Packing and Storing Your Books

Books are heavy. Even paperbacks can become a weight burden if you’ve accumulated a lot of them and are trying to prepare for the move.  So packing them in a way that won’t strain your back–or your budget–can be a challenge.

A good way to begin the process is by finding a good home for the ones you can part with, either at a second-hand bookstore or with friends. Once you have decided which ones will come with you, get some boxes that you know will hold the weight. If they’re used, check for dampness. The last thing you want is to put your books into a space  that will cause mold to grow on pages.

Hardcovers can be packed by putting them in the box so that their spines are touching the box sides. Be sure not to pack the books so tightly that they can be damaged upon removal. If you want to protect your hardcovers, wrap them in heavy paper before placing them in the box. Books that are especially valuable–such as first editions or even photo albums–should be packed with cardboard in between each book to keep the spine is straight. Each book should be covered in paper and, if possible, put in a padded box.

Another way you can pack your hardcovers and paperbacks is by putting them in spine first with the paper edges facing up. Although it may seem counterintuitive, do not put the books with the paper edges facing down and spines up. If you do, you risk warping both hardcovers and paperbacks alike.

Remember that you can use a variety of proper packing methods within one box so long as none of the books are packed at awkward angles.When you have filled a box, use wadded newspaper or bubblewrap to fill in any gaps between books that you might find. Doing so will lower the risk that your books will shift during the actual move and become damaged in the process.

If you need to store your books, check the storage area temperature, as excessive heat can lead to yellowing and cracking. Lone Star Storage units are cool, dry and priced just right, especially if you are a student. So when you’re ready to move, lighten your load and bring your books to us. It’s the smart thing to do.

Photo credit: Salvatore Vuono
Call Lone Star Self Storage for valuable self-storage help when moving. (512) 444-4232.

Packing Supplies For Self Storage

Storage supplies Austin 78704Knowing how to pack the things that you are putting in self storage units is important. If you do not pack your things properly, they may be in danger of being broken or destroyed while in transport or when they are inside the storage units.

Take extra precaution when it comes to mold and mildew and other environmental factors, such as moisture and excessive heat. Prepare for possible pests, such as rodents and other critters. In order to accomplish this and help you with the proper storage of your things and possessions, ensure that you have the right supplies required for proper packing.

Review the items you plan to store in the self-storage units so that you have enough boxes. It is important that the boxes that you use are sturdy and are of the same, or similar, size for easier stacking. Be sure to acquire enough packing tape so you can securely close the boxes. You can also use the tape to label your boxes. Depending on what things you are planning to store, you might want to consider using plastic boxes because moisture will not seep inside plastic materials. However, plastic boxes are likely more expensive than the regular carton boxes.

Bubble wrap is also useful when you are preparing to move and store your things in self storage units in order to secure fragile items and prevent them from breaking. Bubble wrap can serve as cushion for china, glasses, vases, jugs, and other things that need extra care. In case you cannot find bubble wrap, you can use packing paper, old newspapers or foam to help cushion fragile items. If you need to store valuable items, be sure to take out an insurance policy first before moving and putting them in storage units. This will protect you from losses.

Locks are of course essential items that you would need when you put your things in self storage units. Many storage facilities provide their own locks but it is still advisable that you bring your own lock, just in case. Make sure that the one you select is of high quality and hard to break.

Additional articles with helpful information on self-storage:

Before You Store

Storage Tips

Helpful Self Storage Preparation Ideas

self-storage preparation ideasEven if self storage units are readily available and quite affordable in Texas, it is still essential for people to do some planning before they start bringing their stuff to the nearest storage facility in Austin or other cities. Many people end up paying a lot of money because they do not make any preparation prior to bringing and storing their things inside rental storage units. If you want to maximize the space you are renting and make sure that all of the things that you are storing are protected from dust and environmental elements, consider the following tips:

Making a checklist of the things that you will put inside your self storage unit is one of the first things that you should do. A lot of people end up forgetting what items are stored inside their units. For example, there are many homeowners who end up buying new tools and supplies that they actually have inside their storage units. If you make a list of the things that are inside the boxes that you are going to place inside your storage room, there is less chance that you will buy duplicate items. So, if you do not want to spend double on office equipment, supplies or tools, ensure that you save and print several copies of the list of things inside your storage room. One list could be left inside your storage unit and the other one could be in your desk at home.

Planning is also important before you rent a self storage unit because this will allow you to have an idea of the size of the unit to get. In order to maximize your rental space, you should put items in boxes so you can stack things up. Remember of course that the boxes of books should be placed below the boxes that contain china or glasses. Those who do not plan how they are going to store and use their storage spaces effectively end up renting bigger units and spending a lot more money.

It is also ideal to visually inspect the self storage facility as well as the unit that you are planning to rent so that you can assess if the company can really provide you with what you need. For instance, do they have the right size? For example, it is often better and more economical to rent one 10 by 10 storage unit than two 5 by 5 rooms.

Below are more articlesand helpful information on self-storage:

Storage Tips
Tips on Selecting the Right Self-Storage Company

Contact Lone Star Storage in South Austin, 78704 for all of your self-storage needs.