How to Store Books in a Storage Unit: The Ultimate Storage Guide
Why you should store books in a storage unit
The benefits of storing books in a storage unit are numerous. First, the array of sizes available means you can choose the perfect storage unit to fit your book collection. A storage unit also provides a clean, dry, and climate-controlled environment, which can protect your books from extreme temperature fluctuations and humidity. In addition, the security features help protect your books from pests and other potential damage. Moreover, taking a few steps before packing your books away, such as cleaning and dusting them and wrapping rare or limited edition volumes in acid-free archival paper, can help further protect them from soiling, staining, warping, and mildew. Finally, packing your books into several small to medium boxes, and stacking large to small, will help to ensure your readers don't shift and get damaged in transit.
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What to consider when storing books in a storage unit
When considering storing books in a storage unit, there are a few things to consider to keep them in good condition:
1. Choose a climate-controlled storage unit to help maintain a constant temperature and humidity.
2. Clean the book's cover with a chemical-free or magnetic cloth, and vacuum the book's edges with a dusting brush to remove any dust or dirt.
3. Pack the books in sturdy cardboard or plastic boxes with labels on the outside to help keep them organized.
4. Keep the boxes elevated off the ground to help prevent moisture from seeping in.
5. Purchase shelving or another type of storage solution to store the boxes of books off the floor of the storage unit.
6. Air out musty or damp feeling books for at least 24 hours in a dry room.
Best practices for storing books in a storage unit
What are the best procedures for storing books in a storage unit? [Step-by-step instructions]
Step 1: Inspect your books for dust, insect eggs, and clean covers and pages.
Step 2: Wrap the books correctly in protective material, such as acid-free and lignin-free cardboard boxes.
Step 3: Rent a reliable, climate-controlled storage unit for your books.
Step 4: Place your books upright on shelves or stack them flat, with more extensive books on the bottom, in cardboard boxes.
Step 5: Use bookends to prevent angling, which can cause damage to the book spine.
Step 6: Keep stacks short (no higher than 12 inches) to prevent the bottom books from being damaged by the weight of the stacked books.
Step 7: Keep the boxes of books elevated off the ground to prevent moisture from soaking up from the concrete.