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How to Pack Books for Moving?
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Sofia
Feb 2, 2022·0 min read
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How to Pack Books for Moving?

Packing a house for a move is not that scary, although, some say that moving is tantamount to a fire. Sometimes the chaos and disorder that arise inside the rooms are frightening.

But fear not, book lovers, Hercules is here to help. Packing books for shipping so that they are not damaged along the way, preserving their original appearance - a challenge for keepers of printed editions. A large book collection must be carefully prepared and packed for the move.

Where to start packing books for moving?

Collection Overview

The most efficient way to pack books for moving is to start by reviewing all of your books. Gather all your books on the floor and separate them into 2 piles:

  • The first pile would contain books that you are taking with you
  • The second pile is for the publications that are staying behind

The main idea behind this is to minimize the number of books to transport. One book is not a threat to a mover’s back, however, putting up together 10-15 books in one cardboard box can cause long-term recovery for the untrained body.

Distribute the books that you are not taking

After determining your “no” books, you can freely relocate them into Donate, Toss, and Sell categories.

  • If the book is in great condition, but you just know you will never open it again, try to list it on your social media or marketplace for a symbolic amount of money.
  • Where can I donate books? For some unwanted valuable books or kids’ books reach out to local libraries or donation centers, where is always one around the corner.
  • In case a book, a magazine or a comic book is unreadable or in a bad condition, pack it up and place it for recycling.

Group by style

The fastest way to pack books is to pack only necessary books. We have approached a final step in the sorting process, now we are left with publications that will accompany you to your new home.

Divide your books into groups by style: Paperback or Hardcover, and size: Small, Medium, and Large. Make some extra categories for all the comics, antiques, magazines, and collectibles publications.

Wondering how much it will cost you to move all the stuff? Get a Free Estimate Now!

What is the best way to pack books for moving?

Unfortunately, books do not come in one size and style, otherwise, packing books in boxes for moving would be simple.

The first question that arises is “should books be packed spine up or down?”. There are 3 top methods to pack books for moving: Spine to spine vertically, spine to spine flat, and spine down.

The best way to pack books for moving:

  • Use only small size boxes 1.5 cubs or 2.0 cubs
  • Place 10 cm to 15 cm of crushed newsprint packing paper at the bottom of the box
  • Wrap each book individually
  • Place inside the box using one of three methods described earlier
  • Do not place more than 15 books in one box
  • Fill up empty space with more crushed packing paper

Note: The biggest mistake you can make when moving books is to pack and then spine up. We do not recommend this method as it is not efficient and can damage the book inside the box.

How to pack Hardcover books for moving?

Although it may seem that hardcover books are strong, they are damageable too. Something as simple as water can easily wash away the ink and leave permanent watermarks. Write down these steps to remember the best to pack hardcover books:

  1. Assemble a medium size box that will fit from 10 to 15 books
  2. Reinforce the bottom of the box with 2 layers of packing tape
  3. Crunch and layer packing paper (white) on the bottom of the box to create a soft surface
  4. Select books that are similar in size
  5. Start placing hardcover books inside of the box spine to spine, pages facing the side of the box
  6. Fill up empty space with a packing paper to prevent any shifting during the move
  7. Place a layer of crushed newsprint paper on the top and close the box by securing it with the tape
  8. Label the box with the marker

How to pack Papercover books for moving?

Papercover books are not as durable and lose their integrity faster. You need to be extra careful when packing them for moving. Follow the next steps know the best way to pack papercover books:

  1. Assemble a medium box that will fit from 10 to 15 books
  2. Reinforce the bottom of the box with 2 layers of packing tape
  3. Crunch and layer packing paper (white) at the bottom of the box to create a soft surface
  4. Select books that are similar in size
  5. Start placing papercover books inside the box vertically, paper edges facing the side of the box
  6. Fill up empty space with a crushed newsprint packing paper to prevent any shifting during the move
  7. Place a layer of wrapping paper on the top and close the box by securing it with the tape
  8. Label the box with the marker

How to pack antique books for moving?

Antique books deserve exceptional attention when packing. The older the book, the more fragile it becomes. Here is the best way to pack antique books:

  1. Assemble a small moving box for 8 to 10 books
  2. Reinforce the bottom of the box with 2 layers of packing tape
  3. Crunch and layer packing paper on the bottom of the box to create a soft surface
  4. Select books that are similar in size
  5. Cut out a few pieces of cardboard that are slightly bigger than the books
  6. Wrap each antique book individually in 2 layers of white wrapping paper or bubble wrap
  7. Start placing wrapped antique book inside the box spine to spine. Place cut out cardboard pieces in-between for a better protection
  8. Fill up empty space with a crushed wrapping paper to prevent any shifting during the move
  9. Place a layer of crushed newsprint packing paper on the top and close the box by securing it with the tape
  10. Seal the box and label the box with the marker

Tips for packing books for moving:

We have many favourite books in our big or not-so libraries. They are very difficult to part with, especially publications that have been passed through several generations.

  • Cardboard box with books must be placed on the floor of the moving truck
  • Always double your packing tools and packing materials in quantity, it is never good to run out in the middle of the process
  • Do not pack books in large boxes. Books become extremely heavy when piled up together, and a full box can simply become unmovable.
  • Multi-volume should be transported in one bundle
  • Try to schedule your move for a sunny day

We wipe the dust from the covers of rare and valuable books with tenderness and are afraid to cause any damage to them. Knowing the most efficient way to pack books for moving will allow you to transport your possessions with less stress.

