11 Tips to Master the Art of Efficient Storage Unit Loading

Loading your storage unit can be a daunting task, but with a little know-how, you can make the most of your space while keeping your belongings safe and organized. Here are some practical tips to help you load your storage unit like a pro:

1. Take Inventory and Prioritize

Before you start loading, take stock of all the items you plan to store. Make a mental note of what you’ll need immediate access to and set those items aside for later.

2. Choose the Right Unit

Select a storage unit size that suits your needs and consider whether a climate-controlled unit is necessary for protecting sensitive items from extreme temperatures.

3. Label Everything

Use clear and descriptive labels on each box to identify its contents. Make sure the labels are visible when stacked, so you can easily locate specific items later.

4. Start with Heavy Items at the Bottom

Create a solid foundation by placing heavier items at the bottom of the unit. This will help distribute the weight and prevent damage to fragile items.

5. Protect Furniture

Cover furniture with blankets or protective materials to safeguard against scratches and dents. Take extra care with delicate corners and surfaces.

6. Utilize Vertical Space

Couches can take up a lot of floor space. Save room by standing them on their sides, utilizing the vertical space instead. Remember to secure them properly to prevent tipping.

7. Load in Even Tiers

Arrange your items in horizontal tiers, aligning them with the back wall of the unit. This method maximizes space and ensures stability during loading and unloading.

8. Stack Carefully

As you build upward, stack lighter or fragile items on top of sturdier ones. Be mindful of the weight distribution to prevent toppling.

9. Fill Gaps and Empty Spaces

Make the most of your storage unit by filling any gaps between items. This prevents shifting during transportation and maximizes the use of available space.

10. Document with Photos

Take pictures of each tier or section as you load them. These visual references will help you remember the placement of items and simplify retrieval when needed.

11. Keep Essentials Accessible

If there are items you’ll require soon after unloading, place them in the last tier for easy access. This way, you won’t have to dig through everything to find what you need.

By following these practical tips, you can load your storage unit efficiently, ensuring your belongings are well-organized, protected, and easily accessible when the time comes. Happy loading!

Don’t have a storage to load up? The Storage Advantage has got you covered with a variety of different unit sizes and locations.

How to Storage Tech Guide: Keeping Your Gadgets Safe and Sound

Let’s face it, there are times when we need to bid farewell to our beloved tech gadgets and store them away. Whether it’s an overseas assignment, a temporary move, or simply a need to declutter, putting our tech equipment into storage is a decision we sometimes have to make. While it may not be the ideal solution, we can ensure our gadgets emerge from storage in top condition by taking a few precautions. So, let’s dive into this tech storage guide and get your devices ready for their temporary hibernation.

Step 1: Back Up, Back Up, Back Up!

Before you bid adieu to your computers, external hard drives, tablets, or mobile phones, it’s imperative to back up all your data. Utilize the wonders of cloud storage to ensure easy access to your files and a reliable backup option in case any mishaps occur during storage or transit.

Step 2: Safeguard Your Personal Information

While theft from self-storage units is rare, it’s better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your personal information. Before stowing away your devices, either wipe them clean of any confidential data once you’ve backed everything up or use robust data encryption to protect your sensitive information.

Step 3: Dust Off and Shine On

Dust is the arch-nemesis of delicate tech components. Before tucking your devices away, give them a thorough cleaning. Pay special attention to keyboards, notorious dirt magnets, and ensure they are grime-free. A clean start ensures a smooth comeback when you retrieve your gadgets.

Step 4: Pack Like a Pro

If you’re lucky enough to have the original packaging, it’s the ideal choice for safekeeping. If not, fear not! Wrap each item carefully in breathable padding (avoid plastic to prevent condensation), and place them snugly in sturdy cardboard boxes. Keep your gadgets cozy and secure.

