How to Store Books in a Storage Unit

To safely store books in a storage unit, start by dusting them with a soft cloth. Then, place them upright in an acid-free box or a plastic storage container with an airtight lid. For long-term storage, the ideal environment is a climate-controlled storage unit.

What Unit Size Should I Rent for Storing Books?

For book storage, we recommend renting a 5x5 or 5x10 unit, depending on your collection's size. This should offer plenty of room for books, especially if they are placed in stackable totes or on vertical shelves.

What's the Best Way to Pack Books for Long-Term Storage?

Use acid-free boxes or sturdy plastic containers rather than regular cardboard boxes—this helps protect books from moisture, pests, and acidic damage. Line each container with acid-free packing paper, group books by size, and avoid overpacking. Store most books upright—as you would on a bookshelf—so the spines are supported and less likely to warp. Never place books with the pages facing down, as this can damage the edges.

• Hardcover books: Store upright with the spine against the side of the box to reduce pressure on bindings and minimize shifting.

• Paperback books: Store upright or stacked flat in small piles. If stacking, keep piles low to avoid bending the books on the bottom.

• Oversized books: Store flat, with no more than three stacked together to prevent pressure damage.

If using plastic containers, add silica gel packets to each container to absorb any moisture caused by humidity. Fill any empty spaces in the boxes with packing material to keep books from shifting.

How to Store Antique Books

For rare or antique books, dust gently with a soft cloth before packing, then wrap each one in acid-free tissue paper. Place them upright in acid-free, lignin-free archival boxes, which are pH-neutral to prevent yellowing and don't release emissions like some plastics. Always store in a climate-controlled environment and keep boxes off the floor with pallets or shelving to protect against humidity, pests, and temperature changes.

How to Protect Books from Moisture & Insects

Moisture and insects—like silverfish, beetles, moths, and more—are the two of the biggest threats to books in storage. Guard against both with these precautions:

• Use a climate-controlled storage unit:

  Climate control typically maintains temperatures between 55 and 80 degrees year-round—reducing the risk of warping, mold, and mildew.

• Clean and inspect books before packing: Remove dust and check for signs of insect activity.

• Choose the right containers: Airtight plastic containers help protect against both moisture and pests. Add silica gel packets to manage humidity.

• Elevate your boxes: Store books on pallets or shelving to keep them off the floor.

• Allow airflow: Leave a few inches of space between the boxes and walls for proper air circulation.

Climate-Controlled Self Storage Available at Extra Space Storage

Check out these popular cities with climate-controlled storage units.