When Was the Last Time You Went Through Your Books?
If you’re an avid reader, then you likely have a large collection of books that fills several shelves throughout your home. You’ve read most of what’s on the shelf, and you have a stack next to the bed that you’re currently working your way through. At EZ Storage® in Pittsburgh, we know how special your books can be, but when was the last time you went through your collection? There might be a few you could donate or at least store so that they’re not taking up space in the house. If you’re looking for a self-storage unit, then visit one of our metro-area locations today!
Rare Books and First Editions
For many book collectors, the gems of their library are those rare books and first edition printings. You might have some books that are very old, and you want to be sure that they’re protected at all times. You may even keep them behind glass, and should you need to store them, then it’s important to take the proper steps.
When storing rare books and first editions, wrap them in acid-free archival paper. Your local library may be able to help you locate some, since their job is to deal with books on a daily basis. You’ll also want to make sure you box your books appropriately. Most first editions are hardcovers, and you don’t want to damage the spine or the binding on any book.
Hardcovers vs Paperbacks
Speaking of hardcover books, there is a right way and a wrong way to store them. As we said, you don’t want to damage the spine or the binding, which is why it’s best to store each book flat, with a similarly sized book on top of it. This way, the weight is on the face of the book, rather than the spine. If you were to put a book on its spine or its front edge, there could be an increased risk of the binding separating from the spine or the edges getting dented or bent.
As for paperbacks, they’re a bit easier to store. You can lay them flat or stand them upright, just keep in mind that they’re more susceptible to bending and warping over time if they’re not securely packed into a box. It’s also important to think about the weight of each box, because even though an individual paperback is lightweight, when you put 50 to 100 in a box, it’s going to be somewhat heavy to carry.
Climate-Controlled Storage
When packing books for storage, you’re always keeping in mind how they’re packed and how much each box weighs. You’re doing everything you can to protect them from damage and moisture, but what about temperature? Heat can be book’s worst enemy, which is why it’s smart to look into climate-controlled storage units. Every one of our Pittsburgh locations has climate-controlled options. Our staff will gladly show you which units are available, and they can answer any questions you have about temperature and humidity control.
Store For the Time You Need
You love having your books on the shelf, and you’ve made it a priority to keep them organized. Should you need to store some of them while you move or remodel, then we’ll make sure each box is safe and sound. With our monthly lease options, you can store your books for the time you need, and then take them all home when you’re ready. If you’re going through your books, trying to decide which ones to keep, then it could be good to set some aside for storage, some for donation, and some that will stay on the shelves.
At EZ Storage®, we’re here to help you find the best self-storage options for your books. Visit us today to learn more!