How to Pack Books For Moving
Books are some of the heaviest and, sometimes, the most fragile items to move. For book lovers, packing books can be tough because not only are they heavy for their size, but you might have hundreds or even thousands of them if you’re a serious book enthusiast.
If you love books and are looking for ways to store your book collection for the big day, you may be feeling overwhelmed. We know that packing your library can seem daunting, but don’t fret –it’s absolutely doable. We at XYZ Storage want to help you ease your mind by sharing with you the right process for how to pack books for moving. By preparing and doing your research beforehand, you can better protect your favourite and treasured belongings.
1. Thinning your book collection
Yes, we know this is likely not what you want to hear. But it’s the first step when it comes to packing your books for moving day. If you have hired movers and are being charged by weight, you’ll want to carefully sort through your books to decide what to keep and what to let go. While it may be tempting to keep every book, building a great library means knowing when to let some go.
Start packing early and take your time deciding which books to take and which to leave behind. For the books you’ve decided you can part with, you can give them to friends, donate them to schools or local libraries, hold a yard sale, or take them to second-hand stores.
2. Gathering packing supplies
To pack your books, you’ll need the following packing materials:
- Heavy-duty moving boxes
- Strong packing paper
- Acid-free packing paper
- Packing tape
- Bubble wrap
- Permanent markers
When choosing cardboard boxes, it’s best to use new ones. While you can use second-hand boxes, be careful of their condition. A weak box might get crushed or have the bottom open during the move. It’s better to use heavy-duty or sturdy cardboard boxes. As for size, you’ll want to use smaller boxes because of how heavy books are, though you may be able to use a couple of large boxes if you have several lighter books. Just make sure they’re not too heavy for you or your movers to move on and off the moving truck.
The most common packing material is packing paper. You’ll want to use it to protect each book and prevent damage from rubbing or bumping against other books. To protect your more fragile books, consider using acid-free paper instead of regular packing paper. Bubble wrap is also great for protecting fragile or valuable books.
3. Preparing the boxes
If you buy new book boxes, you will need to assemble them first. Seal the bottom well with a double layer of packing tape over all the seams. When sealing the center flap, extend the tape at least halfway up the sides of the box. We also recommend you reinforce your boxes by taping the inner center flaps to make the bottom even stronger. If you’re using a recycled box, tape the bottom a third time to ensure it holds.
4. Packing your books
When you pack books, it’s best to place them flat or upright. You’ll want to avoid placing books with their spines or edges down, as this can damage and deform them over time. It’s best to stick to upright or flat positions instead.
Hardcover books
Pack hardcover books by standing them upright with the spine against the side of the box, just like you would on your bookshelf. You’ll want them to fit snugly but not too tightly; otherwise, you might damage them when removing them.
If you own any valuable hardcovers, wrap each one in packing paper before placing them in the box. You can also add a piece of cardboard between each book for additional protection. For your less valuable hardcovers, these can be packed flat and stacked. If you have any older books, like old photo albums, placing cardboard between them can also help keep the spines straight.
Softcover or paperback books
It’s best to put paperbacks in flat stacks or stand them upright. Avoid packing them with the paper edges down, as this can bend the pages. In this instance, you can also pack them spine-first so that the paper edges are facing up and not bending along the bottom of the book.
You can use multiple packing methods in one box for your ordinary paperback books. For example, you can stand the bottom row upright and then lay more flat on top to fill the rest of the box. Just make sure not to pack them at odd angles, as it may cause them to warp.
Fragile or rare editions
With rare or fragile books, you’ll want to take extra care to pack them safely. Start by wrapping each book in acid-free paper. Then, you can either wrap each book in bubble wrap or a padded envelope before placing them in a regular moving box. Bubble wrap is particularly effective at protecting edges and corners and preventing damage to a book, as is a padded envelope, which is often lined with bubble wrap.
Another option is to buy custom-sized book boxes for safe transport. Book boxes are made acid-free and archival-quality, so your valuable books will be well-protected.
5. Sealing the boxes
When it’s time to close up the boxes, use balled-up packing paper to fill in any extra space in the box. This will help keep your books from shifting around inside the box during the move. You can also use newspapers, but keep in mind that the ink could spread onto your books.
Then, seal the top of the box the same way you sealed the bottom, using extra layers of tape. Remember to label your boxes and mark “this side up” with arrows. This helps prevent excessive movement and better protects your books during transit. This is especially important for your boxes of paperback books so that they aren’t placed with their paper edges facing down, risking damage.
How Can XYZ Storage Help
If you have too many books that you’re just not ready to part with, it may be time to consider storage options. In fact, self-storage can be very helpful for storing books. You can find storage units that are temperature-controlled, don’t have direct light, and offer extra space. These are the best conditions for storing books, and it’s exactly where XYZ Storage can help. With our temperature-controlled facilities all across Toronto and the GTA, we provide the perfect environment for your paperback books and more.
Our facilities are located in Toronto West, Toronto Downtown, Toronto Midtown, Etobicoke, and Scarborough, all with top-notch security, so you can feel safe storing your books and other items with us. Please feel free to stop by any of our facilities to chat with our storage experts, as they would be more than happy to help you out!
FAQs
What should I do with books that have loose pages or are damaged?
For damaged books, wrap them in packing paper. This will keep any loose pages from falling out. Then, for added protection, you can either wrap it in bubble wrap or place it in a padded envelope before putting it in a moving box.
How do I pack and move books with dust jackets?
To prevent your book’s dust jacket from being scratched or ripped during your move, wrap the entire book, with the dust jacket on, in packing paper or bubble wrap. Bubble wrap is great for protecting the edges and corners of books, including dust jackets.
Should I fill empty spaces in book boxes with packing paper or other materials?
Yes. Empty spaces leave room for your books to move or shift around inside the book box, which increases the chances of damage to your books. That’s why you should fill any empty spaces with packing paper or other materials, like newspapers or towels.
How can I ensure books are easy to find and access after the move?
Labels, labels, labels. This is the best way to make sure you can easily find your books. Label both the sides and the tops of your book boxes, and make sure to include what room your book boxes need to go into. This way your helpers or movers know where to put the boxes in your new home. Also, don’t forget to mark which side is up.
How do I pack and move very heavy or oversized books?
Heavy and oversized books should be packed lying flat, with the largest ones on the bottom of the box. To avoid making the box too heavy, try to keep it to no more than three or four books per box.
