Moving and Storing Household Items

If you plan on moving to a new home, and you have several books you decided to keep in a storage unit due to space issues, protecting them from wear is most likely a concern. Books need special care to keep them from becoming covered with mold or ruined from pests. Here are some steps you can take to ensure your reading media is kept in the best possible shape while being stored long-term in a storage unit.

Take Time To Clean Books Before Packaging

It is important to clean your books before placing them inside boxes or on shelves. If an insect or larvae is present on one of them, you may find yourself with an infestation in your storage unit upon your return. Microscopic moisture droplets may also be present on books, leading to the risk of mold if they are contained where conditions are excessively humid. Use a piece of microfiber cloth to wipe down each book jacket and exposed page edges before placing books in boxes to bring to your storage unit. If dust on your books is excessive, a soft-bristled vacuum cleaner attachment can be used to whisk it away.

Select The Right Boxes To Keep Books Safe

If you plan on placing books inside boxes, make sure they are made from acid-free cardboard. Archival boxes are made to protect documentation and work well at protecting books from premature wear. It is a good idea to use new boxes rather than reuse older ones. If the boxes are worn, they are more likely to suffer from rips in the corrugation if something scrapes against them or falls on them. This would then expose your books, putting them at risk for damage. Make sure your boxes have secure lids or flaps that are shut with heavy-duty packing tape to keep books secure inside.

Protect Books From Damage With Proper Placement

Your books should be placed inside boxes vertically with their spines pointing upward. Make sure to pack similar sized books in the same box. This will ensure each book has a sturdy structure on each side of it to keep it from bending. If you are opting to put your books in a bookcase or on a shelf inside your unit, select one made of metal instead of wood. Vapor can be emitted from unprotected wood, leading to damage to books as a result. Consider draping a sheet over a bookcase or shelf to keep books protected from dust cover. 

To learn more, contact a moving supply company.