9 easy steps to store and keep your books safe in your home.

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There’s something inviting and homey about a nicely stocked bookcase, whether it’s in your public lobby room or your private home study room. It tells outside visitors that its owner is a professional person, depending on your storage trendy model, also organised and clean.

But how do you display a book collection in a special way? And not just to create those interiors seem more stylish, but also to protect your books?

Obviously, this way… or  use a divergent thinking when it comes to office space.

1. Climate control is important when you store books

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As paper is made of organic material, with the time it will degrade and disappear thanks to different types of bacteria, pests, fungi, etc. But luckily it is not a straightforward process, and you can contribute extensively to maintain your most liked reading books and magazines for longer, like:

  • Storing them in adequate temperature locations (below 22 °C is recommended)
  • Keeping down the level of humidity (avoid storing books in the bathroom!)
  • Keep them out of direct sunlight, exposure to the sun, as UV radiation can transform the white paper into yellow and of course to fade that ink.

2. Use Proper shelving to keep book safe

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Using a container boxes is an economical option, but we can advise that you opt for proper wooden shelving for your precious book collection. Make certain that shelving spaces are spacious enough and sturdy enough to accommodate your readings.

If you weren’t gifted professional with DIY skills, you can always opt for one of our property repairs services to help you with your shelving plastering/ painting / gardening / decorating / home design.

3. Keep home pests at bay

Storing books in your garage is not the best idea because of rats and mice – this is a main reason which contributes to damage. But should you really have no choice but to store some books in there, we recommend chasing rodents out pest-proofing, this is one of the many ways to keep zero infestation. In case you struggle, book the professional pest controller.

4. Don’t eat close to book shelves

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Technically, book worms bore through books, but they are not true worms. Firstly, they will infest book shelves, then will move to books. They are very much attracted to wood- pulp paper.

Mandatory advise to follow: stop eating food and having drinks around books. This action of yours will significantly increase the chance of book crumbs, smudges and spills – definitely avoid it.

5 Drizzle Black Pepper Around

Speaking of keeping unwanted guests away, drizzle some black pepper or insect powder near your books (try, not in or on them) can chase away page-munching pests. Black pepper repels ants because it contains the ant repellent capsaicin which helps to keep books safe.

And to be clear: book insects don’t pose such a danger to present-day books, but certainly to older, antique papers which, of course, are more costly.

6.Season(s) are significant when you store books

If your house has an attic compartment that will be probably your best-loved storage space, for that reason you will have to keep the seasons in mind. For example, during summer season an attic can promptly heat up in due to rising and direct sunlight and heat, meaning adequate ventilation and easy airflow is necessary. Likewise, during winter periods an attic can become the North Pole and to be the coldest place in the entire house, because such an area is usually been unheated to save on electricity costs.

7. Use correct containers

If you struggle to invest or have difficulties to build floating shelves or new bookcases, then your next best option is to use cheaper version of boxes or containers for storing books. Popular choice in terms of container materials are:

  • Cardboard boxes:Make certain not to use cardboard container in which you had food stored for sure this attract bugs, pests). Make sure to check on the humidity levels, minimum airflow creates a better option for mould to grow.
  • Plastic boxes: Way greater costs to buy those, plastic boxes also need to be maintained clean and not used for food. This will help keep your books in finest state. Be aware that direct sunlight can filter through a plastic container material and effectively heat up whatever’s being stored in inside.

Perform Regular Dusting on Shelves

Cleaning shelves is important to maintain your books safe. Thorough and regular dusting is an essential not only for the shelves but for the books as well. Use a cob-web duster to reach out difficult corners. Use a soft brush for the books. Do not use vacuum cleaner, this might cause damage.

9.Regular Domestic Cleaning

Great advice is to perform weekly clean on the entire property. Also, twice a year spring cleaning would be helpful as well. Upkeeping your property pristine will reduce the risks and the impacts over your books. In case you want to be more detailed with the cleaning you can always hire a professional cleaning company to do the job instead you.