Long-Term Storage for Books & Paper Goods

Proper storage conditions are essential when preserving your collection of books, photographs, and other paper goods. These items are more than just objects; they often hold sentimental value and irreplaceable memories.

Georgetown Moving and Storage Company in Arlington, VA, serving the greater DC metro area, is your go-to for climate-controlled storage solutions. With our expertise in moving, storage, and packing, we offer unparalleled services for your long-term storage needs.

Ideal Temperature & Humidity When Storing Books & Photos

One of the critical aspects of storing books and photos is maintaining the right temperature and humidity levels. Fluctuations in these conditions can lead to deterioration, such as warping, mold, or fading.

A stable environment with moderate humidity and a consistent, cool temperature is ideal.

• Temperature: 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit
• Humidity: 35% to 50%
• Light exposure: Dark or dimly lit environment when not in use

Georgetown Moving and Storage is proud to offer climate-controlled storage solutions, providing a stable environment that protects your items from fluctuating temperatures and humidity.

How To Properly Pack & Store Your Books

While preparing your books for storage, it’s essential to use the right materials. Common packing materials like newspapers might seem convenient, but they can cause harm due to the acids they contain.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to properly pack and store your books:

1. Use acid-free paper or archival-quality materials to wrap each book, and choose sturdy cardboard boxes or clean and dry plastic containers.
2. Clean each book gently before packing to remove any dust or debris.
3. Wrap each book individually with acid-free paper. Don’t skip this step with old books.
4. Place the heaviest books at the bottom of the box.
5. Store books either upright or flat. Storing at an angle will cause warping.
6. Fill any remaining spaces in the box with acid-free, soft packing material.
7. Label the boxes.
8. Store the boxes in a dark, cool, dry, and climate-stable environment.

By following these steps, you can significantly increase the life span of your books, keeping them in good condition for years to come. Remember, for particularly valuable or fragile items, consider professional storage solutions like climate-controlled units to provide extra protection.

Georgetown Moving and Storage offers specialized packing services and materials to ensure your books stay in their best form.

Using Climate-Controlled Storage

Climate-controlled storage is a type of storage unit that maintains a consistent and moderate temperature and humidity level regardless of external weather conditions.

These units are typically found in indoor storage facilities and offer a more stable environment than non-climate-controlled units, garages, or attics.

Here’s a closer look at their benefits:

• Climate-controlled units keep a consistent temperature, usually between 55°F and 85°F. Extreme temperatures can damage your belongings, including books and photographs.
• These units maintain an optimal humidity level, usually between 30% and 50%. Stable humidity levels prevent mold and mildew growth.
• Climate-controlled units keep out pests that can damage or run off with your things.
• Indoor units have better air circulation and air quality, reducing dust accumulation.

Climate-Controlled Book Storage With Georgetown Moving and Storage

With a bit of planning, you can keep your beloved books and photos safe for the long haul. Georgetown Moving and Storage is the perfect partner for this. Our climate-controlled storage units provide the ideal environment to protect your precious memories from temperature changes, humidity, and other potential dangers.

We’re in Arlington, VA, and serve the greater DC metro area. We offer more than just storage solutions. We promise to protect and preserve your cherished items. When you choose Georgetown Moving and Storage, you’re not just getting a storage space; you’re getting peace of mind.

Call (703) 889-8899 for a free estimate from Georgetown Moving and Storage.