How to store books in safe, long-term book storage is a question many avid book collectors have. Here, we will guide you through best practice when it comes to storing them. 

Kindles, e-books and audio books have all become a part of this tech-savvy world but, for the avid book reader, nothing beats reading a proper book. The feel, the smell, it all adds to the wonder of reading that so many of us find joy in. 

But, if you are an avid book lover, chances are you have a large collection and with British homes 20% smaller than they were in the 1970s, you may not have the room for them all. This is where our long-term book storage comes in. 

Within this article, we will guide you through how to store books in safe, long-term book storage that will help your books to stay in excellent condition, ready for when you next want to read them.

Choose The Right Long-Term Book Storage Location 

Next, you really need to think about the right long-term book storage location. There are many factors that you need to consider and, within this section, we will go through them. 

Limit Direct Sunlight

Wherever you choose to store your books, you will want to make sure to limit the amount of direct sunlight that hits them, particularly if you do not plan to box them up. Sunlight can cause the colours on your book jackets to fade and change colour. 

Check Humidity Levels 

Next, you need to make sure that the humidity levels are corrected for long-term book storage. Humidity and books do not mix well. It can cause mould, warping and attract pests so it is best to choose somewhere that is not very humid or where you can control the humidity. 

Utilise Our Long-Term Book Storage

Our self storage units will be a perfect place to store your book collections as they are clean, dry and extremely secure. 

If you do choose to place them into self storage, you will need to get them ready for it. Here, we will talk you through the process. 

Clean All The Books Before Placing In Storage

Firstly, it is very important that you prepare your books before you place them into storage. And the first step of doing this is to use a soft, dry paintbrush to  remove any dust and dirt from the cover and the page. Do use any type of damp cloth to wipe your books as this will create moisture that will cause mould to grow. 

After you have done this, you need to give your books a good sniff, checking if they smell musty or damp. This is a sign that your books have actually already retained moisture so they need to be aired out before the packing begins 

Next, you need to check your books for insect eggs. These will look like small black seeds and are usually crammed between the pages and binding. Removed these thoroughly with the paintbrush.

Use The Right Packing Materials

Next, you will want to make sure that you pack your books properly. Firstly, you will want to wrap your books using acid-free paper.

Once they are wrapped, you can begin packing them. As you are storing your books in long-term book storage, you will want to use acid free archive boxes. These will protect your books from chemicals that can be found in other packing materials. Do not use plastic boxes as these can retain moisture which will damage your books. 

Avoid Storing On The Floor 

It is best to not store your books on the floor, even if they are in boxes. If they are on the floor, they will be hard to manoeuvre and lift. Also, it will be easier to spill something on them. Add shelving to your storage unit so they are kept safe. 

How To Store Books: Safe Long-Term Book Storage 

When it comes to long-term book storage, it is important that you take the time to find the perfect location to store them in. And it is really important that you prepare the books for storage, cleaning them and packing them properly. 

Doing this will keep your book collection safe from environmental factors and, by choosing a professional storage company, they will also be safe from theft. 

If you would like to know more about our self store, please click here to find your local store.