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LOOKING AFTER YOUR LITERATURE – THE BEST WAY TO PACK BOOKS FOR STORAGE
Despite living in an increasingly digitised world, books are still some of our most treasured possessions. From personal collections to student literature to business stock, there are many reasons why people need to store large quantities of books.While storing books at home may be a viable option if your collection is small or you’re lucky enough to have the available space, for most people, there just isn’t enough room.The urge to stuff them in the garage and forget about them can be strong but – as you will soon find out – the effects of improperly storing your books can be disastrous and result in your books becoming damaged beyond repair.But, before we jump into the dangers, let’s first take a look at the main reasons why people need to properly store their books.
Why store books?
- Personal Collection – it’s surprising how quickly a personal book collection can build up, even for the most casual reader. From the dozens of cookery books you receive every Christmas to those classics that you’ll get round to reading one day, they all need to be kept somewhere safe and not cluttering up your home.
- Students – from the first days of primary school to deep into a university degree, compiling books is part and parcel of being a student. Many of these books are expensive so they’ll need to be taken care of. Likewise, many academic books can be re-sold or handed down to friends and family in future years so they’ll need to be stored to maintain their condition.
- Business – many independent bookshops struggle to find a cost-effective solution to their book storage needs. There’s only so much space in a shop and renting more retail space can be very expensive. Having a cheap and accessible storage space makes it easier to manage stock and keep costs down. This is particularly relevant to online bookselling businesses that need a secure space to store and manage their stock.
- Moving House – moving house can be a great opportunity to de-clutter your home and take advantage of alternative storage spaces. This is especially the case for people who are downsizing and want to keep their treasured book collection but will struggle to find the space.
What are the dangers to your books?
- Climate – like most things, books don’t like extreme temperatures. They should be kept in a storage space that has a relatively steady temperature and humidity. Too much humidity can result in mould and foxing of pages while too little can make books brittle. Some of the worst places for climate control in homes include garages and lofts, which should be reserved for your car and Christmas decorations, not your delicate books.
- Sunlight – exposure to direct sunlight will cause your books to deteriorate over time. UV radiation not only damages the integral structure of books but it will also cause the jacket and spine to fade in colour and the pages to yellow.
- Pests – mice, cockroaches, silverfish, beetles and literal bookworms, they have all been known to feast on the glue and paper that make up books. While pests do not pose a threat in many cases, the risk of damage to your books increases if they are stored improperly in places that are easily accessible to these critters.
How to pack books for storage
Now that you know why people need proper storage solutions for their books and the dangers they face if improperly stored, it’s time for some tried and tested tips on the best way to pack books for storage.
- Make sure all of your books are clean and free from dust and dirt. Once in storage, any dirt or grime on a book will continue to damage it over time and potentially damage other books in its vicinity. As an extra precaution, individually wrapping each both in protective cloth will ensure they are kept in the best possible condition (ideal for rare, limited edition or particularly treasured books).
- Pack books in small to medium sized cardboard boxes or plastic containers. Ideally these boxes would be sturdy document storage boxes that are purposefully built to hold delicate paper-based items.
- Don’t wrap books in anything plastic, including plastic bags or wrap. Plastic can trap moisture which, as we have explained above, can lead to paper crinkling and mould. Storing books in storage boxes allows air to circulate and prevents moisture from building up.
- Don’t pack books with spines up or down. The weight of the book and any other books on top will crack the binding of the book’s spine over time. Pack books either upright or flat to prevent this deterioration.
- Keep an inventory – it’s the Golden Rule of storage. Knowing what books are in storage and in which boxes will save you a great deal of time and effort when you come to retrieve your stuff. Label each box with its contents and make sure you keep the inventory in a safe place.
How to pack books for long-term storage in a storage unit
A self storage unit is one of the best places to store your books. With a consistent climate, high security and the space to meet your exact demands, a storage facility can look after your literature properly, all at a very competitive price. When putting books into long-term storage it’s important that you pack them properly to ensure they stay in the best possible condition. Below are some storage tips for storing books in a storage unit:
- Don’t overload your storage boxes as your books could become deformed or damaged.
