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:
- Assemble a medium size box that will fit from 10 to 15 books
- Reinforce the bottom of the box with 2 layers of packing tape
- Crunch and layer packing paper (white) on the bottom of the box to create a soft surface
- Select books that are similar in size
- Start placing hardcover books inside of the box spine to spine, pages facing the side of the box
- Fill up empty space with a packing paper to prevent any shifting during the move
- Place a layer of crushed newsprint paper on the top and close the box by securing it with the tape
- 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:
- Assemble a medium box that will fit from 10 to 15 books
- Reinforce the bottom of the box with 2 layers of packing tape
- Crunch and layer packing paper (white) at the bottom of the box to create a soft surface
- Select books that are similar in size
- Start placing papercover books inside the box vertically, paper edges facing the side of the box
- Fill up empty space with a crushed newsprint packing paper to prevent any shifting during the move
- Place a layer of wrapping paper on the top and close the box by securing it with the tape
- 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:
- Assemble a small moving box for 8 to 10 books
- Reinforce the bottom of the box with 2 layers of packing tape
- Crunch and layer packing paper on the bottom of the box to create a soft surface
- Select books that are similar in size
- Cut out a few pieces of cardboard that are slightly bigger than the books
- Wrap each antique book individually in 2 layers of white wrapping paper or bubble wrap
- Start placing wrapped antique book inside the box spine to spine. Place cut out cardboard pieces in-between for a better protection
- Fill up empty space with a crushed wrapping paper to prevent any shifting during the move
- Place a layer of crushed newsprint packing paper on the top and close the box by securing it with the tape
- 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.
