More than regular entertainment on paper, books aren’t just collective words but stories that teleport readers’ minds beyond the physical.
Perhaps you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but surely a person’s collection and how they handle their library paints a clear picture!
As a bibliophile, private library owner, or collector, you might have to move one day, and your books would go with you.
At that moment, it dawns on you! How do you pack? What shouldn’t you do? How do you handle the books with care? Luckily, there’s a solution.
Here’s a helpful guide on how to pack books for moving in the most efficient way possible.
Phase #1: Packing Preparations
During this time, it’s all about planning and figuring out how you’re going to move. Are you hiring professionals to handle your books, or are you going old-school—DIY?
Either way, you need to prepare, and this is how to do it:
De-clutter
Don’t think of it like your once-treasured pieces are going in the trash — quite the opposite! Picture those books that once sparked inspiration or vivid, intriguing imaginations in the hands of someone else.
Of course, it will be hard to let them go, but it’s the best decision here. You want to move as light as possible, and perhaps losing those teenage book collections that no longer inspire might not be such a bad idea.
You could even sell them for extra cash or donate them to a library, friend, or neighbor that you share similar book interests with.
Sort and Organize Books
Once you have your list of books to keep, it’s time to sort and organize.
Here, you want to categorize your books to ease the packing and unpacking process. A few tips to help you create these organized categories can be:
- Sorting based on genre
- Arranging based on the sizes and types of covers
- Separating valuable or fragile books from others
- Weight consideration
Gather Supplies
What’s needed to make packing books for moving a success without damaging any piece?
Here’s a list of everything you need to pack:
- Sturdy cardboard boxes — small and medium sizes
- Heavy-duty moving boxes (optional)
- Acid-free packing paper and tissue
- Bubble wraps
- Packing tape
- Scissors, cutting knife
- Markers, stickers
Phase #2: The Packing Process
Books categorized… check!
Packing and moving supplies… check!
A ready spirit… double-check!
Alright, here’s how to pack books for moving.
Prepare the Boxes
- Start by reinforcing the bottom of the box with packing tape.
- Line the inside and outside with packing tape to ensure it doesn’t come apart when lifted.
- Place packing paper at the bottom of each box.
- Add another layer of cushioning with bubble wrap at the bottom and tape it together.
- Color code boxes at this time if you intend to separate based on genre.
Packing the Books
When it comes to knowing how to pack books for moving, you need to understand the vertical and horizontal arrangement rules.
Some book types require only vertical packing, while others will need the horizontal method. However, in some instances, both packing techniques can be used when arranging a box of books to evenly distribute the weight and prevent spine bending.
Paperback books
The best way to pack books for moving with paperback covers is usually in the vertical style—just as they would be on a shelf.
Tips:
- Never place the spine of these types of books up or down; rather, it should rest against the box’s side to prevent bending and creasing.
- Always wrap each book with acid-free packing paper first, followed by bubble wrap.
- Avoid jam-packing paperback books together in a box. Not too tight or loose.
Hardcover books
Spines of hardcover books tend to be fragile and would damage when rough-handled. The best approach for these books is simply to lay them flat—horizontally—in the box (covers facing down).
Tips:
- Always place the largest and heaviest books at the bottom and work your way up to the top with the lightest.
- Wrap thoroughly with packing paper and bubble wrap, then place inside small boxes to prevent excessive weight.
- Add a layer of packing paper or bubble wrap between each book to provide extra cushioning.
Note:
When packing both paperback and hardcover books inside the same box, always place the latter flat first. Then, stack the paperback book on top of the heavier, hardcover ones in a vertical pattern.
There should be a layer of cushioning between both book types.
Sealing and Labeling
At this point, your books are all their boxes and preferably arranged to fit snugly. If there are loose areas or spaces, fill the gaps with packing paper or bubble wrap to avoid shifting when moving.
Seal each box completely with packing tape and label it with its contents. For instance, if you’re packing your George R.R. Martin collection, you can simply label the box “A Song of Ice and Fire.”
The idea behind labeling is to let you know which box contains which collection or special edition.
Packing the Essentials
For any move, long distance or not, it’s always advisable to have a box of essentials while moving or on immediate arrival.
In this essential kit, pack a book or two that you’re currently reading to keep you engaged.
Just as you would pack your books in a box, you might want to opt out of adding bubble wrap to your essential kit. Only a wrap layer of packing paper would be enough to protect it during the move.
Phase #3: Tips for Special Books
You know those rare comic editions or specially autographed books that you cherish? It’s understandable not to want to pack them like any other one.
Even highly valuable books or overly large ones could use extra care when packing for a move. If you have any of these, here are a few tips on how to pack these books for moving carefully.
Rare Collections
- Add layers of bubble wrap or packing paper for extra protection and cushioning.
- Consider ordering some mylar jackets or plastic book covers for even extra protection.
- Get specialized archival-quality boxes with acid-free designs to pack the books.
- Employ specialized padded envelopes or book mailers designed to pack rare books for moving.
- Have climate-controlled packaging ready for these books in instances when the surrounding temperature is unfavorable.
- Label the box with “Fragile” or “Handle with Care”.
Large or Oversized Books
- Opt for customized large-sized boxes to prevent the books from cramping up into smaller ones.
- Always pack oversized books flat to avoid bending or warping the Spines
- Heavy ones among the large books should go to the bottom.
- Pad the edges and corners with bubble wrap or foam inserts to prevent damage on impact while moving.
- Pack a lesser amount of larger books per box to reduce the total weight.
Recap — How to Pack Books for Moving
Whether you own a private library or a small collection of Harry Potter, knowing the techniques on how to pack books for moving will help you when planning a move.
While packing can be stressful, it doesn’t necessarily have to be when it involves books. Just understand the basics for packing paperback and hardcover books, and everything else will fall into place.
Remember these:
- Larger books go under,
- Hardcover books should stay flat or horizontally,
- Paperback books should be arranged vertically like on a shelf,
- Wrap every book with packing paper and bubble wrap individually before placing it in a box.
Good luck!
