Book Storage - The Do's & Dont's

Is It Ok To Store Books In A Garage?

As a result of their cultural significance, books are frequently kept as keepsakes. Imagine what they stand for: an entertaining tale, a wealth of information, a representation of our wit and wisdom. But when books begin to pile up, the dilemma of where to put them arises.

The difficulty in deciding where to put books stems from the attachments we form with our collections. Our goal is to keep books around. But while our library-love has no bounds, our storage capacity does.

To Store Books In A Garage Is Acceptable

Garages may seem like a good spot to stash books if there’s room for them there. True, in a sense. Parking spaces provide shelter from the elements, particularly direct sunshine. However, garages are a breeding ground for damp, mould, and pests—all of which can damage books. Numerous insects find books to be an appetising diet, fungi thrive on organic paper, and mice use the pages to construct nests. Spaces devoid of human activity, such as garages, provide excellent conditions for such creatures since they lack both central heating and ventilation. If you plan on storing your favourite books in the garage, you need to take certain measures to ensure their safety.

Speak to us if you’re looking for premium garage storage solutions in Sydney.

Make It Drier

One of the biggest reasons why people don’t typically store books in the Garage is the humidity factor.

Books aren’t a good fit for the garage because of the high humidity it can get during hot and wet weather. Don’t leave your books in the garage where they could get mouldy.

Put a hygrometer or multiple hygrometers in your garage and check them frequently at first, at least once a day. Humidity levels are detected and recorded using these instruments.

However, there are solutions to handle a damp garage and make it a dry location for books. A portable dehumidifier is a simple option that may dramatically lower the amount of moisture in the air in your garage. A hygrometer can be used to determine the relative humidity in your garage. If the hygrometer reports humidity levels of more than 30 or 40 per cent because a garage is not living space, low humidity won’t pose any concerns. Still, extreme humidity frequently results in mouldy books. To lower the humidity level, use a portable dehumidifier as needed.

Obviously, a garage is going to acquire a lot more moisture in the air than other sections of the house, so a dehumidifier is a really practical investment. It will periodically pull the moisture out of the air and away from your books, thus, preventing the development and growth of mould and fungus.

In reference to keeping books Temperatures of 68°F to 72°F with relative humidity of 40–50% are ideal. Monitor temperature and humidity levels. Both extremes of temperature and humidity can have negative effects. The optimal relative humidity is a subject of some debate. The Library of Congress suggests between 35 and 45% relative humidity, while the British Library suggests 45-55%. The Florida State Archives offers this piece of sound advice: “If you are hot and sticky, your books are, too.”

What Role Do Heat And Dampness Have In A System’s Functioning?

Leather and paper will dry out and become brittle in hot and dry weather, while damp weather will promote mould growth. Differential expansion and contraction of paper and bindings in response to shifts in humidity and temperature results in warping.

Books should not be stored in a garage or attic without proper climate and humidity control. They should also be kept away from any indoor heat sources such as fireplaces, radiators, and laundry dryers. Because of the extreme changes in humidity and temperature that might occur near windows and exterior walls, it is recommended to avoid putting bookshelves there. Additionally, move books far from any vents that disperse heat or cold.

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Your books will distort and mould if you keep them in a hot, humid environment. The relative humidity should ideally be less than 25%. Books do best in a climate with plenty of dry air circulation.

Most books can handle humidity levels of up to 60%; however, if you have any books that are particularly ancient, rare, or costly, you should strive to keep the humidity levels as low as possible.

Books are like people: they hate the heat and the cold.

Try to identify a Storage a place with a fairly constant temperature (65 degrees) and humidity (40 percent). Moisture that is too high might cause problems like mould and foxing on paper. If there isn’t enough, the leaves and stems can dry out and crack. It’s recommended that you keep climate-controlled rooms away from the attic, garage, and basement, for example.

The paper and glue used to bind books are particularly vulnerable to changes in humidity and temperature. Moisture is especially troublesome because it causes pages to buckle and promotes the spread of mould and insects. Do not keep books in a damp or flood-prone location, whether for daily use or long-term storage. Similarly harmful are conditions of extreme dryness, direct sunshine, little ventilation, and high temperatures.

It is recommended that books be stored between 45 and 60 percent humidity and 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

For this reason, you shouldn’t keep your library below ground, on a screened porch, in the garage, or near the floor. Rather, display your collection in a public area like the living room or dining room, or a dedicated library if you’re so fortunate. If moisture control is an issue, a dehumidifier can help.

