tips for first-time moverstips for first-time movers


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tips for first-time movers

If you are one of the fortunate ones that haven't had to pack up an entire house or apartment and move yet and you have to do so, you aren't in for a whole lot of fun. Moving is a lot more work than most people realize until they are neck-deep in packing peanuts and moving boxes. My blog was created to help those first-time movers find their footing and create a plan that will make the process a little more easy. Take your time and peruse the included tips and hopefully, your big move won't be a big headache.

Tips For Storing Books In Your Storage Unit

If you have books that you would like to keep in a storage unit long-term, you will want to take the necessary steps in protecting them. Books are fragile items, as moisture, insects, or dirt can cause them to decay or become ruined. Here are some tips to follow when putting your reading material into a storage unit.

Prepare the Books Beforehand

Before you place your books into a container, you will want to dust off each one individually. This will help remove any small insects that may be present on the edges of the pages, helping to avoid an infestation in your unit as a result. Dusting also helps to remove any dirt or debris that may have moisture infused within. If moisture gets into your unit, mold and mildew could result.

If there is a lot of dust on a book, use a vacuum cleaner attachment with a soft-bristled brush to effectively remove the particles. If your books have book jackets, you may want to consider covering them with plastic book covers to help keep them intact.

Pick The Proper Containers

When storing your books, you will want to place them inside small cardboard boxes rather than larger ones. This makes the boxes easier to carry if you need to shift things around within your unit. It also helps keep your other items from becoming crushed if a larger box were to be pushed into or fall on top of them.

Avoid using secondhand boxes as they are usually not as sturdy causing them to be prone to ripping. Using an archival box is recommended for limited editions or other treasured books. This is an instance where plastic storage containers are not the desired packing method. Books fare better when they have open air, making cardboard boxes a better choice.

Using A Bookshelf

You can store books directly on a bookshelf within your storage unit if you take precautionary steps in the process. Placing a metal bookshelf is best as unsealed wooden shelves can emit acidic vapor into the air. This would cause books to deteriorate prematurely. Store books either horizontally in a stack on a shelf or vertically, but not diagonally leaning on one another. When they are not flat or upright, the binding will shift, altering the book's structure.

When storing books upright, make sure the books are of around the same height. This will allow each book to have a surface to rest against so it does not become disfigured partway through the binding or cover due to uneven pressure.

If you have too many books to fit in your home, but you're loathe to part with them, you may want to start looking into local storage units, such as Access Self Storage, to see which one is best for you. Once you've pinned one down, use the tips above to safely store your books until you need them again.