How To Store Books

If you’re an avid reader, you probably believe that no one can have too many books. Maybe you can’t seem to get your hands on enough mystery novels, or perhaps you’re focused on collecting rare antique books from the 16th century. 

Whether you devour sci-fi stories or autobiographies, there’s a good chance your bookshelf is overflowing. But that doesn’t mean you need to part with your beloved collection—it just means you need to find another book storage solution.

But how exactly do you store your books if you don’t have room for them on your bookshelf? That’s where our guide can help. Below, we’ve gathered book storage ideas and rounded up our top tips on how to store books for long or short periods. Follow along to learn how to keep your book collection in tip-top shape. 

How to Store Books for Years to Come 

There are a lot of reasons why you might need some book storage solutions. Whether you’re decluttering your home or moving into a smaller space, these 12 foolproof book storage tips will help preserve books of all types.

Tip #1: Take Inventory

Taking inventory of your collection tends to be the first tip on any storage guide, and for a good reason. After all, what’s the point of hanging on to that romance novel you absolutely loathed? Or what about that cookbook you borrowed and forgot to give back to your sister? There’s really no point taking up valuable storage space for books you no longer want, need, or even rightfully own. 

So dive into your books and see if there’s anything that you want to toss, donate, or give back to its owner. When it comes to storage, there’s no need to pack up books you have no intention of ever revisiting again. 

Tip #2: Clean Your Books

Now that you’ve narrowed down your books to those that you really want to hold on to, it’s time to clean them up. Use a soft brush to gently wipe them down and get rid of any dust, dirt, and grime. Look for any food or beverage stains, and check for insect droppings, which may indicate a pest problem. And above all, ensure none of your books are damp, as this could encourage mold or mildew to grow in storage. 

If you’re wondering how to preserve your books, making sure they’re clean is essential—storing them away dirty can lead to bigger problems down the road. 

Tip #3: Air Out Your Books

Another important book storage idea is to air your books out before packing them away. This is because sometimes books can begin to smell musty after a while, especially if you haven’t opened them in years. 

This step is absolutely crucial if any of your books seem wet or damp.

Tip #4: Don’t Remove Dust Jackets

It’s sometimes tempting to remove the dust jackets from your books, but as their name suggests, they actually serve a purpose. Dust jackets can help keep your books in good condition, so make sure they’re clean and keep them on whenever possible. 

Tip #5: Use Acid-Free Paper to Wrap Each Book

Even if your books have dust covers, we still recommend wrapping them up before placing them in storage. The best way to store books is by gently placing acid-free packing paper around each one to give it some cushioning. 

If you don’t have any packing paper, paper towels or bubble wrap will work just fine. Avoid using newspaper; it can transfer ink to the binding; you should also avoid plastic because it can attract and trap moisture. 

Tip #6: Choose a Storage Container

There are a lot of different storage ideas for books, but plastic containers and cardboard boxes are perhaps the easiest (and most affordable!) options. If you really want to take it up a notch, you can always look into archival containers—these are acid-free boxes designed for holding documents, paperwork, and books. 

Whatever you choose, we recommend finding one with a lid to keep outside elements from interfering with your books. 

Tip #7: Store Books Upright

Storing your books vertically with their page edges facing upward is one of the best ways to store books. This helps them keep their shape without putting too much strain on their spines. The only exception to this tip is if you have some really heavy books—in that case, we suggest laying them flat on the bottom of the storage container. 

Tip #8: Avoid Packing the Books Too Tightly or Too Loosely

When it comes to book storage, you need to take special precautions. Packing your books too tightly together can cause them to bend or warp, while packing them too loosely means they could get tossed around and damaged. It might take some finagling, but experiment with the way you pack your books to find a comfortable fit. 

Remember, you can always add more packaging paper or bubble wrap in the container for extra padding. 

Tip #9 Add Silica Gel Packets to the Storage Container

You’ve probably noticed the silica gel packets that come in shoeboxes and vitamin jars. They help absorb moisture, and placing them in storage with your books serves the same purpose. If they’re not too old, you can repurpose the gel packets you already have; otherwise, you can always buy a new pack. Just be sure to replace them every six months or so to ensure they’re properly absorbent.

Tip #10: Don’t Store Your Books in a Place With High Temperatures and/or Humidity

When searching for the best storage spot to keep your boxes, it’s best to find a cool, dry place with air circulation. It’s also essential to avoid places that experience warm temperatures and humidity, as this can increase the chance of moisture. Furthermore, remember to avoid storing them in a spot exposed to direct sunlight, which could cause the ink and cover artwork on your books to fade. 

Tip #11: Consider a Climate-Controlled Storage Unit

If you don’t have an appropriate storage place in your home or would prefer to keep your collection off-site, look into climate-controlled storage units. These units are specially designed to maintain a specific humidity level and temperature range within the space. When you rent these units, you don’t have to worry about extreme temperatures or the negative impact humidity and moisture can have on your belongings. In fact, it doesn’t even matter what the weather is doing at all—your books will stay at a comfortable temperature at all times. 

Tip #12: Periodically Check on Your Collection

Finally, avoid packing up your books and never looking at them again. It’s a good idea to inspect your collection in storage to make sure nothing has changed. You’ll want to look out for fluctuations in temperatures, the presence of moisture, mold or mildew growth, or signs of pests. If you notice any of this, be sure to make the appropriate changes, such as finding a new location for your books. 

In addition to ensuring everything looks in good condition, checking on your books in storage every now and again gives you the opportunity to swap out books to keep the collection you have on display at home current.

Learn More About Stor-It

Are you looking for a trusty and reliable storage facility in Treasure Valley? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Stor-It is the largest and oldest storage facility in Idaho, meaning we know everything there is to know about storage—and then some. We feature more than 15 convenient locations in McCall, Boise, Nampa, Caldwell, and Meridian, where you’ll find indoor and outdoor storage spaces in a wide range of sizes. Whether you’re looking for storage tips or hunting for storage locations near you, we can help. Contact us today!