The Expert Guide on How To Store Books

Storing books might seem as simple as stacking them in boxes and tucking them away, but if you want to keep your collection in pristine condition, there’s a little more to it. Whether you’re a passionate book collector, a student with valuable texts or someone who simply wants to keep their favourite reads safe, knowing how to store books in a storage unit, and elsewhere, is essential.

In this expert guide, we’ll walk you through all the essential steps of storing books, starting with preparing your collection, packing your books and storing your boxes. By following these tips, you can ensure your books are kept in great condition, ready to be enjoyed for years to come.

Why Proper Book Storage Matters

As every book lover knows, books are more than just collections of paper and ink; they can hold significant sentimental value, historical importance and monetary worth. However, books are also delicate, and poor storage techniques could permanently damage their integrity.

Risks of Improper Storage:

• Mould & Mildew: Books stored in damp or humid environments are highly susceptible to mould and mildew, which can cause irreversible staining and musty odours that are difficult to remove.
• Warping & Bending: If books aren’t stored properly — like in stacks or without adequate support — they can warp, bend and lose shape over time.
• Pest Damage: Insects such as silverfish and booklice are notorious for feasting on paper and book bindings, and flourish in poorly maintained storage environments.
• Sunlight and Temperature Fluctuations: Exposure to direct sunlight or extreme temperature changes can fade book covers, dry out bindings and cause the paper to become brittle.

Taking the time to store your books correctly, particularly when using a storage unit, ensures that they’re kept in good condition, which will help preserve their value and readability. So whether you’re storing a beloved collection or valuable first editions, proper storage is essential to keep your books looking as good as the day they were printed.

Preparing Your Books for Storage

The first step to storing books is taking the time and care to prepare them for storage. This means cleaning and organising your collection, which will help prevent damage and make it easier to find specific books later on.

Cleaning Your Books Before Storage

Dust and dirt might seem harmless but they can cause staining and even attract pests over time. Here’s how to clean your books before storing them:

1. Dust the Covers: Use a soft, dry cloth or a gentle brush to remove dust from the covers. For particularly dusty books, you can use a handheld vacuum with a soft brush attachment, but be careful not to damage the cover or pages.
2. Check Between Pages: Flip through the pages and remove any bookmarks, paperclips or other items that could cause dents or marks.
3. Wipe Down the Edges: The edges of your books often collect dust and dirt. Gently wipe them with a clean cloth, moving from the spine outward to avoid pushing debris into the binding — this is particularly important for hardbacks!

Proper cleaning helps ensure that your books stay in the best possible condition while in storage.

Sorting and Categorising Your Books

Once your books are clean, the next step is to sort and categorise them. This makes packing easier and allows for more efficient storage:

1. Group by Type: Sort your books by genre, size or purpose. You could, for example, keep all fiction together, separate textbooks from novels or group oversized books separately to ensure they are stored properly.
2. Consider Frequency of Access: If you anticipate needing certain books more often than others, keep those together and pack them in boxes that will be easier to access in your storage unit.
3. Label Your Categories: Clearly label the boxes based on their contents. This will make it much easier to find specific books later, especially if you have a large collection.

By taking these steps to clean and organise your books, you’re setting the stage for successful long-term storage, ensuring your collection remains in top condition and is easy to navigate when you need it. For more practical tips for arranging your storage unit, take a look at our guide on How To Organise a Storage Unit.

How To Pack Books for Storage

The next step to storing your books is packing them! Done properly and your books will be safe from the risks of warping, turning yellow or having their spines broken. From choosing the right materials to using the best packing techniques, here’s how to ensure your books are kept safe and sound.

Choosing the Right Packing Materials

The materials you use to pack your books can significantly affect their preservation in storage. Here are some recommendations:

1. Plastic Storage Containers: Plastic boxes are an excellent choice for storing books because they are water-resistant, pest-proof and incredibly sturdy. While they may be heavier and more expensive than cardboard boxes, they offer superior protection against environmental hazards.

Pro Tip: If you use transparent containers, try to keep them out of direct sunlight as this could bleach covers and turn pages brittle.

2. Sturdy Cardboard Boxes: If you prefer cardboard, choose small to medium-sized boxes that can support the weight of books without breaking. Cardboard boxes are more affordable and lighter, but they don’t offer the same level of protection against water, humidity or pests as plastic containers.

