How To Store Books & Magazines
Do you need to store books and magazines at Extra Space Storage? Consider the following storage tips to keep your print materials safe from mold, mildew, and water damage in self storage.
Things you’ll need: plastic bags, tissue or archival paper, photo separators, plastic storage containers, waterproof labels, and a marker.
Step 1: Organize Books & Magazines
Separating your books and magazines into categories — like by type of magazine or genre of books — makes it easier to store and grab again when you need them. The method you use is up to you, but it’s best to separate the books from the magazines if you have many to store.
Step 2: Clean Your Books
Use a dry cloth to wipe excess dust and debris off your hardcover books. This will protect them from scratches and keep them looking sharp when you take them out of storage.
Step 3: Pack Books & Magazines in Plastic Storage Containers
It’s best to opt for sturdier—and waterproof—storage tubs or bins instead of moving boxes. When adding to a storage container, alternate book and magazine spines to maximize space inside. If you’re just storing magazines in a box, lay them flat to prevent warping. Add waterproof labels to the outside of storage containers to make finding print material easier.
Step 4: Find a Secure Self Storage Facility
It’s vital to find a storage facility that takes security seriously. To protect your books and magazines, look for an Extra Space Storage facility that offers:
Fencing around the property perimeter
Video surveillance throughout the facility and property
Electronic gate access with private keypad entry codes
Indoor storage units with controlled access
Secure access to your floor only (for a multi-level storage facility)
A facility manager living on-site
Individually alarmed storage units
Step 5: Rent a Climate-Controlled Storage Unit
When looking for a self storage unit for your books and magazines, consider renting a unit equipped with climate-controlled storage. Climate control protects your items from extreme heat and cold, which can cause yellowing, warping, wilting, and other damage to sensitive print materials. Climate control can be found at most of our storage facilities and ensures your storage unit stays comfortably between 55 and 80 degrees at all times.
Step 6: Move Your Books & Magazines Into Storage
Do not store the containers with your books and magazines on the floor. Instead, raise them with pallets or install shelving. Always store heavier storage containers — like those with many books — on the bottom and place lighter containers on top. Don’t forget to position your containers with the labels pointed out so you can easily locate your books and magazines!