When you have run out of room for books in your home, but want to retain the rest of your collection, a storage unit is is an option for keeping them in good condition and out of the way. Any time you want to read a specific title or lend it to a friend, you can swing by the facility and pick it up, but you don’t have to worry about creating additional space in your home. Here’s a guide to how to pack them, so they stay in good shape while they are in storage.

Best Practices for Keeping Books in a Storage Unit

1. Brush Off Debris

Before you drop off your books to a storage unit, it’s worth taking the time to clear off any existing dust or grime. If this buildup is allowed to linger for long periods, it can lead to stains or cause the pages to degrade. Use a brush and a lightly damp cloth to wipe down titles as you work your way through your library. 

2. Wrap in Cloth

It’s smart to wrap books up, so they don’t accumulate large amounts of dust and detritus. Avoid using plastic, which can trap moisture — the worst enemy of any book since it will ruin the text and pages. Newspaper isn’t a good idea either because the acid from the ink can leach into the books and have a destructive effect. Your top choice should be cloth, which will wrap the books and protect them without any problematic consequences. 

3. Create an Alphabetical System with Labels

When stowing your books in a storage unit, it’s always a good idea to be as organized as possible. That way, when you want to retrieve a book, it’s straightforward and fast. The best system is to alphabetize them by the author’s last name so you won’t have to guess where a particular book is. Once you sort the books that way, label each box with the letters that are inside. This allows you to easily access your titles without opening several boxes.

If you need a storage unit for your books, get in touch with a secure storage facility like Texarkana Storage and RV in Bowie County, TX. Serving the community since 2005, these storage centers will provide a short or long-term solution for keeping your books safe. You can inquire about specific storage units, which range from 5 by 10 feet to 12 by 20 feet by calling (903) 792-7867. Learn more about the storage company by visiting their website today.