Pro Tip: If you use cardboard boxes, be sure to use good-quality packing tape to seal them securely. 

3. Acid-Free Packing Paper: Use acid-free paper to wrap your books before placing them in boxes or containers. This helps protect the covers and pages from yellowing and other damage over time.
4. Label Clearly: Label each box clearly with its contents and the category of books inside, making it easier to find specific titles later.

Packing Techniques to Protect Your Books

Once you have your materials ready, it’s time to start packing. Proper packing techniques will help prevent damage and make your boxes easier to handle:

1. Lay Books Flat or Upright: When packing books, either lay them flat or stand them upright as you would on a bookshelf. Avoid packing books with the spine facing up or down, as this can lead to warping.
2. Don’t Overfill Boxes: Leave a small gap at the top of each container to prevent crushing the books. If there’s extra space, fill it with crumpled paper or bubble wrap to keep the books from shifting during transit.
3. Heaviest Books at the Bottom: Place heavier books at the bottom and lighter books on top. This helps distribute the weight evenly and prevents damage to more delicate books.
4. Wrap Valuable & Fragile Books: For rare, antique or particularly delicate books, wrap them individually in acid-free paper or bubble wrap before placing them in the box or container.

By choosing the right materials and packing your books carefully, you can ensure they remain well-protected and in excellent condition throughout their time in storage.

Best Practices for Storing Books in a Storage Unit

Once your books are packed and ready to go, the next step is to ensure they’re stored properly in your storage unit. Whether you’re using a shipping container or a traditional storage unit, these best practices will help keep your books in top condition.

Finding the Perfect Storage Unit

When it comes to storing your books, shipping containers make an excellent choice. Having been built to withstand some of the harshest conditions on the planet, they’re incredibly robust. Their sturdy construction ensures that your books are well-protected from the elements, providing a secure environment for your library.

To maximise this protection, make sure your container is well-maintained and free from any leaks or cracks. It’s also worth storing your boxes on pallets or shelving units. While it’s unlikely to be necessary, elevating your books above the ground will help safeguard against potential water damage and provide extra peace of mind.

For more advice on finding the perfect storage unit, check out our guide on How To Choose a Storage Unit.

Keeping Your Books in Storage

How you arrange your packed books in the storage unit can make a big difference in both accessibility and preservation:

1. Create a Stable Base: Place the heaviest boxes at the bottom to create a stable foundation. Stack lighter boxes on top to prevent crushing.
2. Allow for Air Circulation: Avoid packing boxes too tightly against the walls of the storage unit. Leaving a small gap between the boxes and the walls allows for better air circulation, which helps maintain the quality of your books.
3. Organise for Easy Access: If you plan to collect books occasionally, place the boxes you’re most likely to access near the front of the unit. Clear labelling of the boxes will also save time when searching for specific titles.
4. Avoid Direct Sunlight: If your storage unit is exposed to natural light, position your boxes away from direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure can fade book covers and weaken bindings, so it’s best to store them in shaded areas of the unit.
5. Check Your Books: It’s always worth periodically checking on your books to ensure they’re in the same condition as when they went into storage, especially if you’re storing them for long periods of time.

By carefully selecting your storage unit, arranging your books and checking on them now and again, you can ensure that your collection remains safe, accessible and well-preserved for as long as needed.

FAQs

What is the best way to store books in a storage unit?

The best way to store books in a storage unit is by packing them in sturdy, plastic containers or high-quality cardboard boxes, laying them flat or upright and stacking them carefully to prevent damage. Elevate the boxes on pallets to avoid moisture issues and keep them away from direct sunlight.

How do you keep books free from mould in storage?

To prevent mould, ensure your books are clean and dry before storing, use acid-free packing materials and keep them in a well-ventilated storage unit. Elevate the boxes off the floor and allow space between boxes for air circulation.

How to pack books for long-term storage?

For long-term storage, wrap books in acid-free paper, pack them in plastic containers or sturdy boxes and store them flat or upright with the spines supported. Label the boxes and stack them carefully, placing the heaviest ones at the bottom.

Is it okay to store books in plastic containers?

Yes, plastic containers are excellent for storing books as they are water-resistant and pest-proof. Just ensure the containers aren’t airtight to prevent moisture build-up and avoid placing them in direct sunlight.