Keeping a library of books can have many rewards. However, they can take up precious space. If you’re growing your family or in the midst of upgrading to a bigger home, you might not necessarily have room for your collection. If you’ve decided to temporarily relocate it to a storage unit, the following offers advice for keeping your books in top shape. 

Do:

Rent a climate-controlled storage unit.

Heat and humidity are some of the worst conditions for books, as these elements can cause warping, discoloration, and deterioration. That’s why it’s best to place your items in a climate-controlled storage unit where the temperature and humidity are kept at stable levels.

Tidy them up.

Use a handheld vacuum or microfiber cloth to wipe the dust from the book’s surface. This debris could cause staining and damage pages. It’s also a good idea to remove any extraneous objects—such as bookmarks—as they may contain acidic substances and harm the pages over time.

Stack strategically.

When you’re stacking boxes of books, put the heaviest volumes on the bottom and stack smaller boxes on top of larger ones. This strategy will help prevent the containers from toppling over or getting crushed.

Don’t:

Use standard cardboard boxes.

Cardboard can be too weak to support the weight of books and can also leave your collection susceptible to moisture- and pest-related issues. That’s why it’s best to keep your belongings in a watertight plastic container. If you’re storing rare or valuable books, place them in acid-free plastic covers for additional protection.

Overpack.

If you’re trying to save on storage space, you might be tempted to cram as many books as possible into your container. However, overpacking can lead to stress that causes the spines to warp.  

Place boxes directly on the floor.

A quality climate-controlled storage unit won’t likely have any moisture problems, but it’s still wise to keep your boxes off the concrete. Sometimes, moisture can collect on the floor and damage the bottom of the container, as well as spur mold growth. Instead, stack your boxes on wooden pallets.

If you’re in need of a place to store your library, Another Attic Self Storage offers exceptional facilities to keep your books and other sensitive belongings safe. Open seven days a week, this Amarillo, TX, business offers secure, climate-controlled units to help shield your items from environmental damage. Focused on helping clients save, this provider also offers competitive rates and free truck use for new renters. To learn more about their size and price options, visit them online. For inquiries about available units, call a friendly associate at (806) 372-2222.