AboutJan Hayner Expertise I can answer any questions on Home organizing, file and paper management, organizing for parents, kids, senior citizens and on housekeeping and cleaning solutions.
Experience I have been a Professional Organizer for 9 years, I am considered an expert in my field on the internet and have written several informational books on organizing.
Organizations I am an active member of Faithful Organizers (An International Association of Christian based Professional Organizers, a past member of NAPO (the National Association of Professional Organizers)a member of an association called Women in Management, a member of Money Smart Wisconsin-Sheboygan and was a business owner for over 25 years.
Education/Credentials A high school graduated a the rest of my learning capablilities came from making a lot of mistakes in my lifetime and learning from all of them.
Question I'm in the process of clearing some bookcase space
for DVD's. I'm putting books into plastic storage
boxes (Rubbermaid). Once filled, these boxes will
be stored in the basement, which, while not wet,
is still a basement. Is there anything I should
put in the containers with the books to prevent
them from possibly becoming musty or otherwise
unpleasant? The books aren't anything special; I
just don't believe in tossing them! Some are of
good quality, some are book club quality, and some
are paperbacks. I was intending to keep the paper
backs in a separate container from the hardcover
books.
Thank you.
Answer Hi Renee;
I am going to give you a link to a site that explains how to store books very nicely.
First of all, paper back books and hard cover books should always be stored seperately.
Second books should always be put into mylar or plastic bags with the top open (for ventilation so humidity doesn't form and fungus doesn't grow. Plus the fact that if heat should occur, the books won't stick together and ruin the jackets or the outer layer.
Third, books should only be stored in a dry place with a humidty level about 30%, so if your basement is dry (or you can use a dehumidifier to keep the air controled, you should be okay. The room should not be hot or cold.
Fourth, Plastic containers is a no-no when it comes to books storage (read the link and you will understand).
A good rule of thumb is: if it is comfortable for a human it will be for a book.
Here is some tips for your DVD's too!
If you can just picture a library and the organization that it has, it will make it easier for you to do.
Take all of the DVD's's that you have and put them all in one place. Now separate them into categories; Horror, Classics, Romance, War, Comedy or whatever the selection that you have.
You will now take each category and alphabetize the DVD's according to Title.
When you are through with this, you can now place them on your shelves 'alphabetically' according to category and Titles in that category.
It will make it easier for you to find them and to put them away when you are through.
I hope this answered your question Renee and that you will now feel confident in storing your books.
Happy Organizing and storing,
Jan Hayner
