Books are full of memories, knowledge, and heritage and can have great sentimental (and monetary) value - which is why extra caution should be taken packing them and putting them into storage. Here are our top tips on how to store books so that you can maximise space and move them safely to help prevent ripped pages, marked covers, bent spines or water damage.
Review your collection
Before packing your books, go through your collection and slim down on the ones you no longer want to keep. These can be donated or sold to avoid spending time and effort on putting them into storage. We know this decision can be a tough one for book lovers, so make sure you take your time.
Size matters
The best way to pack books for storage is to use strong cardboard boxes, but it is important to find the right size. In order to use space economically, you want your boxes to be full, but if you choose a box that is too large, it will be too heavy to carry once your books are packed. At Make Space, we provide a wide range of packing materials to help with your storage. Take a look at our Self Storage Packing Boxes today.
Use cardboard for book support
If you have any particularly fragile books, you may want to place cardboard on the outside of the covers before packing to provide additional support. This will ensure that books remain intact and do not move within your boxes.
Use masking tape for packing
Whilst packing tape is the obvious choice for sealing boxes, its stickiness can cause damage your books if it comes into contact with them. For this reason, some people prefer to seal boxes full of books with masking tape, which is less likely to cause any damage. Of course, masking tape isn’t as strong, so bear in mind that additional layers will be required.
Line your boxes
Lining your boxes with layers of kraft roll paper will offer some additional protection to your books once they are inside the box. You may also want to individually wrap any valuable books in acid-free packing tissue.
Pack delicate books at the top
Roughly organise your books by weight so that when it comes to filling boxes, heavy books can be placed at the bottom, and lighter, more delicate books can go at the top. This will help to prevent them from getting crushed.
Don’t forget to label
Once you have safely packed your books into boxes, wrapped and taped, make sure to label them so you don’t need to unnecessarily unpack. It may also help to show which side of the box is the top so that they can be handled correctly.
Do not store on the floor
Once you have packed your books, it’s important to consider where you store them. Placing the boxes on shelving or racking means they are protected from any flood damage that may occur from a leak or water sitting on the floor. For any books with a specifically large monetary value being kept in a storage unit, we recommend that you check they are covered under your storage unit insurance, in case the worst should happen.
Following these tips on how to pack books for storage will dramatically reduce the risk of any damage occurring, as well as make your life easier. If you are looking for personal or business storage for your books and belongings in East London, West Sussex or Essex, get in touch with our friendly team today.