For book lovers, collectors, and students, preserving books in excellent condition is a priority. Whether you’re storing old textbooks, rare first editions, or an entire home library, books are sensitive to moisture, temperature, pests, and even the type of box you use. If stored incorrectly, they can quickly develop mold, yellowing pages, warped covers, or unpleasant odors.
To keep your books safe, dry, and protected, it’s essential to use proper storage techniques—and choosing a controlled environment like TGI Storage Bloomington can make a huge difference. Call (309) 490-9100 to secure a clean, safe storage unit for your collection.
Books are made of organic materials—paper, cloth, glue, and leather—that naturally break down over time. Heat, humidity, and sunlight speed up this deterioration. Long-term storage requires a stable climate and the right packing methods to prevent:
Mold growth
Musty odors
Pages sticking together
Faded covers
Warped bindings
Pest damage
Whether storing for six months or several years, preparation is key.
Before storing, take a moment to:
Dust off covers
Remove bookmarks, receipts, and sticky notes
Let pages air out if the book was recently handled
Check for moisture
Items left inside books can imprint on pages or attract pests, while moisture creates mold that can spread rapidly.
Books should be stored in:
Acid-free archival boxes for rare or valuable books
Sturdy plastic bins with tight lids for general collections
Small boxes, not large ones—books get heavy fast
Avoid storing books in:
Cardboard boxes from grocery stores
Containers that previously held food
Weak or collapsing boxes
Plastic bins are ideal for preventing moisture exposure in non–climate controlled areas.
When placing books in boxes:
Stand them upright, like they sit on a shelf
Keep similarly sized books together
Fill empty space with packing paper so they don’t shift
Heavy books should not be stacked in tall piles, as this can warp the bottom books and damage spines.
Books thrive in:
Cool temperatures (60–70°F)
Low humidity (30–50%)
Dark locations out of sunlight
Places to avoid include:
Attics
Basements
Garages
Outdoor sheds
These areas are prone to humidity swings, mold, and pests.
This is why many collectors choose a secure, climate-controlled storage unit at TGI Storage Bloomington, where the environment remains consistent and your books stay protected. Call (309) 490-9100 for current unit availability.
To combat humidity, add:
Silica gel packets
Moisture absorbing tubs
Baking soda containers (for smaller spaces)
These products prevent mildew and musty odors from forming inside storage boxes.
Special editions need extra care:
Wrap them in acid-free paper
Use archival boxes
Keep them away from direct airflow vents in storage units
Avoid plastic wrap (it traps moisture)
Leather-bound books can also benefit from occasional conditioning before long-term storage.
If storing multiple boxes, label them with:
Category (Novels, Textbooks, Collectibles, etc.)
Author names
“Fragile: Books”
Which side should be facing up
This saves time when you need to retrieve specific books later.
Books hold value—financial, emotional, and educational. Storing them properly ensures they remain in excellent condition no matter how long they’re kept away. By choosing the right packing materials and a stable storage environment, you can preserve your collection for decades.
For clean, secure book storage, TGI Storage Bloomington offers reliable, climate-controlled units designed to protect sensitive items like books, documents, and collectibles. Call (309) 490-9100 today to reserve your space.