Books can introduce you to new worlds, fresh ideas, and characters that fill your imagination. Unfortunately, since books are made from paper, which doesn’t mesh well with heat, cold, and rough wear, they require a little extra care while in storage. Here are a few critical do’s and don’ts for storing books and how you can protect your treasured library.

Do: 

Secure a temperature-controlled storage unit. 

To protect your books from the heat and cold, look for a temperature-controlled storage unit. These storage units are heated in winter and cooled in summer, keeping stored papers from warping and fraying. If you have questions about storage unit temperature controls, speak with the facility’s management staff. 

Wrap books.

Prevent scratches, tears, and folds to covers and pages by wrapping books in dust jackets or small cloths. Dust jackets can be purchased online and applied to books like removable sleeves. Choose jackets made from cloth or acid-free paper for the best protection. 

Don’t: 

Treat all books the same. 

Large, heavy books do better laid flat, but you may stand smaller, lighter books upright in a row within a box. When you pack books, think about the condition of each along with its weight and dimensions. If a book is especially old or fragile, wrap it carefully in a moisture-proof plastic or cloth cover and give it lots of cushioning inside the box.

Pack too tightly. 

Although it may be tempting to pack books tightly into boxes to preserve space, this practice could subject them to force that could damage their bindings, especially if books are stacked. Instead, give books packed away in boxes space. Never pack books so tightly that they don’t move when you shake the box slightly.

When you’re ready to start moving items into storage, turn to AAA Storage Center in Ashland, KY. With a variety of unit sizes and 24-hour access, you can store everything you need with convenience. To find out more about how they’ll help you keep your property safe and secure, visit their website, or give their office a call at (606) 928-9524.