For all the good things about Kindles, audiobooks, and e-readers, nothing can match the experience of reading physical books. The touch, feel, weight, and smell all add to the magic and can transport us not just through the pages but back to our youth. As book lovers, we often find ourselves with an ever-growing collection of cherished titles. So, it becomes essential to know how to store books properly, ensuring their longevity and preservation.
Whether you’re seeking efficient book storage solutions in London or exploring the art of storing books, understanding the best practices for maintaining their condition is paramount.
“Reading is a passport to countless adventures” – Mary Pope Osborne.
So, how do you keep your books safe and in good condition in the long term? Here at Metro Storage, we’ve seen our units filled with precious books of all shapes and sizes over the years, so we know a thing or two about keeping those pages safe so you, or someone else, can enjoy them over and over.
This information package is for those who want to ensure that their beloved books stay fresh for a lifetime. Browse through to learn everything about storing books and finding a perfect, flexible book storage solution in London that will treat your books as well as you do.
Your ultimate guide on How to store books:
1.) The number one rule for storing books – Limit Direct Sunlight
For our books at home, the temptation is there to show them off. The problem is when they start to dominate, and before you know it, there’s a mini library growing in a corner of your room taking up space. To prevent any potential damage, it’s important not to expose your books to direct sunlight for too long as this dulls the cover art and can turn the pages brown. To guarantee the long-lasting preservation of your books and create more space in your living area, make sure to hide the books from the sun!
2.) Humidity is a killer of books
Humidity is perhaps the biggest enemy of books. It causes condensation and dampness, which can lead to mould, warping, and even attract pests. None of these things are good for the safekeeping of your favourite novels. So, to store your books appropriately, make sure to avoid any humid spaces or exposing them to humidity for the long run.
3.) Watch out for pests!
If you’re using a self-storage solution, this is a good general tip. The T’s & C’s will carefully explain what is not to be stored as some items do attract pests looking for a home. Unkempt books provide safety and warmth for insects. Rest assured, we here at Metro Storage provide pest-free spaces in London with excellent air quality to make sure that your books remain safe.
4.) Don’t over or under-pack your boxes
Not enough space between books can cause them to bend, while too much space can lead to dents and dings. No good for that special first edition you’ve kept safe all this time. It’s also advisable to use padding. Bubble wrap and acid-free paper between books will keep them from damage.
5.) Use small boxes – and stack properly
It’s often tempting to lump as many books as you can into the smallest number of boxes. Your back will be the first to complain when you later try to lift your complete collections of Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and Stephen King back catalogues. It’s also useful to think about how they sit next to each other. Don’t rest the books on their spines or stack them on top of each other. Large books can lie flat, but that’s about it. So, to ensure the most loving storage for your books, make sure to appreciate their need for space too.
6.) Save that dust jacket
Collectors know that a dust jacket in good condition can significantly increase the value of a book, but it also works for protection. Use acid-free paper to wrap books or line boxes; acid found in newspaper ink, for instance, can react to the ink and destroy the book.
7.) Don’t forget added protection
One trick we’ve picked up is saving silica packets from other things we’ve bought to stick in boxes with books. There are other moisture-absorbing products you can use to protect the pages, but silica gel works like a charm. Ask more about the best options from our friendly customer service team!
8.) Avoid the floor
Finally, don’t place your book boxes directly on the floor, either in a storage unit or at home. Aside from the fact that they’re a pain to lift, it can also damage them if something spills. Try to use shelving (perfect for books, either at home or in a unit), or rest boxes atop pallets or other boxes.
Find your book storage in London today: Metro Storage is a book-handling specialist
At Metro Storage, we have many different-sized storage rooms to suit your needs. We can help advise and source stand-alone shelving for the books you want to protect. All our storage rooms come with free insurance for full peace of mind.
We also have extended opening hours, so you can access your books whenever you want. Give us a call for free on 0800 999 5881, or fill in a form, and we’ll get in touch with you.
If you have any questions about best practices in storing your books, we’re here to help. Just reach out to us so we help protect your books so that they’ll last for decades ahead.
And remember: “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go!” – Dr. Seuss 😊
