Best Way for Packing Books When Moving

September 18, 2019 / Posted in How-to
Anastasia Hill

Apart from being the next fashion icon, Anastasia is also a freelance writer and expert on moving (and packing clothes).

If you’re an avid reader, and you’re also about to relocate, then you’re probably wondering what is the best way for packing books when moving. Figuring out how to transport books without damaging them is actually one of the more challenging tasks of the whole ordeal. Fortunately, there are plenty of tips and tricks to make sure your prized library reaches its destination without a single page missing. Here’s how to pack books for moving. 

man-is-boxing-up-books
You can bring all of your favorite stories along for the journey

Finding the Best Way For Packing Books When Moving – Start by Decluttering

While only a quarter of Americans own at least a hundred books, if you’re trying to find the best way to pack books when moving, you’re probably one of them. Who knows, maybe you’re among the 3% who’ve got thousands! Either way, the first thing you’ll need to do is figure out what you really need to bring to the new home.

70% of Americans own less than a hundred books

Let’s be real – do you really need every single volume you own? Cross-country moving can be an excellent opportunity for sorting your editions and finally deciding what is worth keeping and what you should get rid of. You can sell or donate them, or maybe gift them to friends and family. In fact, this can be a wonderful way of saying goodbye to friends!

Another reason why decluttering is the smart first step is the fact that it will make it easier on your relocation budget. This is because the cost of long-distance moving services is generally determined by the weight of the packages.

neatly stacked books on the table
We know it will be hard to say goodbye - but you've got to do it

First Step – Choose the Adequate Boxes

After you’ve chosen what editions you want to keep, you should start gathering the right packing materials. First things first, you need boxes for books, either in small or medium sizes. They have to be firm and dry to protect the hardcovers and paperbacks from damage. Also, make sure that the bottom is durable and stable, and tape it properly – it’s the best way to ensure a stress-free move

Pro Tip – Use Small Boxes for Books When Moving

When it comes to packing books for moving, one of the best relocation tips is to use smaller boxes. It’s simple – volumes can be heavy, especially hardcovers, meaning small boxes are the safer choice. Just make sure you adequately distribute their weight and avoid overpacking. If you’re a real bookworm with hundreds of volumes, the better option would be to pack them in suitcases with wheels.

books on the white table
Boxes are the first line of defense against a bookworm's heartbreak

The Crucial Step in the Packing Process – Securing the Box

As you’re filling the boxes, if there are any gaps left, fill them with soft, cushioning material. You can use wadded-up paper, old clothes, towels, or bubble wrap. As we’ve said, make sure to reinforce the bottom – for ultimate protection, use a double layer of tape.

When it comes to figuring out how to pack books in boxes, one of the most useful relocation hacks is to start early. That will motivate you to handle them with care and give you enough time to find adequate packing materials. Last but not least, don’t forget to label each box so the long-distance movers know which items to handle with the most care.

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How to Pack Hardcover Books for a Move With a Few Expert Tips

Since hardcover editions are usually more expensive than paperbacks, it’s important to move them safely. This doesn’t mean there shouldn’t be some serious considerations when figuring out how to pack magazines for moving, just that you should be extra careful with hardcovers. Depending on the value, here’s how to pack them efficiently:

  • Hardcovers of moderate value – wrap each one in packing paper before putting it in a box, keeping in mind that they are heavy, so don’t stack too many of them together, 
  • Luxurious hardcovers – wrap them in packing paper, place them in a well-padded box, and then pack them with stiff cardboard placed between each volume,
  • Low-cost hardcovers – you can stack each book horizontally inside the box and make sure the contents won’t move during transport.

When it comes to your high-value hardcover editions, the ones that make your bookshelf look like a million bucks, it might be time to hire cross-country movers. Sure, you could try to wrap them in bubble wrap and hope for the best, but why risk a dog-eared disaster?

When you find an experienced relocation and auto transport company, you can reap the benefits of excellent packing services. Moreover, companies such as Flat Price Auto Transport and Moving offer custom crating, offering tailor-made crates for your most prized editions. After all, they deserve VIP treatment – there’s no doubt about it!

many books on the shelve
A relocation and car shipping company can help you with various aspects, including this task

What About the Paperbacks? What Kind of Protection Do These Volumes Need?

When it comes to figuring out how to protect paperback books, your main goal is to prevent any damage and missing pages. One of the best tips we can give you is that paperbacks should be packed with paper edges facing up to prevent warping and bending.

Put the heavy ones on the bottom and the lighter ones on top. If you need to put away some editions for the time being, before entering the new apartment, make sure to get a storage unit that is dry and cool.

Save Your Precious Books with Proper Storage

There are different types of climate-controlled storage units that are perfect for protecting all kinds of editions. There’s proper circulation of dry air, which is needed to avoid any unwanted pests or moisture. Check if your long-distance moving company offers this special service, and if they do, you can rest assured your precious library will enjoy ultimate protection.

Pack to Protect Against Humidity and Pests

When it comes to anything made of paper, humidity and pests are the greatest enemies, especially when these items are stored for an extended period of time. In case you choose the services of a relocation and car shipping company, you can rest assured everything will be safe in the moving truck. Otherwise, make sure everything is properly wrapped with some plastic sheets to keep any troubles away. 

stacked books
Humidity may be the worst enemy of your prints, so make sure you get the right packing materials

Load the Truck, Van, or Trailer

When you load book packages into a moving truck, the most reasonable place for them should be the floor of the vehicle. If you’ve followed our tips, then you know that smaller cardboard boxes will do the job perfectly. These boxes can additionally be secured by other packed items and larger boxes in the van, but don’t forget to label what are the contents inside.

Relocation of Books Needs to Be Safe

You should consider the bumps and curves along the way, as well as frequent speed changes. That’s why you should stack the packed boxes only if you can properly secure them to avoid tipping. It will be a real disaster if a box falls over since the hardcovers are really heavy and can do a lot of damage to other things in the truck, especially fragile items

books by the window during the day
The best way to ensure safety is to be methodical and not to rush things

Closing the Chapter With a Safe Journey Ahead

So, as you turn the final page of this chapter, remember that a little extra care goes a long way. Whether you’re relocating a modest stack of paperbacks or a library of high-value hardcovers, treating your collection right will ensure it arrives at the new place ready to line the shelves without a single spine out of place.

Handling your literary treasures might seem like a heavy read, but with the right help, it will be a breeze. So, let Flat Price Auto Transport and Moving handle the heavy lifting – literally! Our team of professionals knows how to pack and transport even the most delicate collections with care. Contact us today and give your library the first-class treatment it deserves!

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