Step 5: Embrace the Climate Control

Extreme temperatures and humidity are kryptonite to electronic equipment. Consider investing in a climate-controlled self-storage unit for long-term storage. While it may cost a bit more, it offers optimal protection for your precious tech. Take the time to compare storage prices and find the perfect fit.

Step 6: Label, Label, Label

In the spirit of future-proofing your tech retrieval process, don’t forget to label everything clearly. Take extra care to label cables—trust me, in six months’ time, you won’t remember which cable goes where. A little effort now will save you heaps of time and frustration later.

Step 7: Placement Matters

When it’s time to settle your tech into the storage unit, choose your spot wisely. Avoid placing boxes directly on the floor, as it can expose them to temperature fluctuations. If you can’t utilize stable furniture, consider using old wooden pallets as a makeshift platform. Elevating your tech boxes allows for better airflow and safeguards your equipment. Oh, and remember, avoid stacking heavy items to prevent potential crushing.

By following these tech storage tips, you’ll ensure the safety and security of your beloved gadgets and the valuable data they hold. Embrace the storage adventure with confidence and peace of mind. Happy storing!

For more insightful storage tips and solutions, visit TheStorageAdvantage Tips or if you’re looking to storage some tech, check out one of our many locations.

Working from Home? How a Self Storage Unit Can Boost Your Productivity

Are you one of the many people who have transitioned to working from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic? Whether it’s a temporary arrangement or a permanent shift, having a dedicated and clutter-free workspace is essential for your productivity. If you’re struggling to create an efficient work environment at home, let us guide you through how a self storage unit can be the perfect solution.

Imagine this scenario: You have a spare room in your house that has become a dumping ground for all sorts of items. We’ve all been there, right? But now, it’s time to reclaim that space and transform it into a functional home office. With the help of a self storage unit, you can quickly declutter that spare room and make it suitable for your work-from-home needs.

Here are some quick steps to turn your spare room into a productive WFH space:

Find a nearby self storage facility that offers affordable storage solutions. At The Storage Advantage, we’ve got you covered!
Rent a storage unit that suits your storage requirements. This will provide you with the space you need to temporarily store the unused contents of your spare room.
Declutter the room by safely storing away the items that you don’t currently need for your work. This will create a clean and organized space for your home office setup.
Set up your new workspace with a desk, chair, and computer. Enjoy the freedom of a dedicated area where you can focus and be productive.

Voila! You now have a comfortable and clutter-free home office where you can excel in your work-from-home endeavors.

Renting a self storage unit to create space for your home office comes with a range of benefits. First and foremost, it allows you to declutter your living space, providing you with a more organized environment that promotes productivity. Additionally, you can use the storage unit to securely store important documents or excess stock, keeping them separate from your living and workspace.

But the advantages don’t stop there! Renting a self storage unit also offers you:

More space at home: By relocating non-essential items to a storage unit, you’ll have more room to breathe and enjoy your living space.
Enhanced organization: With a dedicated storage unit, you can easily categorize and access your belongings whenever you need them.
Protection from kids and pets: Valuable work materials or equipment can be safely stored away from curious little hands or mischievous pets.

If you’re in need of a reliable storage facility, look no further than The Storage Advantage. We offer a wide range of small, medium, and large storage units with multiple conveniently located offices. Plus, if you require storage space for your work vehicle or RV, we have you covered there too!

For more information on our affordable storage options, visit our website at www.thestorageadvantage.com. Say goodbye to clutter and hello to a productive work-from-home experience. Reserve your storage space online today!

Summer Storage Tips: Safely Storing Your Belongings in a Self-Storage Unit

Relocating during the summer is a common occurrence, with over ten percent of Americans moving each year and 50% of those people move during the summer because of the convenience of not worrying about kid’s schooling and the benefit of no daylight savings. However, the heat of summer can pose challenges when it comes to storing your belongings in a self-storage unit. In this article, we will provide three simple tips to help you make the most of your self-storage experience during the summer season.