Books can be damaged by too much light, too. The ultraviolet (UV) component of sunlight and fluorescent light makes them the primary causes of fading. A window with a UV coating can assist prevent damage to your library’s books. Keep books as far away from direct sunlight as you can; it will fade the dust jacket, spine, and boards, and will eventually break down the books. Books facing south (or north, if you’re down under) windows get more direct sunlight than books facing other windows.

Storage Shelves

It’s tempting, when thinking about keeping books in the garage, to pack the books you won’t need anytime soon into boxes and put them away. However, your books are more likely to be damaged in this sort of Storage. Storing books in a carton prevents air from circulating around them, which is harmful for their health, and makes it more difficult to find the book you need when you need it.

Install shelves or use free-standing bookcases to fill the garage walls.

You can find cheap bookcases in thrift stores or at Garage sales.

This manner, your books may get some fresh air and be easily accessed whenever you need them.

Put up bookcases all over the room and fill them with your reading materials. Locate low-priced freestanding bookcases at thrift stores, dollar stores, or online classified advertising. Storing books in cardboard boxes could appear to be a space-saver. Nevertheless, the likelihood of damage is amplified by the inaccessibility and lack of air circulation of such storage systems.

Do not store your books in boxes or containers, no matter how appealing it may be to do so. Doing so will reduce the quantity of air which is allowed to circulate around them, which can damage the books. Instead, you should try to put up some sturdy shelving units and then either stack or line the books up in the shelves. While this may make them appear more vulnerable, the fact that they are within easy reach when needed rather than requiring you to rummage through boxes might actually reduce the risk of harm from handling.

Which Bookcases Do You Recommend The Most?

Bookshelves made of metal or varnished wood are ideal for displaying and preserving literary collections. The natural breakdown of paper is hastened by the acidic vapours released by unsealed wood.

You should also check the depth of the bookcases to ensure that all of your books fit comfortably and avoid warping caused by overhanging volumes.

Metal is a great material for new bookcases because it will not scratch your expensive tomes. Bookcases crafted from Oregon oak and other popular woods may be appealing, but carpenters in Portland warn that they may have off-gas lignin and acid. The Pacific Northwest is where much of the wood used in American furniture manufacture is obtained. Books and other paper objects are damaged by these vapours.

If you already have wooden bookcases, make sure they are properly sealed. Instead, sheets of inert materials could be used to line the shelves. It’s best to use something sturdy like glass, acrylic, or plastic.

For the sake of protecting your books from dust and mildew, don’t stack them too closely together on the shelves. Keep the pages in good condition by dusting them on a regular basis (always starting at the spine and moving outward) using a chemical-free cloth or soft brush. Mother was right when she insisted you wash your hands after handling priceless books. Your skin still contains oils that are harmful to paper even though it looks clean.

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Focus on Pest Management

The garage is an easy entry point for insects and rodents, and they can wreak havoc on your belongings just as easily as they can in the rest of the house. You should give garage pest treatment first priority if you value the security of your book collection.

The first step is to seal off any potential entry points for rodents, insects, or other pests in the garage. Fix draughty areas by plugging holes, caulking around windows, and replacing worn weather stripping on the garage door. Clutter, dust, and dirt all attract pests and provide them with hiding places, so it’s important to keep the garage clean and the bookshelves dusted on a regular basis. Search for non-toxic, all-natural methods of keeping pests away from your library’s books. Cotton balls dipped in peppermint oil, for instance, are an effective mouse deterrent.

After you’ve made your garage into a book-safe space, you might want to add a cosy chair and some lighting so you can enjoy your library in peace.

Not only can your Garage store your books, but it can also make a comfortable personal library.

Get in touch with us at no cost for a design consultation and estimate if you want to learn more about our fantastic garage makeover ideas.

Place cotton balls dipped in peppermint oil to repel rodents. Instead of putting the balls atop books, put them along the walls, under the shelves, and next to any possible mouse entrances.

Check the books once a week at the very least. Mold and insect damage should be checked for. With the use of a flashlight, you may check concealed areas for insects. There may be a need to relocate damaged books, conduct additional pest control measures, or run the dehumidifier more frequently if many volumes are showing signs of wear and tear.

Your books are at risk if they come into contact with the harsh chemicals used in bug repellents. Instead of using toxic pesticides, you can try placing cotton balls soaked in a natural repellant like peppermint oil around the area where your books are kept. Placing them around the area rather than on top of the books will deter mice and rodents from venturing into that area.

