Book Storage  

Book storage has become increasing popular for people who need self storage of books that are valuable & irreplaceable.  Collections of books can quickly grow out of hand while taking up unnecessary storage space in your household.   Book storage is a great option that will keep your books safe & secure until you need them again.  Before you rent a book storage unit make sure that it is a climate controlled and that it is specialized for book storage. 

Cleaning books before storing ensures that your books are less susceptible to mildew, corrosion and stains from dirt & dust while be stored in your space.  Book spines are fragile and require special attention so be very carefull when preparing your books. Gentle cleaning of your books significantly increase their shelt life which can be very important when your books are collectors items of historic value.  Extremely dirty books may need to be vacummed using a brush attachment before pack them away. 

Be sure to check the book for bookmarks, pieces of paper and flowers that are between the different pages. because such items are high in acid content and may damages the pages during storage.  Paper clips and different fasteners can also damage your books by staining, tearing or creasing the paper. 

Packing books for maximum protection during storage be sure to pack the books together in small specialized boxes designed for books.  Big boxes can become too heavy and it also alows for more room to shift that can damage the spines and covers of the books.  Do not store or pack books with other storage items such as glass or collectibles that can break.  Choose moving boxes that are lignin free and chemcially purified for added protection.  Do not use news paper to pack and store books because the ink of the newspaper can bleed over onto the book covers over time. 

Organize your books into categories so it will be easier to label.  Spend the time to take an inventory of your collection of books for insurance purposes in the event of theft or damage such as a fire or flood.  You will need an itemized record to submit to your insurance company.  If your collection is expensive be sure to have insurance for your protection. 

Pack similar size books within each books for proper stacking & to get the most of the space that you have available.  The rate depends on the size of the unit that you lease so be sure to get your monies worth.  Stack each book to top of each other and fill in the empty space with acid free storage paper.  Label each box with the category of books that you are storing. 

if you have questions about the storage of your books consult a librarian or antiques specialist before you use any cleaning or preservation products on your books.  Book self storage can be the best investment  you make in storing, keeping or enjoying your collection of books. 

Book Storage