Protect Delicate Items from Heat

When storing items such as art, photographs, or leather articles that are sensitive to high temperatures and humidity, it’s crucial to take extra precautions. Opting for a climate-controlled storage unit is the best choice, as it helps maintain a stable environment. Additionally, consider selecting a storage unit on the first floor or near an elevator to minimize the distance you need to carry your belongings. Look for storage facilities that offer covered loading/unloading areas to provide shade during hot summer days or protection from sudden summer storms.

Secure Your Storage Unit in Advance

Summer is the peak season for moving and storage, leading to high demand for storage units. To ensure you secure a suitable unit at a reasonable price, it’s advisable to rent a storage unit ahead of time. Waiting too long might limit your options, potentially forcing you to settle for an expensive or inconvenient location. Consider reserving a unit a month in advance or holding it for a few days before your intended move-in date to guarantee availability.

Create a Detailed Inventory Map

Avoid the hassle of searching through all your stored items by creating a detailed map of your storage unit’s layout. Resist the temptation to simply unload everything without organization. By mapping out the placement of your belongings as you store them, you’ll save time and frustration when you need to retrieve specific items. This practice is particularly helpful if your storage unit lacks climate control, as it minimizes the discomfort of spending extended periods inside. With a well-designed map, you can quickly locate and access the items you need.

Conclusion

Access to a self-storage unit can be invaluable during the moving process. By implementing these summer storage tips, you can ensure the safety and convenience of storing your belongings in warm weather conditions. Remember to prioritize the protection of delicate items, reserve your storage unit in advance, and create a comprehensive map to streamline the retrieval process. Make your summer storage experience stress-free and secure by following these essential guidelines. Ready to store your belongings? Find the perfect storage space for your needs today.

5 Tips When Choosing Your Container Storage Company

Sometimes you need to find a storage unit to store your valuable or sentimental belongings but it might be hard to find a good one that’s going to keep your things safe.

Doing your research on storage container facilities now can save you the financial burden and the potential headache that not doing so could cause in the future.
If you’re not sure what kind of research you should be doing when looking for the perfect storage container, here are 5 tips to keep in mind when choosing a storage container company that can help you along the way.

5 TIPS WHEN RENTING FROM A CONTAINER STORAGE COMPANY

1. Do Your Research Before Renting

Take advantage of the internet and be sure to look into the fine print of the storage units you’re looking into. Sometimes Storage Facilities will have really enticing offers, deals, or percentages off on their units, but they’re there just to lock you into a lengthy contract. Some other reasons a storage unit could have low pricing to watch out for could be smaller unit dimensions, or the different between being climate or non-climate storing.

At The Storage Advantage, we have various locations so you’re bound to find a unit to fit your needs, and we don’t tie our customers into lengthy contracts.

2. Find Out Access Times and Charges for Access

Be sure that there aren’t any unnecessary, miscellaneous fees associated to renting a storage unit or for accessing your items from the storage facility you’re looking into. Even small charges can add up to tens of wasted dollars over the period of your rental.

Make sure that the access times are convenient for you. Many storage units aren’t open 24 hours a day. Keep in mind that the office hours might be different than the access hours as well, so if you have to contact someone about your unit, be sure those hours align with your schedule, too.

All of our The Storage Advantage locations are open everyday, 365 days a year, from at least 6am to 9pm.

3. Inspect the Site for Security and Safety

The security of the storage facility should be one of your top priorities when searching for a future unit. Research the types of locks a facility uses and whether or not you can bring your own. Fences are incredibility important to avoid theft, including having a gates with a gate codes. Make sure that the location has good lighting in and around the facility as well as working CCTV cameras.

This part of the research is probably best to do in person so you can get a better feel for the location and see what they offer for yourself.

At our facilities you get your own personal gate code in order to access your belongings, have security cameras, and keep our grounds well-lit and clean.

