Books are invaluable resources that you would never want to just lose so easily even after reading them. However, they are also some of the most challenging in terms of packing and storage. If books are not properly packed and stored, they become vulnerable to a series of threats including, water or dampness, fire, insects among others. Even when using moving boxes, failure to properly pack the books therein can also leave many pages torn. In some cases, you may even end up losing your precious books in the process of moving.
Despite the several vulnerabilities that books can be exposed to during moving, most of these risks can be easily avoided if you know the right procedures for packing and storing books. Contrary to what some may think, there are specific measures for packing and storing books, which must be taken to ensure their safety. Whether you have books with paperbacks, hard covers, leather covers or other materials, they can only be preserved in the best condition if you know how to safely pack and store them.
This article provides clear guidelines on how to safely pack and store books.
Preparing books for packing
Books are very sensitive to dampness or water and, should be properly dried before packing. Even if just one of the pages is feeling damp, you should leave it to completely dry on the sun or inside a room with proper ventilation. Besides, it is also recommended that you clean all books using a soft, dry cloth or soft brush to wipe off dust and other elements that could cause quick wear and damage. When cleaning the books, check for any signs of mold and insects inside the pages and covers.
In case the books have mold, you can first try wiping them off using a dry cloth or soft brush. If after cleaning, the mold still persists, it would be advisable to seek treatment for the infestation before packing the books. The main signs of insects that you should look out for when cleaning the books are eggs, which can be found between the pages or under the covers. These should also be properly cleaned or treated where necessary. Both mold and insects could be hazardous to health and the environment, hence, should always be eliminated.
Books with leather bindings can easily get stuck together if they are closely attached to each other for a long time due to the moisture trapped in between the layers. On the other hand, leather can also easily stain other books. Therefore, all books with leather covers should be properly covered using archival paper. But, you can also use rag paper to wrap books with leather bindings. Rag paper is hard and can effectively cushion your books from damage when moving.
Preparing boxes for storing books
Depending on the how they are designed, used and conditions, storage boxes can also have several dangerous elements that might damage your books. Thus, it is always important that they are also properly inspected and prepared before books are placed therein. The best storage boxes that you should use for keeping your precious books are cardboard boxes. Carefully check the boxes both inside and outside to make sure they do not harbor any acidic contents or chemicals, which could damage the books.
Carefully check the edges and joints of the boxes for signs of weakness. An ideal box for storing your books should be accorded sturdy construction for safety. Any signs of weakness should be properly reinforced before books are packed. Storage boxes should be dry and clean for the safety of the books. The bottom of the boxes can also be lined with acid-free paper. You should also consider using smaller or medium sized boxes, which are easier to handle.
How to pack books in storage boxes
Before you start arranging the books inside the storage boxes, you should sort them out in terms of weight and size. The books that are heavier and larger should be placed at the bottom of the storage box. Your books should be packed lying flat inside the boxes and secured with a hard board in between every piece to prevent deformities. For books with hard covers, they can be packed in an upright position, as they are placed in shelves. Remember not to place heavier books on top of the hard covers.
Try not to put different books in the same storage box. For example, books with paperbacks should be placed together while those with hard covers packed in a different box. Books should also not be packed tightly. In case there are spaces left in between the stacks, you can use paddings. After putting all the books in the storage boxes, it would also be advisable to place an acid-free paper at the top before sealing them. Use a packing tape to properly seal all the boxes.
Placing books inside a storage facility
You should also take a keen look at the facility to make sure it is the best condition. The facility should be dry, properly ventilated and free from pests. Due to the relatively higher temperatures experienced in Singapore, it is advisable to store your books in a facility with climate controls. When arranging the boxes inside the facility, do not place them directly on the floor. The storage boxes should be stacked on palettes, starting with the heavier ones.
The storage boxes should also not be placed directly against the walls since they could attract moisture. It could also be advisable to arrange the books in categories like, subjects when stacking to give you an easier time during retrieval. Besides, you should also consider keeping an inventory of all the books in storage. This could help with filing for insurance claims in cases where the books are damaged while in storage.
Packing and storing books can be a hassle to many book lovers but, you can now easily avoid all the trouble by hiring moving services. At Mover Singapore, we specialize in comprehensive moving services including, storage space, which can always be delivered at your convenience.