Books are a magnet for all sorts of insects. Don’t store books near a pantry or other hiding spot for rodents. Rats and mice also utilise paper for nests, and their sharp teeth have ripped off large sections of text from many priceless books.

Insects such as silverfish and carpet beetles are also attracted to books. Silverfish like warm, moist areas — one more reason to avoid such Storage areas. Keeping book storage areas clean helps prevent insect problems.

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Spreading dust about

Dust or vacuum the garage and books once a month. Dust and filth can attract insects and other pests that can cause damage to your books if left unchecked. You should, if at all feasible, use a chemical-free duster on your books while they are in storage. The spines should be dusted, not avoided. It protects the jacket’s corners and flaps from being nicked or torn. Keeping on top of any issues that may arise and preventing damage to your books is possible if you take the necessary precautions and examine your books on a regular basis, such as once a week.

The Don’ts

Possessing a spacious attic, garage, or basement might provide you with a great deal of extra place for storing things. Unfortunately, these spots aren’t the best for keeping your belongings safe from the elements, pests, and theft. You can be the most careful and orderly homeowner on the planet, but storing these objects in your attic, garage, or basement will do little to preserve their condition.

The risk of water damage is the primary reason why you shouldn’t keep anything there. Climate plays a significant influence in this, as attics, garages, and basements are vulnerable to flooding and mishaps like fallen trees during storms. Those not from the South don’t know what the word “humidity” means. Southern states typically endure humid weather for the greater part of the year, which can lead to flooding. However, flooding isn’t the only potential problem.

Heat can also discolour or even destroy certain materials.

It also goes without saying that animals can get into your attic, Garage, or basement.

It doesn’t matter if you have birds or moths in the attic, a racoon in the garage, or mice in the basement; none of these critters care about your possessions.

Your attic, garage, and basement should never have anything visible in them. Even if an item is approved for long-term storage in one of these areas, it is nevertheless recommended that you store it in a plastic container with a lid. Over time, cardboard boxes degrade when exposed to heat, water, and pests like insects. More general guidelines for putting things away: Don’t hide away your most prized possessions. In case of basement or garage flooding, keep all stored items several feet off the ground on shelves.

You shouldn’t store anything of value in the garage because of the risk of theft, and you also shouldn’t put anything of value in the basement or attic due to the effects of moisture and humidity. There are a few things that should never be kept in a cold, damp, or dark place like an attic, garage, or basement.

Speak to us if you’re looking for garage storage solutions in Melbourne.

Conclusion

Garages harbour mildew, insects, and moisture. Books should not be stored in garages during hot and wet seasons due to high humidity. A portable dehumidifier reduces garage humidity cheaply and easily. Garages and attics are not suitable places to store books because of the lack of climate and humidity control. It is optimal to have temperatures between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit and humidity between 40 and 50 per cent.

Use a portable dehumidifier if needed. Excessive humidity might lead to concerns like mould growth and paper foxing. High humidity may require a dehumidifier. The sun shines brightest on books placed in windows facing south (or north if you happen to be down beneath) (or north if you happen to be down beneath). Metal or varnished wood bookcases are great for keeping and presenting literature collections.

Acidic vapours created by open wood hasten the natural deterioration of paper. Pest control in the garage is essential to protecting your books. As part of a garage makeover project, it’s a good idea to block off any entryways that pests could use to invade your home. For instance, cotton balls soaked in peppermint oil can prevent mice from a room. If you’d like a free consultation and estimate for your library’s garage, please get in touch with us.

Cleaning the garage and bookcases periodically should keep them dust-free. Dust-loving insects and vermin can damage your library’s book collection. Climate affects attics, garages, and basements because storms can flood and drop trees. Most of the year in the southern states, the weather is humid, which can enhance the risk of flooding. Objects can change hue or even be destroyed by heat. Never keep certain items in an unheated, dark attic, garage, or basement.