4. Consider the Ease of Access

Ease of access can mean many things and isn’t always just about getting to and from your unit. Some of those things are what the process of getting to your storage unit are, or what kind of convenience you’re looking for. Drive up units can make loading and unloading easy to store and grab things, while air conditioned units can make it easier to load and unload without breaking a sweat (or freezing, depending on the weather.)

5. Consider the Location of Your Facility

Consider how far away the storage facility is from your home or business, especially if you plan on accessing the items regularly. This is especially important if you’re storing things for your business, over old heirlooms, for example.

Many of our locations are located off of major highways. Come check if any of them are convenient for you. If you have any more questions, be sure to check out our FAQ page or our Storage tips page.

Should you need advice on self-storage with container storage rentals, don’t hesitate to contact us.

The Best Way to Store Furniture in Your Unit

If you’re planning on moving or just looking to make more space in your home, storing at any of The Storage Advantage‘s locations can be a convenient place to keep your furniture. Storing furniture means you won’t have to worry about pests, damage, or theft, and you can keep the unit as long as needed.

Before you can do that though, you’ve got to make sure all of your furniture is ready to be stored so it stays safe and clean. Not sure how to do that? Follow these tips and you’ll be a furniture-storing pro.

STEP 1 : Preparing to Store your Furniture

Good preparation of your items is really important, especially if you’re planning on leaving your items for a prolonged amount of time. Cleaning, disassembling, and packing your items correctly will help ensure you find them the same way to stored them. Here’s a list of things to remember to get in order to make storing a breeze.

You Will Need:

You’ll need a few packing materials before you get started. These items will keep your furniture safe from damage in the storage unit.

Foam sheets: Be sure to cut the sheets to match the size of your item before packing. Foam sheets are good for mirrors, glass tables, and other fragile items.
Bubble wrap: Plastic packaging material in sheets containing numerous small air cushions designed to protect fragile goods or lessen impacts.
Blankets: Moving blankets are large coverings made of durable fabric, and they’re used to protect furniture and other items during transit.
Boxes: You can store disassembled furniture in boxes. Choose strong boxes and use the “H-method” to close them. For the most protection, apply tape across all of the boxes open seams. That will make an H-shape across the top and bottom of your box.

If you don’t currently have something from this list, just remember you can always grab some of these supplies at the storage facility’s office.

STEP 2: Cleaning your Furniture

Here we’ll go over the various items that you should consider cleaning prior to storing, and how to do so.

Cleaning a Mattress

Strip all bedding, duvets, and mattress protectors.
Hoover the mattress to get rid of dust, dirt, and crumbs. Make sure you get both sides, as well as the seams.
Remove stains with upholstery cleaner or a damp cloth and a bit of baking soda. Hoover up any baking soda residue that’s left behind.
Allow the mattress to dry fully before packing.

Cleaning a Sofa

Check the sofa’s care tag for cleaning instructions. Some cleaning products may damage certain types of sofa fabric.
Use a stiff bristle brush to scrape off crumbs and caked-on debris.

If your sofa is leather, apply leather cleaner according to the package instructions. Buff out scratches using a soft cloth. For fabric sofas, sprinkle with baking soda and let it sit for at least an hour to eliminate odors and stains. Wipe off any cleaning products and baking soda before packing.

Cleaning Wooden Furniture

Wipe furniture with a damp cloth to remove dust.
Remove debris with a soft towel and a solution of equal parts water and vinegar. You can also use mild dish soap. Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners as they can damage wood.
Polish with furniture wax to prevent damage in storage.

STEP 3: Disassembling your Furniture

Disassembling furniture may seem like a hassle, but it’s the best way to maximize the space in your storage unit.

Disassemble large items such as beds, chests of drawers, tables, wardrobes, and bookshelves. Pack items in marked boxes so you can easily find the pieces when it’s time to put things back together.

STEP 4: Wrapping and Packaging your Furniture

Now that all of your furniture is cleaned and dissembled, don’t let all that hard work go to waste. If you plan on getting a non-climate storage unit, don’t leave your furniture exposed. Moisture and heat can ruin your items over time. At many of our facilities we offer both climate-controlled and non-climate units, just make sure you decide that prior to preparing your furniture so you take the appropriate steps.

