How To: Store Books | Tips to Storing Books

Josh Neimark • March 9, 2022

Tips to Storing Books

I need to confess, at times, my house looks like a used book store. I try as hard as I can, but I cannot seem to get rid of the many books I have read and plan to read over the years! 


When it comes time to store your books, you want to make sure that they look the same when you put them in as when you take them out. So you can read and love them for many years to come, and perhaps hand them onto another generation to love and care for too.


So, how do you store books safely?

Placing Your Books in Self Storage


Like books, not all storage centers are created equal. So make sure you choose one that is cool, dry, safe, clean, and in an environment that’s safe away from all the nasty sunlight, leaky pipes, and evil mice.

Handle Your Books With Care


Handle your books as if they are a newborn child.


Okay, maybe you don’t have to cradle them, but try not to drop them. If you want to keep your beloved books in the best condition, then handle them with care. Depending on the quality or type of books, you may choose to pack them in smaller boxes or place them on bookshelves in your storage unit! 


While packing your books, keep this in mind, it is okay to make a few more trips. You don’t need to pack everything in one box. Let you book breath a little. 

Be Aware of Humidity


Just like Goldilocks, your books are going to want it not too hot, but not too cold.


To keep it just right, avoid heat sources like air vents and radiators, as dry heat like this can crack the spines by melting the glue that holds the book together. Also, avoid water and any potential water sources that could leak, like old pipes. If you are storing your books on the ground, make sure to place them on a pallet first. Now the books will be elevated in case of a flood or leak.


I don’t think we have to explain how a leak can damage your books, but even condensation from water sources can cause mold to grow.

Keep It Clean


Find a storage unit that is clean and dust-free. This will be a unit that is inside. No matter how good they are, outside storage units will eventually allow air and dust inside if you plan on storing for a period that could mean a dustbowl in your unit. 


Check out our other “How to” series

-How To: Store Documents

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Running a home-based business offers flexibility and lower operating costs, but it also creates one common challenge: space. Whether you're storing inventory, shipping supplies, equipment, documents, or seasonal products, it's easy for your home to become overcrowded. Instead of sacrificing valuable living space, many entrepreneurs turn to self storage as an affordable way to keep their businesses organized while maintaining a productive work environment. The right storage solutions can help improve efficiency, protect valuable assets, and create room for business growth.
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Settling an estate after the loss of a loved one is often both emotionally and logistically challenging. Families frequently need to sort through years of personal belongings while coordinating with relatives, attorneys, real estate professionals, and executors. Making rushed decisions during this process can lead to unnecessary stress and even the accidental disposal of valuable or sentimental items.  This is where self storage can provide practical support. Temporary storage units give families the time and space needed to organize possessions, prepare homes for sale, and complete probate responsibilities without feeling pressured. Whether you need climate controlled storage , drive up storage , or other secure storage options, choosing the right storage solution can make estate cleanouts significantly more manageable.