How To Pack Books For Moving

Unfortunately, there is no magic spell to help you speed up the packing process of your valuable collection. On the other hand, leaving it behind is simply unacceptable. As Cicero, the famous Roman philosopher, noticed 21 centuries ago, a room without books is like a body without a soul. And that’s exactly why relocation to a new home can’t go without packing books for moving. If you want to make a real home out of the place you’re relocating to, then envisioning all the bookshelves and finding the perfect spot for them, or even a small library corner is a must-do.

Tip #1 – Go Through Your Collection and Categorize It By Genre

According to the latest research, the average American reads twelve books per year. And for 37% of passionate readers, printed editions are still the most preferable book format. And if you’re one of those avid or voracious readers, all this means the number of pieces in your in-home library can be considerably higher than the average.

Getting ready for long-distance moving will definitely face you with all those volumes you were collecting and reading in previous years. And, when relocating to a new state, going through the whole collection and deciding if there is any book you could give away and exclude from the packing list is unavoidable. Moreover, this is a perfect opportunity to divide your collection by genres, box them up, and arrange them in the next home accordingly:

• Poetry,
• Fiction,
• Imagination,
• Fantasy,
• Science fiction,
• Mystery,
• Biography,
• Drama,
• Nonfiction.

Not All Books Are Must-Haves – Here Is an Effective Solution for Bibliotaphs

If you decide to donate some of the editions you possess, then explore which local charities, churches, public libraries, NGOs, or even hospitals collect and accept this kind of donation.

When it comes to a sale, if you organize a garage sale, you can simply offer them there. You can also try with the Facebook market, using some of the booklovers groups, and find another owner for them.

Tip #2 – Learn the Best Way to Pack Books for Moving and Different Storage Conditions

Why is relocating so stressful for bibliophiles? Every time a bibliophile thinks of its valuable collection outside the safe house conditions (namely perfectly dry and dust-free shelves), it presents them with a real panic attack. All they see once the packaging of their collection comes is ripped pages, bent spines, dog-eared corners, potential water damage, or leather bindings dehydration.

For that reason, knowing the best way to pack books when relocating and protecting those paper valuables is of the utmost importance to them. Here are the ultimate tips for all bookworms, which will help them to protect their wordy treasure properly.

How Do You Pack a Softcover Book for Moving – How to Protect Paperback Books

So, once you prepare all the essential cardboard and materials, the next step is to explore how to package each type of book depending on its covers! When it comes to the packaging of softcovers, the best technique is to box them up in flat stacks – avoiding any odd angles – everything needs to be in line.

Should Books Be Packed Spine Up or Down?

Never box up pieces spine up, no matter if they are hardcover or softcover. If you package them oppositely, with the paper edges facing down, the bent and damaged pages are something to expect. When placing the pieces in cardboard or suitcases, the only thing you want is to be faced flat, while building them in columns.

Always put the bigger pieces first – like encyclopedias, and build your book tower with smaller pieces. Another important detail is to put all the pieces binding together, so the spines support each other. However, when building your book tower, make sure you choose pieces of similar size because if you put smaller editions with the bigger ones, they can ruin them.

What Is the Best Way to Pack Books for Moving – Best-Sized Boxes and Necessary Packing Materials

One of the necessary things to include in your relocating to-do list is acquiring all necessary packing materials and choosing the best-sized boxes. When speaking of packaging materials, you’ll need a lot of tape, some packing paper, bubble wrap, and a lot of cardboard! The trick with cardboard boxes is – avoid using already recycled ones that can be easily damaged. Although free packaging materials can affect your budget positively, still be aware as those can be already used and not sturdy enough.

What Size Box Should I Pack Books In?

Another useful tip is – don’t choose too big containers and overfill them, since all the pieces are pretty heavy, and your movers will have to carry them. Small or medium-sized cardboard will be just a great choice for this kind of package. Also, ensure to have at least 30 boxes to box up the whole collection.

Secure the Bottom of the Boxes for Books

Before you start filling up the box’s content, encase the bottom with a layer of crumpled paper, cushion it, and prevent any potential damage to the covers. Another useful tip on how to pack books in boxes is to strengthen the bottom using tape, just in case, no matter if the cardboard is new.

Fill Empty Spaces to Prevent Any Contact Between the Pieces

The golden rule for packaging any belongings that every relocation and auto transport company would advise is – don’t leave empty space in the box and make sure to fill all the gaps with paper or bubble wrap. No matter if you’re trying to package paperbacks or hardcovers, ensure to prevent them from moving during transportation.

Label All the Boxes Properly to Know What’s Inside

One of the most effective ways to unpack all your cardboards is to know what exactly is stored in each of them. This way, not only can you prioritize your unboxing process, but you will easily arrange all the belongings in the household. So, to move efficiently and quickly, don’t forget to label your cardboards, including those filled with cherished editions. Labeling is among the best relocation hacks out there, so use it to your advantage.

Tip #3 – How to Pack Books for Moving and Storage Facility – Learn All Special Packing Techniques

One of the greatest fears of all bookworms is how their precious collection will survive the storage conditions in case they have to be stored there for a while. The detail that especially worries all bibliophiles is mold. So, when preparing your collection for the move, explore some useful tips on how to protect items in storage units in general and specifically for pieces of your stories collection.

Also, don’t forget that a professional long-distance moving company such as Flat Price Auto Transport and Moving will provide you with a storage unit intended only for its clients. It is under 24/7 video surveillance and is also equipped with temperature control so you can be sure that all the belongings are safe and will be delivered to your next home address undamaged.

Tip #4 – Don’t Leave the Packaging for the Last Minute

Although you might procrastinate on boxing up your collection since they are too precious to you, the greatest mistake you can make is to leave them last for packaging. Last-minute relocation usually means a lot of rush and nervousness, and this is the best scenario to get some of your belongings damaged. To avoid it, initiate the packaging process way in advance, and get all your novels, encyclopedias, and other pieces ready to move. When doing it in time, you’ll be absolutely motivated to do it properly, which is essential to get your packages delivered undamaged.

Tip #5 – Unpack Your Collection As Soon As Possible to Avoid Damage

One of the first things to do after relocating is to take care of your book collection and quickly unpack it. Although not a top priority, it is entirely understandable if you feel impatient to see how your collection will match the new living space. Also, this will be one of the ways to feel like you’re already at home since only literary collections can make this cozy atmosphere.

Moreover, there is another benefit of unpacking book collection first – you’ll get rid of numerous cardboard arranged all around your house and get your place into order faster. Meaning, this is quite a practical unboxing hack!

Ask Professional Cross-Country Movers to Help You Out With the Collection

No matter what your reasons to move are, among the things you definitely don’t want to leave behind is your rich collection. So, when planning a move, remember to explore the cheapest way to move your dear paper friends and include it in the cost of interstate moving. This will be especially important if you’re moving in with your significant other and you agreed to share the costs.

Still, if you’re in a huge rush and there is no time left to plan moving out of state on a budget, then picking the right long-distance movers to help you out is the best solution. Flat Price Auto Transport and Moving offers all long-distance moving services and operates as a car shipping company as well, so, no matter if you want to move a piano or need some special packing services, you can contact us and book everything in one place.