{"id":3482,"date":"2019-02-28T09:30:44","date_gmt":"2019-02-28T16:30:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.neighbor.com\/storage-blog\/?p=3482"},"modified":"2026-08-31T10:53:59","modified_gmt":"2026-08-31T17:53:59","slug":"how-to-store-books","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.neighbor.com\/storage-blog\/how-to-store-books\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Way to Store Books So They Last for Decades"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The best way to store books is to keep them dry, cool, and out of direct light, whether they’re headed to a shelf or storage unit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We’ve combined preservation guidelines from the Library of Congress and National Archives with practical packing tips for everyday collections. Follow these steps and your books can hold up whether you store them for a few months or for years to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Prepare Your Books for Storage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Books can face dust, pests, and damage fast if they’re packed without prep. Here’s how to protect them:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inspect for pests <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Check each book for insect eggs or pest damage<\/strong>. These eggs often look like tiny specks near the spine or tucked between pages.

If you find anything, set that book aside in a sealed plastic bag<\/strong> to limit the spread. Skip pesticides and sprays, since they can do more harm to your books than pests.

Instead, look for what might have drawn them in, like crumbs, clutter, or dampness. Seal off any clear entry points, clear out any nearby food or trash, and keep the area tidy and dry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spread out the affected books in a cool, dry spot with good airflow. Any eggs left behind won’t hatch<\/a>, and any lurking pests will move on. If you’re not sure what you’re looking at, a local agricultural office can help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get out the dust cloths<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Dust every book, starting at the spine and moving toward the page edges<\/strong>. This keeps loose dust from settling into the gutter between pages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have a small vacuum handy, use a soft brush attachment and keep the suction low, so the pages don’t lift or tear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Use jackets or slips<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Jackets absorb dust, scuffs, and other minor damage from jostling or compression during a move. If you’ve lost any jackets or need extras, you can buy clear slips, like the ones libraries use for paperbacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How Neighbor is changing storage<\/h2>\r\n <\/header>\r\n
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Transparent monthly savings<\/h3>\r\n

Renters save 30-50% on self storage, on average. No rate hikes.<\/p>\r\n <\/div>\r\n

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Keep your items nearby<\/h3>\r\n

Hosts in your neighborhood means that your things are always close by.<\/p>\r\n <\/div>\r\n

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Storage made simple<\/h3>\r\n

Don't settle for stone age tech and long contracts. Neighbor makes it easy.<\/p>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/section>\r\n