Content Summary

The difficulty in deciding where to put books stems from the attachments we form with our collections.
To that end, we’ve compiled some suggestions for stylish and original book storage solutions.
We’ll talk about a few different options for stowing books around the house and maintenance procedures for keeping books in pristine condition or preparing them for long-term Storage.
If you plan on storing your favourite books in the garage, you must take certain measures to ensure their safety.
Speak to us if you’re looking for premium garage storage solutions in Sydney.
Don’t leave your books in the garage where they could get mouldy.
Still, extreme humidity frequently results in mouldy books.
To lower the humidity level, use a portable dehumidifier as needed.
It will periodically pull the moisture out of the air and away from your books, thus, preventing the development and growth of mould and fungus.
Monitor temperature and humidity levels.
Books should only be stored in a garage or attic with proper climate and humidity control.
Your books will distort and mould if you keep them in a hot, humid environment.
Books do best in a climate with plenty of dry air circulation.
It’s recommended that you keep climate-controlled rooms away from the attic, garage, and basement.
The paper and glue used to bind books are particularly vulnerable to changes in humidity and temperature.
Do not keep books in a damp or flood-prone location for daily use or long-term storage.
Rather, display your collection in a public area like the living room, dining room, or a dedicated library if you’re fortunate.
A window with a UV coating can prevent damage to your library’s books.
Keep books as far away from direct sunlight as possible; it will fade the dust jacket, spine, and boards, eventually breaking down the books.
Nevertheless, the likelihood of damage is amplified by the inaccessibility and lack of air circulation of such storage systems.
Refrain from storing your books in boxes or containers, no matter how appealing they may be, to do so.
Instead, it would help if you tried to put up some sturdy shelving units and then either stack or line the books up on the shelves.
If you already have wooden bookcases, make sure they are properly sealed.
To protect your books from dust and mildew, don’t stack them too closely together on the shelves.
The first step is to seal off any potential entry points for rodents, insects, or other pests in the garage.
Clutter, dust, and dirt attract pests and provide them with hiding places, so it’s important to keep the garage clean, and the bookshelves dusted regularly.
Search for non-toxic, all-natural methods of keeping pests away from your library’s books.
After you’ve made your garage into a book-safe space, add a cosy chair and some lighting so you can enjoy your library in peace.
Place cotton balls dipped in peppermint oil to repel rodents.
Instead of using toxic pesticides, you can try placing cotton balls soaked in a natural repellant like peppermint oil around the area where your books are kept.
Don’t store books near a pantry or other hiding spots for rodents.
Speak to us if you’re looking for elite garage storage solutions in Australia.
Dust or vacuum the garage and books once a month.
You should use a chemical-free duster on your books while in storage.
A spacious attic, garage, or basement might provide you with many extra places for storing things.
Unfortunately, these spots aren’t the best for keeping your belongings safe from the elements, pests, and theft.
You can be the most careful and orderly homeowner on the planet, but storing these objects in your attic, garage, or basement will do little to preserve their condition.
The risk of water damage is the primary reason you shouldn’t keep anything there.
Southern states typically endure humid weather for the greater part of the year, which can lead to flooding.
Animals can get into your attic, Garage, or basement.
Your attic, garage, and basement should never have anything visible.
Even if an item is approved for long-term storage in one of these areas, it is recommended to store it in a plastic container with a lid.
More general guidelines for putting things away: Don’t hide away your most prized possessions.
In case of basement or garage flooding, keep all stored items several feet off the ground on shelves.
You shouldn’t store anything of value in the garage because of the risk of theft, and you also shouldn’t put anything of value in the basement or attic due to the effects of moisture and humidity.
A few things should never be kept in a cold, damp, or dark place like an attic, garage, or basement.

FAQs About Book Storage

When not in use, how should books be kept?

Books that aren’t too thick can be stacked or laid flat for storage. Storage solutions for large, heavy books include laying them flat. When storing books, make sure they aren’t leaning on their spines or fore edges.

Where should you not store books?

Avoid putting books in a location where they could be ruined by a leaky pipe or a malfunctioning water heater. Avoid putting books in damp basements or even against the inside of an outside wall, as both of these places have high humidity levels that could damage the books. Mildew can develop even in sealed boxes if they are kept in a wet cellar.

Can books be stored in Tupperware?

In order to protect books against moisture and other forms of damage over the long term, plastic containers are a great option. Boxes are fine for most short-term transfers, but they can’t withstand the elements or vermin for long. Plastic containers with airtight seals provide protection from all three of these hazards.

In what ways do books age?

Hardcover books often last for 40-60 years after publication, but paperbacks only last for 10-20 years. The reason for this is that paperbacks easily rip and tear while hardcovers are more durable.

Does a storage unit allow for book storing?

It’s crucial to properly stack books in a storage facility to ensure their safety and longevity. The cover can be stacked on top or underneath. When stacked on their vertical sides, extra weight might put stress on the binding and lead to its eventual collapse.

Book Storage – The Do’s & Dont’s