Self Storage Basics

Proper storage and housing can greatly affect the life and health of your belongings while in storage (documents, photographs, furniture, etc.) There are many different factors that need to be considered when deciding where and how your stuff should be stored. These factors include the environmental conditions in the storage area, the type of storage to be used, how the collection should be prepared or processed prior to storage, and what types of enclosures will be needed to protect the collection.

Environmental Conditions

Choose a self storage unit with a moderate, stable environment. There are several conditions that should be considered when choosing a storage unit; the most important are temperature, humidity, light and environmental stability.

Try to keep the temperature in storage units below 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooler temperatures slow down the destructive chemical reactions inside paper and fabrics. Try for a relative humidity between 40% and 55%. Humidity is the concentration of water in the air.When the humidity is too low, documents become dry and brittle. When the humidity is too high, documents can warp and grow mold.

Choose a self storage unit that doesn't get too much light. Light, especially ultraviolet light, is very damaging to documents. Ultraviolet light comes primarily from sunlight and fluorescent lights. Light speeds up chemical reactions in paper and fabrics. Light can also bleach paper, and cause colored papers and inks to fade. To minimize light exposure, cover the windows in your storage area with blinds or heavy curtains. Turn off lights when the storage room is not in use. Light damage is cumulative, so every little bit helps.

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Choose an self storage unit with a stable environment. Widely varying temperature and humidity levels cause paper fibers to expand and contract. This causes internal stresses that can be very damaging to paper.

Furniture Storage

There are several different types of furniture or systems available for storing books and documents. Factors that will help you decide the best course to follow include the specific needs of the collection, the materials used in the manufacture of the item, and the physical placement of the furniture. In general, it's best for the shelves to be as open as possible. Good air circulation helps prevent the build-up of moisture and acidic gasses. Store large maps, blueprints, and other documents flat whenever possible, instead of folded or rolled.

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Purchase storage furniture made with good quality, stable materials. Metal shelving is usually best, as long as it has a smooth, chemically stable finish. Avoid bare wood or wood composition shelving. Wood contains acids which can leach out and damage your collection. Oak wood is especially acidic. If wood must be used, seal it with a good quality, water-based polyurethane. After sealing the wood, allow it to cure for several weeks before shelving your collection. Wait until there is no longer an odor coming from the sealant. A chemical smell means that the finish is not yet safe for your collection.

The placement of the storage furniture can be very important as well. Try not to place shelves or other storage units along exterior walls. These areas are subject to the temperature and humidity changes outside, which can lead to moisture buildup, condensation and mold.Leave a few inches of free space between the shelving unit and the storage unit wall to allow for air circulation. Avoid placing storage furniture directly under water or steam pipes.

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