That being said, this step is only absolutely necessary if you get a non-climate controlled unit.

Wrap mattresses in a high-quality mattress storage bags.
Remove sofa cushions and put them in separate cloth bags. Wrap the base of the sofa with thick blankets.
Wrap dresser drawers in sheets of plastic wrap to keep them secure.
Wrap furniture in acid-free paper or heavy blankets, then cover it with a layer of bubble or plastic wrap. Pro tip: Never store wood furniture with plastic as the only protection. Condensation can build up between the plastic and wood, ruining your furniture.
Protect the surfaces of picture frames and mirrors with sheets of cardboard. Alternatively, remove pictures from their frames and store them in separate boxes. Use corner protectors on all corners of your frames. Wrap each item individually in towels or blankets.

STEP 5: Packing Furniture in your Storage Unit

Before you start packing items in your storage unit, it’s smart to have a plan so you can make the most of your space.

Cover the floor of the unit with plastic sheeting. This will help you move heavy items around more easily.
Don’t store furniture directly on the floor if the unit isn’t climate-controlled.
Start packing from the back and move forward. Keep furniture you’ll want to retrieve soonest closer to the front.
Pack to the left and right of the unit and leave an aisle to walk in, so you always have access to your things.
Don’t stack heavy items on top of each other in an unstable manner. Furniture can fall over and get damaged or injure you.
Draw and label a map to know where each piece is.

If you have anymore questions or want more tips regarding storage, visit our FAQ page or our Storage Tips page. If you’re interested in renting at one of our locations, check out our locations directory to find convenient storing near you.

How To :Pack Like a Pro

Packing is part art and a science. Doing it properly and with some careful thought will ensure that your stacks of boxes will not fall over and possibly hurt you or damage your other things.

Tips for Packing Boxes:

1. Stay organized: Before putting your things in a box, make a list and assign each item to its respective box. Make labels for each box and attach these labels to all sides of the box as well as the top of the box.

When making your list, also write down the estimated replacement value for each, particularly if you want to ensure your things. If there are breakables, place “fragile” stickers on the box.

2. Use no more than two sizes of boxes: This way, stacking the boxes will be easier and more organized. Boxes should be sturdy enough that the bottom box can withstand the weight of all the other boxes being stacked on top of it.

3. Keep your items safe: As often as possible, put your items in boxes to prevent them from getting dusty.

4. Try not to waste space: Fill up the entire box but not all with heavy materials. You need to fill up a box completely to avoid its tendency to collapse or tip over. However, you should avoid filling it up with heavy items so that it won’t be hard for you to carry. When packing, fill the box with the heavy items first and then fill it to capacity with lighter items.

5. Avoid using plastic bags: Putting items in sealed plastic bags may seem like a good idea but it can actually invite mildew.

6. Pack books smart: When packing books, use smaller book boxes rather than putting them all in one large box. Store the books flat in the boxes rather than standing on end so that their spines will not be damaged.

7. Avoid a watery mess: Freezers and refrigerators should be stored with the door slightly open. Electrical appliances should be completely dry–defrost freezers and refrigerators, drain washing machines completely.

8. Pad your breakables: Pack breakables in bubble wrap or packing paper. Wrap mirrors and picture frames with bubble wrap.

9. Use wardrobe boxes: When packing clothes we recommend that you make use of clothes or wardrobe boxes where you can. Hang the clothes inside to ensure that they retain their shape.

10. Make use of old towels or sheets: When wrapping your things, use cloth and not plastic.

11. Store tools and equipment safely: When preparing metal tools and equipment for storage, you should drain these of fuel completely. A rub down with some oil will also help to prevent rust from forming.