- Pack heavier books at the bottom of storage boxes and lighter books on top.
- Always use proper storage boxes, preferably made of robust cardboard.
- Ideally keep books and boxes off the floor using shelves or lining the floor of the storage unit with wooden pallets.
- Don’t stack storage boxes above shoulder height to avoid any accidents.
If you’re looking for a safe, accessible but cost-effective way to store your books, get in touch with the Flexible Storage team to see how we can help. With our years of experience, secure storage facility and vast supply of specialist storage materials, we can provide the best solution to your book storage needs.
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Motorhomes can be a lot of fun! They allow you to travel at your own pace, wherever you want and with whomever you want. Just like the name suggests, they are a smaller version of your home you can travel with and go on adventures with. The only slight downside of them is the limited space they offer. They can definitely make managing space efficiently a bit tricky. So, whether you're hitting the road for a quick weekend getaway or planning an epic cross-country journey, making the most of your motor home's limited square footage is key to a comfortable and fun trip. Luckily, with a sprinkle of creativity and some savvy decluttering strategies, you can optimise your space and travel lighter than ever before. Here are some tips to help you declutter your motor home and keep your sanity intact: Sort Through Your Stuff Let's start by taking a friendly stroll through your belongings. Take a good look at what you've got and ask yourself, "Do I really need this?" Separate your must-haves from the nice-to-haves to streamline your packing process and create more room for adventure. Think Vertical In the cosy confines of a motor home, every inch counts. Get friendly with your walls by installing shelves, hooks, and organisers to maximise vertical space. This clever trick not only frees up precious floor real estate but also keeps your essentials within arm's reach. Choose Furniture Wisely When it comes to furniture, it's all about being friendly to your space. Opt for pieces that pull double duty, like a table with hidden storage or a sofa that moonlights as a bed. By choosing multifunctional furniture, you'll make your motor home feel friendlier and more functional. Downsize Your Wardrobe We all know that feeling of having too many clothes and nothing to wear. Keep your wardrobe fuss-free by packing only the essentials and embracing mix-and-match versatility. Bonus points for lightweight fabrics that play nice with limited storage space. Keep Decor Simple When it comes to decor, less is definitely more in the world of motor home living. Choose friendly decor items that serve a purpose or bring a smile to your face, and steer clear of cluttering up your surfaces with unnecessary knick-knacks. Think sleek storage solutions and space-saving goodies to keep things cosy yet clutter-free. Stay on Top of Maintenance A little friendly maintenance goes a long way in keeping your motor home shipshape. Take a few minutes each day to tidy up and put things back where they belong. By staying on top of maintenance tasks, you'll keep clutter at bay and maintain a welcoming atmosphere on your travels. Pack with Purpose Packing for a motor home adventure is all about thinking about your future self. Choose lightweight, multipurpose items that pull their weight on the road, and invest in space-saving travel gear like collapsible kitchenware and vacuum-sealed storage bags. With a friendly packing strategy, you'll be ready for whatever the road throws your way. Consider Self-Storage As you embark on your journey to declutter your motor home, consider the convenience and flexibility of self-storage. For items that you don't need on every trip but can't bear to part with, a self-storage unit offers the perfect solution. Whether it's seasonal clothing, bulky furniture, or sentimental keepsakes, self-storage provides a secure home away from home. With Flexible Storage, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your belongings are safe and accessible whenever you need them. So, as you streamline your motor home for lighter travels, let self-storage be your trusted travel companion. With these decluttering tips, you'll be well on your way to lighter, brighter motor home travels. Here's to making room for more memories and embracing the joy of the open road! If you need a self-storage solution, Flexible Storage is here to save the day! Check out our website to learn more! Or contact us now to get your self-storage journey started!
Discover the essential steps to ensure your classic beauty stands the test of time in pristine condition. Embark on a journey to store automotive legacy today!
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