How to Pack Books for Moving

As an avid book reader, I relate deeply with every book lover, and speaking from experience, I know the struggles of making sure that our books survive the move.

Because a book is not merely a couple of pages, but it is an emotion, a belonging, a treasure, and something way too personal.

Which is why it is mandatory that not only our books survive the move, but also come out of the move exactly as they were before the move.

But what should we do to protect them? How to pack books for moving so that they don't get damaged?  And what are the techniques that make packing books for storage easy and effective?

Don't worry; in this article, we will talk about different techniques and tricks that will help you in packing books for moving.

Declutter Before You Pack

I know the pain of parting ways with your books, but when it is time for moving, decluttering is the best way to downsize the load. 

Just sit down and make a pile of books that you have read but didn't like, then make a pile of books that were good for a time but are not your taste now, then make a pile of books that you are emotionally connected to, and then make the pile of books that are still on your to-read list.

Make it easy for yourself and donate all the books that you have already read but will not read again; donate the books you are not interested in, even if you have not read them. 

People often just throw away their old books; ruthless! We know, and suggest you donate your books to the local libraries, schools, and local charities; not only will it reduce your load, but it will also be in your good will.

Once you have narrowed down the collection, it will be easy for you to pack them and get them ready for the move.

Choose the Right Boxes

Now that you have downsized your book collection, it is now the time to choose the right box that will protect your books, make them survive the move, and keep them guarded from all the dirt, water, and mites.

When it is about the books, the best size to put books in are the small or medium-sized boxes. Why not the large box? Because yes, it will have enough space to put all the books in, but when you are done, it will be so heavy that you won’t be able to lift it.

If you think you don’t have to lift the box, you will just drag it, knowing that it can’t happen because the dragging will weaken the box and make it easy for the outside environment to damage your books.

It is best to check the box and make sure it is dry, clean, and strong enough to hold onto the weight. Try to reinforce the bottom with a double layer of packing tape to prevent the box from collapsing.

If you are reusing the old boxes, try taping over the old labels and marketing materials to avoid confusion.

Make sure you clearly label each one with its contents and the room it belongs to. For example, To Shelf - Fiction - Thriller, or Lower Shelf - Fiction - Murder Mysteries. 

Gather Your Packing Materials

Before you sit down to pack and then fuss over the pair of scissors, it is better to gather the packing supplies before you start the packing.

The five main things that you will need are high-quality tape, sturdy boxes, permanent markers, and crumpled papers, or maybe acid-free paper for rare and antique volumes to prevent discoloration. 

A few careful minutes spent preparing materials will save hours of frustration later.

How to Pack Hardcover Books

should be packed separately from the paperback books. Yes, you can't put these two together because hardcover books need to be packed upright, just as they sit on the bookshelf, with their spines facing the side of the box.

Not only will this help to maintain the shape, but it will also prevent the pages from bending over. However, if you are moving the valuable editions, we suggest wrapping each one individually and not together in acid-free paper, with a layer of bubble wrap for extra protection.

If, however, you choose to pack your hardcovers flat, stack them from the heaviest to the lightest. It's better to not place any book at an odd angle or press it too tightly, because it will damage the covers. 

How to Pack Paperbacks

I own plenty of paperbacks, and they are far easier to pack as compared to hardcovers.  They can be stacked, placed upright, or simply be packed, anyway you find it fit.

However, there is one condition with packing the paperbacks, and it is that they can't be positioned with their paper edges down.

Because that will make the pages crease or bend. It is better to arrange the books of similar sizes together and fill the remaining space with crumpled paper or soft fabric.

When you are done with the placement, shuffle the box to detect any movement; if there is any movement, add more crumpled paper and then even the top, secure and seal the box with the tape, and label it correctly.

Final Thoughts

Moving books does not require a complex procedure to pack them. With careful consideration, durable materials, and proper handling, your collection may travel safely and reach its destination in excellent condition. The trick is to take your time, pack well, and not to overload boxes.

We know how important your books are to you at The Mobile Storage Guy. We make storage and transportation of your belongings easy, secure, and convenient by our mobile storage solutions, enabling you to move your belongings at your own speed.