Hercules professional movers will ensure the secure and safe relocation of your valuables relying on our professionalism and decades of experience in the field. We guarantee to save your precious time and nerves by performing excellent service in this not so simple matter. Call your moving coordinator at (844) 462-6683 to learn more.

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Leandro Baldassarre
They showed up on time and worked ultra quick. We had a lot of sensitive equipment and they took extra care to ensure it was all moved safely. I highly recommend them for any commercial move.
Hercules moving guys were AMAZING!!!! They were moving a very heavy old piano. They were very polite, courteous, & very conscientious of all they did...ensuring that nothing left a mark anywhere. They even had trouble with opening one of the double doors (a lower lock had jammed) and Vidas took the lower lock apart , repaired it and put it back in place- that is service! No one does things like that anymore! Great guys- I would highly recommend them to anyone! Thanks guys!!!
Pranas, Simas, and Remyga did a great job. They were professional, very polite, and strategic. They were very well equipped and well trained. They made the piano moving process quick, stress free, and completed the task very smoothly. Thank you!
Michaelnth
Absolutely professional, details such as lift it up and not just tip it over. Well packing, cover floor during the placing, clean and tidy.
Thank you very much, Hercules moving company for your hard work, great service and fast delivery. We greatly appreciate it and would recommend your services to anyone looking to move!
The team came in and did a great job moving our grand piano from the second floor to the main level. It took a while for the team to assess how to do it but when they brought in the cavalry to help out it was quite impressive to see them get the job done. I would definitely recommend this happy bunch!
Good job. Guys were very pleasant and fast. Everything was clear, no hidden fees. They met all my request.
Thank you so much for the professional and efficient work. I was surprised to see how much work went into protecting the vanity from damage. The 2 man team made the job so easy, maneuvering with ease up the curved staircase and around the tight corner into the washroom. Your professionalism, efficiency and care was much appreciated.
Stephanie Rice
Hercules Guelph movers excelled in their customer service even calling me shortly after the crew finished to inquire how the move went. I would recommend this company to anyone wanting a reliable moving company with reasonable rates and amazing service. I'm a very satisfied customer.
Esther Katz
The Barrie movers arrived on time and impressed me with their friendly and polite demeanour. They completed the move professionally, taking care to pack and protect each of the items to be moved. I was very pleased with the job that was done. I would heartily recommend them for everyone in Ontario.
Hercules movers moved our [very heavy & expensive] upright piano from Toronto to Stratford. These two brothers exercised thoroughness and care with the move. The brothers were very personable and professional. The piano was well wrapped, stairs were covered in blankets and our wood floor received no new grooves or scratches. Highly recommended. Choose The best from Moving companies Toronto.
Discipleof Christ
The Hercules moving crew did an amazing, fantastic job in moving my mother's upright piano. The two brothers crew are incredibly strong, expedient, courteous, and professional. The company gave the best quote, the fastest appointment booking, and was the most polite when compared to all the other piano moving companies I called in Toronto and the GTA. I absolutely recommend this company for anyone who needs to have their piano and/or heavy objects moved.
Matt Singer
I used Hercules Moving to move a piano from my basement to a purchaser. They were very professional, packaged the piano carefully, put down mats on flooring and removed it very efficiently. I'd recommend these guys for any moving needs for sure!!
Karolis S.
I couldn't have been happier with my move. It went way better than I expected. Everything was perfect from time of "my guys" arrival till everything was totally finished and cleaned up - beds and dining room table put together. All I can add is, if you're moving, call Hercules - the best Victoria movers. Thank you to all of you for a wonderful move!
Joanne Peddle
The team at Hercules are amazing! I used them to move my 4 bedroom home and everything went very well. These guys are incredible, they never stopped and where so careful with everything. Thanks so much for making my move fantastic!!!!
A++++++++. Hercules Moving is the only company I would ever hire if I had to move again. The crew was amazingly fast, professional, and very careful with our stuff. They wrapped all the fueniture with pads and plastic wrap making it very difficult to scratch. Not only to mention the excellent customer service they provided all along. Hercules is simply the best!
These guys did a great job. They are the best Barrie movers in Ontario. Very professional, quick and also careful. They clearly knew what they were doing as I imagine moving a grand piano isn't the same as moving a couch.
I work at Habitat for Humanity Halton-Mississauga. We select low income families for Home Ownership . We recently contacted Hercules Moving Company to assist us in moving our newest family into their new home. Hercules moved the family at a time which was convenient to them. The family called me almost immediately to rave about what amazing service they received, as well as the kind, professional staff which were sent. I will definitely be calling upon their services in the future!Thanks again for your awesome work!
We were so impressed with the way these gentlemen delivered our piano that we have been talking about it for days now. They were very professional and efficient and knew exactly what they were doing, from the moment they took the piano off the moving truck right up until they put the piano together. Not only were they amazing at what they do, they were polite and courteous and very accommodating when it came to figuring out the exact placement of our newest addition to our home. We will absolutely hire them to help us move when/if we decide to as we know we can trust them to handle our possessions with the utmost respect.
You guys were totally amzing, I had hired two other piano movers prior and both companies had difficulties moving the piano. But your crew had no difficulties. They were very carful, fast clean and so nice to talk too. I did post pictures on Face Book and people wanted your number from me. I will highly recommend you GREAT JOB.Thank You
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