two people packing books into small white moving cartons.

Moving Your Home Library: How to Move Your Books Safely

Whether you have a home library or an extensive collection of books, you can face quite the feat when you decide to relocate to a new home

Books can be valuable, but they are also not easy to transport and can be prone to damage. Here are a few good tips to help you get your books packed and to your new place as smoothly and safely as possible.

1. Invest in Small Sturdy Boxes 

Small but sturdy cartons are your best bet when packing books for a move. They are the ideal size, have a secure bottom, and stack well. 

2. Keep Box Weight in Check 

When packing any box, keep the overall weight as close to 30 pounds as possible. Anything over this weight can be challenging to pick up and maneuver without help. However, with books that can weigh quite a bit without being all that large, you can hit the 30-pound mark pretty quickly. Use a bathroom scale if you can to keep the weight to a reasonable point as you place your books in their moving containers. 

3. Sort Books According to Size 

If you have an extensive collection of books, you likely have books of several different sizes. When filling your boxes with books, it will be easier to arrange the books neatly if they are a relatively similar size. Therefore, before filling your containers, sort the books according to their size and group similar sizes together while packing. 

4. Pack Books in Alternating Directions 

First, line the box with packing paper. Then, place your books in the box on their edge. Alternate the bound edges as you place them in. Once the books are stacked in place, use crumpled packing paper to fill in spaces and keep the books from shifting. 

5. Protect Books with Cardboard Sheets 

The jackets around books and even books with raised graphics on the covers can be easily damaged by rubbing against other books during transport. Likewise, older or vintage books can pick up colors or transfer dyes from covers to surrounding books. To prevent damage to delicate books, use a separate box for those, wrap them individually, and place cardboard divider sheets between them. Then fill in space with crumpled paper.

Need Help with a Residential Move? Let Us Help!

Books are more challenging to move than other items, but you can avoid some hassles and worry with these tips. To make your move even less stressful, reach out to us for help. We can provide you with a free quote.