12. Seal boxes with packing tape: Sealing your boxes will help ward off dust.

Tips for Organizing Your Self Storage Unit:

1. Plan ahead. Make a general plan of how you will place the boxes and furniture inside your storage unit before you get started.

2. Pallet the ground: Before putting the boxes in, arrange raised pallets according to your plan. This will prevent rats, silverfish and ants from making their home underneath your boxes. Be sure to also thoroughly clean the storage area.

3. Avoid mildew: Avoid putting in wet items as these may invite mildew, mold and other types of water damage.

4. Use shelves for storage: If there are shelves available, make use of them! Store smaller items or things you would like to keep handy.

5. Store smart: Store mirrors and frames standing on end, never flat.

6. Maintain accessibility: Stack boxes in such as way that each box can be easily accessed. Don’t store stacks and stacks of boxes together. Make an aisle that will allow you to access a box without having to move anything out of the way.

7. Keep important things front and center: Place the boxes with the things that you’ll most frequently need at the front part of a storage unit.

8. Dismantle furniture to save space: For instance, to store a table, you can remove the legs. Just be sure that all bolts and screws are kept in a labeled container and that you actually know how to put the piece of furniture back again.

9. Save space: Create more space in your storage box by using the hollow areas of big furniture. For instance, you can put in a box or two inside a wardrobe. The same goes for refrigerators, washing machines or stoves.

10. Avoid nasty situations: Place moisture absorbers, mothballs and rat bait in key areas.

Check out our other How To

How To

How to: Store Books

How to: Store Documents

Get back into the action and rent today!

How To: Store a Wedding Dress

A wedding dress is a once-in-a-lifetime purchase…well, most of the time, haha, but when the big day or days are over, it’s essential to know how to take care and store a wedding dress in storage properly.
Keeping in the same condition as you had it on that day takes time. Here are a few hints to help you store it with care-

Get your dress professionally dry cleaned before you plan on storing it. Taking the time to dry clean your dress will remove any odor that might linger over the years. When adequately done, it will also take care of any food stains from the wedding dinner!
When it is finally time to store a wedding dress you need to find a quality storage facility. This is key for the longevity of your dress. It is vital to store it in a climate-controlled storage unit. When you store it in a facility like that you greatly reduce the humidy and alsos the heat during the summer months. If you are storing your dress in winter, the store is heated, similiar to your home or place of work. Remember, humidity and heat are the enemies.
Find a quality dress bag to store it in. This bag needs to be breathable and not your standard trash bag! They even sell specific wedding dress boxes. BTW, they do not sell these at Home Depot!
If you plan on storing it in a quality box, make sure to use acid-free tissue paper between the layers of the dress to prevent any yellowing.
If you do these steps while storing your dress in self storage, you will be able to enjoy it for years to come, and who knows, you might be able to pass it on to future generations!

Check out a few other of our ideas

How To: Store Documents

How to: Store Books

FAQS

How To: Pack your truck

If you’re moving and you’ve decided for one reason or another to pack your truck, understanding how to maximize space in your truck is a must. You want to make as few trips as possible. If you’re local, you can handle multiple loads; but, if this is a long-distance move, you have only one chance to get it right.

The first thing you need to do is choose the correct size moving truck. You want to save yourself as much hassle as possible, and having the right truck will go a long way in making your move easier

Following are some tips to help you make the most of your moving truck space while keeping your move safe and convenient.

Assemble Your Packing Supplies

By now you have everything packed securely into high-quality cardboard boxes and plastic crates. The furniture and large items are just sitting there waiting to be loaded onto the truck. Don’t forget the other supplies– the moving blankets and padding to fill the gaps between large items and boxes to protect your belongings if there is any shifting during the drive. Moving straps are another important item – we’ll talk more about them later. Just make sure that you have enough of these items to meet your needs.

