How to Store Books in a Storage Unit Without Damaging Them
How to Store Books in a Storage Unit Without Damaging Them
Catamount Self Storage
September 21st, 2026
How to Store Books in a Storage Unit Without Damaging Them
Books are easy to pack—but they’re also surprisingly easy to damage.Moisture, humidity, temperature swings, pests, and improper packing can lead to warped covers, damaged bindings, yellowed pages, and even mold. If you’re planning to store books in a traditional, non-climate-controlled storage unit, a little preparation can make a big difference.Here’s how to properly pack and store your books so they stay in great condition.
1. Start With Clean, Completely Dry Books
Before packing your collection, make sure every book is clean and completely dry.Gently remove dust with a soft, dry cloth or brush. Pay particular attention to books that have been stored in basements, garages, attics, or other damp locations.Never pack a book that feels damp or shows signs of moisture. Sealing moisture inside a container can create the perfect environment for mildew and mold.
2. Use Plastic Storage Bins Instead of Cardboard
Cardboard boxes may be inexpensive and convenient, but for long-term book storage, sturdy plastic totes with tight-fitting lids are a better choice.Cardboard can absorb moisture from the surrounding air and provides less protection from insects, rodents, spills, and condensation.Look for:
- Heavy-duty plastic construction
- Secure, tight-fitting lids
- Stackable designs
- Gasket or weather-resistant seals when possible
Clear bins can also make it easier to identify your books without opening every container.Tip: Books get heavy quickly. Use several smaller or medium-sized totes rather than one enormous container that becomes difficult to move.
3. Add Moisture-Absorbing Packets
Humidity is one of the biggest concerns when storing books.Consider placing silica gel or another appropriate moisture-absorbing product inside each storage bin. These can help manage residual moisture inside the container.Make sure the books themselves are dry before sealing the bin. Moisture absorbers are an added precaution—not a solution for packing damp books. For longer storage periods, periodically inspect your containers and replace moisture-control products when necessary. You can find them here at Amazon.
4. Store Books Upright When Possible
For most standard books, position them upright as you would on a bookshelf.Don't cram books tightly into the container. They should be snug enough that they don't constantly shift, but not so tightly packed that covers or bindings are under pressure.You can fill empty spaces with clean, acid-free packing paper or other appropriate packing material.Large, heavy, or oversized books may be stored flat. If you do stack books horizontally, keep the stacks relatively small so excessive weight doesn't damage the books at the bottom.Avoid storing books resting on their page edges or with their spines bent or unsupported.
5. Don't Wrap Individual Books in Plastic
It might seem like wrapping every book tightly in plastic would provide extra protection, but it can also trap moisture against the book.If you have valuable or delicate books that need individual protection, consider acid-free archival tissue or other materials specifically designed for document and book storage.And skip the newspaper. Newspaper ink can transfer onto covers and pages over time.
6. Keep Your Book Bins Off the Concrete Floor
Even when using plastic containers, we recommend keeping stored belongings off the floor whenever practical.Use:
- Heavy-duty shelving
- Storage racks
- Pallets
- Other raised platforms designed for storage
Elevating your containers provides another layer of protection against condensation, unexpected water intrusion, spills, and other moisture that could potentially reach the floor.It also improves organization and makes it much easier to access your books later.
7. Don't Overload Your Bins
Anyone who has ever moved a box full of books knows how quickly they become heavy.Instead of filling a huge tote to the top, use smaller containers and distribute the weight. This makes your books easier to move and reduces the chance of a bin cracking, collapsing, or becoming difficult to safely lift.If you're stacking totes, always place the heaviest containers on the bottom.
8. Be Mindful of Vermont's Changing Seasons
Here in Vermont, temperatures and humidity can change considerably throughout the year.A traditional drive-up storage unit is not the same as climate-controlled storage. Items stored inside may experience seasonal changes in temperature and humidity.That's especially important for paper products such as books, photographs, documents, artwork, and collectibles.Properly sealed containers, moisture control, and good placement within your storage unit can help reduce exposure, but especially valuable, rare, antique, or irreplaceable books may be better suited to a professionally controlled archival or climate-controlled environment.
A Simple Book Storage Checklist
Before closing your storage unit, make sure you've:✓ Cleaned and dried all books
✓ Used sturdy plastic storage totes
✓ Added appropriate moisture absorbers
✓ Packed books upright without overcrowding
✓ Avoided newspaper and tight plastic wrapping
✓ Kept containers elevated off the concrete
✓ Put heavier containers at the bottom
✓ Clearly labeled each tote
✓ Created an aisle so you can access your collection
Need More Room for Your Books—and Everything Else?
Whether you're moving, downsizing, renovating, heading to college, or simply trying to reclaim some space at home, a storage unit can give you the extra room you need.Catamount Self Storage offers clean, secure, drive-up storage units in a variety of sizes, making it easy to pull up to your unit, unload, and get organized.And if you're moving into a new unit, ask us about our free moving van for new renters, subject to availability and program requirements.Ready to make some room?Explore available storage units and reserve yours online with Catamount Self Storage.
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