Packing all your books for a big move can be a daunting task, especially for passionate readers with extensive collections of paperbacks and hardcovers. As books are both heavy and susceptible to damage, it’s imperative to pack them correctly, armed with the appropriate moving boxes and supplies. This comprehensive guide offers step-by-step directions and valuable insights to facilitate a smooth and efficient relocation.
See also: How to pack mattress for moving?
Step-by-step guide for transporting books
Sort the collection
Before moving, organise your bookshelves. When pondering the logistics of moving boxes for long-distance moves or shipping purposes, it’s crucial to note that books can be quite heavy when packed. Consequently, the less you transport, the more cost-effective the process will be, given that companies and shipping entities typically charge based on weight. Even for shorter distance, it’s advisable to assess your collection and distinguish between keepers, such as your favourite titles or classics, and those you’re unlikely to revisit.
Start by categorising your books into groups depending on their significance. Once this is done, consider whether you’d like to donate them to local charities, schools, thrift stores, bookstores, family and friends or your neighbourhood lending library. Not only this help in reducing your load, but it also allows you to pass along the joy of reading to others.
Pick the suitable boxes
While it may seem that larger boxes are more convenient, this isn’t always the case when determining the optimal approach for moving books. In most cases, we recommend opting for smaller moving boxes. Larger boxes often result in excessively heavy loads. This not only complicates the process when moving books independently but can also inflate costs if you’ve enlisted the services of professional movers.
Furthermore, overfilling a box with too many books can lead to damage. It’s advisable to choose smaller moving boxes that you can fully pack. Typically, a small moving box can accommodate approximately 20 books. If you opt for large boxes, ensure they are filled with only 60% to 75% capacity and surround the books with towels, clothing, or blankets to prevent any potential damage.
Gather the necessary supplies
After acquiring your boxes, it’s essential to gather the necessary moving supplies. While moving books doesn’t necessitate an extensive array of essentials, you should ensure you have the following:
- Bubble wrap
- Packing tape
- Packing paper
- Permanent marker
Employ the moving tape to secure the bottoms of the moving boxes, as well as reinforce the seams and edges to guarantee their integrity throughout the moving process. Whether you’re relocating your books independently, with assistance, to storage or a new destination, it’s crucial to label the boxes. This facilitates easy identification when the need arises.
Pack everything up
While the task of packing books may appear straight, simply tossing your entire collection into a few boxes can result in a more time-consuming and challenging process, as well as complications during the unpacking phase. Here’s how you should pack both hardcover and paperback books:
Paperback books
- Begin by organising the paperbacks in the order of their size.
- Decide whether you prefer to pack them flat or line them up with their spines facing the box’s interior.
- Avoid packing any books with soft, paper-edge spines facing down, as this can cause the pages to bend or tear.
- For maximum space utilisation in smaller moving boxes, consider alternating between stacking and spine-up methods.
- When packing items like comic books, magazines, or photo albums, individually wrap each item in packing paper before placing them in the box. For added protection, pack them flat to prevent damage. You may also consider wrapping them in acid-free paper and moving them separately.
Hardcover books
- Sort your hardcover books based on their size to streamline the packing process.
- Pack hardcover books as if you were arranging them on bookshelves. Place books in the box, standing upright with their spines against the side of the box.
- Always wrap valuable or antique books individually before packing them to safeguard against damage.
- When packing family albums, classic books or first editions, use cardboard placed between the books to prevent damage. You can also add layers of paper or bubble wrap around the books for enhanced protection during the move.
Once your books are neatly packed in boxes, fill any remaining gaps with bubble wrap or packing paper to prevent shifting during transit. Seal the box with packing tape and use your marker to label each box for easy identification.
Tips for transporting books
After sealing and labelling your boxes, load them into the moving truck. Keep these tips in mind:
- When it comes to understanding how to pack books for moving within a truck, it’s crucial to remember that you should never stack boxes of books unless you can secure them tightly within the moving truck. Instead, place book boxes on the truck’s floor. This prevents them from toppling during transit.
- For long-distance moves, always take care to wrap books meticulously, keep similar books together and insert wadded paper or wrap between books and empty spaces to prevent damage.
- If you choose to transport books in a suitcase rather than a box, the packing method remains the same. You can also utilise the suitcase’s straps to make sure books stay in place.
- When planning to pack books for shipping, it’s essential to protect them from moisture. Wrapping books in plastic is recommended to prevent moisture-related damage.
- If you’re storing your book collection, the packing method will be a combination of the previously mentioned packing and shipping methods. Exercise caution and pack any rare books in plastic or acid-free paper. Additionally, always store books in a cool, dry place to prevent damage.
- If possible, pack your books early. They are easy to pack and are considered non-essential items, allowing you to accomplish this task and move on to larger items.
FAQs
How do I transport books from one place to another?
Books should ideally be packed in small-sized cardboard boxes that can hold many books safely without making the box weigh too much. Invest in new cardboard boxes with dimensions of around 12” x 12” x 12” to ensure ease of carrying and prevent the box from weakening.
How do you move books without being too heavy?
Consider using rolling luggage and suitcases instead of boxes. Overnight and carry-on luggage are the perfect sizes for packaging books without making them too heavy. The wheels on the luggage make movement effortless.
How do you protect books in transport?
A great way of packing books is to use bubble wrap and packing paper for added protection. You can start by placing a layer of bubble wrap at the box’s bottom and then arrange heavier books towards the bottom. Make sure to wrap each book in packing paper to safeguard its cover.
What is the cheapest way to move books?
Media Mail is the most common method for shipping books. With a weight limit of 70 pound, it can transport a substantial number of books at an affordable rate.
What size box is the best for books?
The compact size of 12” x 12” x 12” is the best for packing books in a lightweight package that is easy to carry.
Should books be stored in plastic boxes?
Plastic boxes are a great option for long-term storage of books as they provide protection against moisture and other forms of damage. While cardboard boxes are suitable for short-term moves, they become vulnerable to moisture, humidity, and pests over time. Plastic containers' airtight seals guard against all these threats.
How heavy is a box of books?
If you have many books to pack, small shipping boxes can fit around 24 average-sized hardback books each, resulting in a weight of approximately 38 pounds.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
