare your books for storage and ensure that you choose the right unit.

Preparing a Book for Storage

Vacuum the exteriors of your books’ covers and dust jackets to remove excess dust and particles. Some particles can create stains over time. You can wrap books in cloths to limit contact with outside contaminants. There’s no need to wrap each book individually. You can create cloth bundles of several books by series, author, or genre. Place books into acid-free boxes to prohibit cardboard residue from staining the covers. Since these boxes are made to store paper materials, they’re particularly sturdy for handling books.

Don’t place too many books into a box; otherwise, the bottom may give out when you’re moving the box. Avoid plastic bins unless you wrap the books in cloth and are certain you’ll be using a climate-controlled storage unit. Plastic bins absorb humidity and can create wet spots on your books.

Placing Books in Storage

Select the Right Storage Facility

Be specific with your storage unit provider. Books should be stored in climate-controlled units no higher than 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and these units should maintain a humidity level between 30% and 50% at all times. Ideally, the temperature should remain consistent. Too much humidity will create moisture, and too little will make the paper brittle. Make sure the storage facility is secure. Inquire about past burglaries and camera coverage, and ask if the facility offers insurance. Also, see if your home insurance covers theft.

Organizing Books in Storage

Books are heavy when consolidated into boxes, and it’s best not to store boxes containing books higher than your shoulders. If possible, stack the boxes on pallets to prevent water damage from below. Storage units are connected side-by-side, and spills from adjacent units may leak into your unit. In addition, concrete naturally absorbs moisture, and this can leak into your boxes.

If you’re planning to put your books into a storage unit, it’s important to know they’re safe while you’re away. Rent a storage unit from Elyria South Storage in Newcomerstown, OH. Serving the Greater Cleveland Metro area, they offer a wide range of sizes, temperature-controlled units, and 24-hour keypad access. You can rest assured your books will always be safe and available to you. Visit their website and try out the storage facility’s size estimator, or call them at (440) 986-5201.