The 5 wisdoms of book storage
Storing books: how it works
Books are undoubtedly one of the most popular achievements of human civilization, something that even e-books and digitization have been unable to do much about.
According to a study, an average of 80% of Austrians buy 6-7 books a year. Extrapolated, that’s around 45 million books that find a new home on Austrian bookshelves every year. Quite a lot. However, in order to enjoy your printed works for decades to come, there are five key points to bear in mind when storing books.
1. Proper indoor climate
2. Avoid sunlight
3. Prevent unwanted pests
Also on the list of book arch-enemies are small insects such as moths or paperfish, which feel like jumbo carpenters in an all-you-can-eat restaurant in a cluttered bookshelf. The most effective weapons against these book-eaters are lavender, ginkgo leaves or cedar wood, as these give off an odor that deters them. An entire bookshelf made of cedar would therefore be an ideal storage place.
The right room climate, no direct sunlight, pest prevention with fragrances and an upright position on the shelf are crucial for a long life when storing books.
4. Correct position on the bookshelf
When placing books on a shelf, it’s important to ensure they stand upright and not at an angle. Over time, the book’s spine can warp, which not only looks unattractive but can also cause damage, especially with bound books. To prevent this, fill the shelf so that the books are not squeezed together or able to tip over. If there aren’t enough books to fill the row, bookends are a reliable solution.
5. Be careful when storing in boxes
If the bookshelves are full at some point, moving boxes such as the sustainable moving boxes from KIBOX are a good alternative. Order is the top priority here, because if the books are piled on top of each other, creases and pressure marks can form that you will most likely not be able to get rid of. It’s best to arrange them in order of size from bottom to top and fill the gaps with newspaper.
Take these five points to heart when storing books and nothing will stand in the way of a long life for your novels, non-fiction books and other tomes!
If you’re the particularly bibliophile type and your home is already overflowing with books, a storage room at STORE ROOM would also be an ideal alternative for storing books.