Break Down Tables and Bed Frames

Furniture takes up the most space on your truck. You can save room by disassembling tables and bed frames. Start by taking the legs off of the tables so that you can store them, along with the legs, in an upright position. Then, go for the bed frames and headboards as well as any desks and dressers that can be broken down. For large pieces that you can’t take apart, try storing moving boxes and other items inside drawers or on top of these furnishings.

Roll Up Rugs

Area rugs should be rolled and secured with string or plastic ties, and then they can be wrapped in paper or plastic wrap or secured in large plastic bags made for this purpose. By doing this, you’ll prevent the extra strain on the rug’s backing, which could later cause stretching or cracking. Rugs should be placed upright on the truck.

Time to Load the Truck

Distribute Weight Evenly

This is probably the most important factor in packing your truck. Even distribution of weight will make the truck easier to drive, load and unload without boxes and furniture shifting and falling over or damaging other items. To be sure the weight is evenly distributed, heavier items should be located towards the front (near the cab) and along the walls. Medium items should be placed on heavier items, and the lightest items should be on the top. Everything should be secured with moving straps.

Load the Largest and Heaviest Items First

Start with the largest, heaviest items. Load mattresses, bed frames, tables, chairs, large appliances, couches, sectionals, coffee tables and occasional tables. To save space, place couches, headboards, rugs, and tables in an upright position. Locate large appliances like washers, dryers and refrigerators toward the front of the truck, near the cab. Be sure to use extra padding and moving blankets around these items to prevent damage.

Load the Lightest Items Last

As soon as you finish with the cumbersome, heavy items, load up the medium to lightweight items: small furniture, boxes, pictures, mirrors, and TVs. It’s best to keep valuables and jewelry with you in the truck cab or in your car; but if you’re loading them into the truck, clearly label them and place them in an easy-to-reach spot along with moving day essentials and your overnight bag.

Use Moving Straps

As you pack the truck, secure everything with moving straps to prevent shifting. Strap down one section at a time, staring with the heavier items that you load first, then the medium-weight items, and so on. Don’t forget to strap the moving boxes.

These tips are common sense, but we all need a little help during a move. Moving day is always chaotic, and guidelines and structure will smooth the bumps and get you to your destination with little or no damage to you or your possessions.

Check out our other How To’s

How To: Store Books

How To: Store Documents

How to: Store Books

I need to confess, at times, my house looks like a used book store. I try as hard as I can, but I cannot seem to get rid of the many books I have read and plan to read over the years!

When it comes time to store your books, you want to make sure that they look the same when you put them in as when you take them out. So you can read and love them for many years to come, and perhaps hand them onto another generation to love and care for too.

So, how do you store books safely?

Placing your books in Self Storage

Like books, not all storage centers are created equal. So make sure you choose one that is cool, dry, safe, clean, and in an environment that’s safe away from all the nasty sunlight, leaky pipes, and evil mice.

Handle Your Books With Care

Handle your books as if they are a newborn child.

Okay, maybe you don’t have to cradle them, but try not to drop them. If you want to keep your beloved books in the best condition, then handle them with care. Depending on the quality or type of books, you may choose to pack them in smaller boxes or place them on bookshelves in your storage unit!

While packing your books, keep this in mind, it is okay to make a few more trips. You don’t need to pack everything in one box. Let you book breath a little.

Be aware of humidity.

Just like Goldilocks, your books are going to want it not too hot, but not too cold.

To keep it just right, avoid heat sources like air vents and radiators, as dry heat like this can crack the spines by melting the glue that holds the book together. Also, avoid water and any potential water sources that could leak, like old pipes. If you are storing your books on the ground, make sure to place them on a pallet first. Now the books will be elevated in case of a flood or leak.

I don’t think we have to explain how a leak can damage your books, but even condensation from water sources can cause mold to grow.

Keep it clean

Find a storage unit that is clean and dust-free. This will be a unit that is inside. No matter how good they are, outside storage units will eventually allow air and dust inside if you plan on storing for a period that could mean a dustbowl in your unit.

Check out our other “How to” series

-How To: Store Documents