Properly Store Books With These Techniques
Books are important and beautiful objects, but they can take up a lot of space if not stored well. If you are looking for ideas on how to store your books with additional elegant solutions, you should learn how to do this in a more organized way that will not only save space, but also allow you to conveniently maintain your collection whether you have a library of cooking books or specific books for a motorcycle accident attorney houston. The most important thing is to pick a storage method that allows easy retrieval, cleaning and organization of your collection. Here are several ideas you could try out to keep your books well.
Use plastic bins for long-term storage
If you have many books that you rarely use, the best way store them for the long-term is using opaque plastic tubs. You can seal the tub and store the books in a dry place where you are assured the moisture content is low. Using plastic tubs allows to protect your books from direct sunlight and rodents, and this offers you a storage option that allows easy retrieval. If you are not planning to access the books regularly, you could even place the tub in an attic, in the garage or any other place where there is no moisture.
With a storage bin, you could even squeeze the books under your bed to save space in your room. This is mostly recommended if you have more books than you have shelves, so instead of leaving them in the open, you could use such ideas as storing them in bins then placing the bins on any place you can find space in your house. You could even rent storage space around your town where you will keep the books. The benefit that comes with this is that most storage facilities are temperature-controlled and your books are taken care of well.
Check humidity levels
Humid air is an enemy to your books that you should pay attention to. If you intend to keep your books in pristine condition, you should consider humidity levels before storing. It is advisable to keep them in places with relatively low humidity levels, preferably 35%. One of the effects of humidity is that it causes warping and paper to curl. Having good dry air circulation is recommended for your books. Some books might tolerate up to 60% humidity, and this comes down to the type of material used to make the book.
Don’t keep books near direct heat
If you store your books near heat ducts and hot appliances, with time they will warp, so to protect their binding you should keep them in relatively cool places. An idea you could use to keep them safe is to regularly rotate the books if you are convinced that there is not enough heat distribution in a room and the safety of the books is not guaranteed. This ensures that some books are not exposed than others. Just avoid direct sunlight and your books will remain safe and in perfect condition for the longest period.
Keep books upright or flat
While choosing an organizational method, you need to consider the weight and quality of build of the book. Some books are most suited to sit flat on a surface while others have a strong cover that allows you to place them upright. The benefit of storing the book upright is that you are able to read the spine correctly, which makes it easy for you to sort through your collection to pick the right book. However, you should never store your books with the binding facing up as this will crack the hinge.
Make sure your hands are washed and dried before handling books
Cleaning is another important aspect of storing books that you should pay attention to. The biggest enemy of books is dirt, especially from natural oils and fats. Always clean and dry your hands to get rid of these oils. It is recommended to use warm and soapy water so you can expel dirt more effectively. If your books are old or leather-bound, you should use latex gloves while handling them. Additionally, you should never eat anything near the storage compartment of your books as this could invite worms that will later destroy your books.
Displaying books
While storing books, especially if it is in your office, you also want to have a perfect display that allows you to retrieve them easily based on category. The most appropriate organizational method that would allow you to achieve this is a book shelf. A shelf allows you to place books with similar qualities together while also offering you an easy way of cleaning the collection. While choosing a book shelf, ensure it is made from natural pre-treated wood and consider buying one that is not painted with synthetic paint. The other display option you have is using stacked crates, which give you a complete view of the front cover of the book.