There are a few predicaments all book lovers can relate to. One: the overwhelming desire to buy or borrow new books when you already have a huge to-read list at home. Two: hours at a time vanishing when you don’t realize how long you’ve been reading. Three: cursing your book-buying habit when it comes time to move.
Moving books is tough! They’re heavy, often fragile, vulnerable to water damage and tough to keep organized. You might own hundreds or even thousands of books. Luckily, moving books doesn’t have to be frustrating. In fact, packing and moving your collection efficiently and safely is easier than you think. All you have to do is follow a few of these helpful guidelines for moving books. After all, with our 130+ years of moving experience, we’ve learned a thing or two about how to keep your specialty items in excellent shape.
Downsize Your Collection
Moving is the ideal time to take a long, critical look at all of your books. 
Culling your collection means you’ll have fewer things to pack and move. Begin this process at least a month or two before your move is scheduled. Go spine by spine and ask yourself if you’ve read it, if you plan on reading it or if it has sentimental value to you. If you can’t answer ‘yes’ to any of these questions about any particular book, it’s time for that book to go.
Be honest: You didn’t read Absalom, Absalom when it was assigned in college, and you probably won’t read it now. Don’t leave your “no” pile sitting around so you can go back on your choice, either. Instead, take the books you’re passing on to a used bookstore or one of many other places that take book donations. Seeing those books off may hurt a bit now, but your movers (and your back!) will thank you later. Plus, you’ll have more room to buy new books!
Opt for Small Boxes
One of the easiest mistakes to make when packing books is overfilling boxes. Books are heavy, and their bulk adds up quickly. Choose boxes that are smaller than 16″ by 12″ by 12″, which may mean purchasing specialty boxes if you can’t find any elsewhere. Otherwise, small banana boxes, apple boxes or old shipping boxes should do the trick.
Take the Time to Prep Each Box
If you have no choice but to use larger boxes, don’t fill them all the way full. Heavy, overloaded boxes filled with books break more easily than others. Avoid the potential disaster that heavy boxes can cause for both you and your books.
Cover all the box’s seams with a double layer of packing tape. When taping the center flap to the bottom, ensure the tape extends at least halfway up the sides of the box. Extra tape crisscrossed across the bottom of the box is never a bad idea. If you want to be especially cautious, cut additional pieces of cardboard to place inside the bottom of the box. This will add extra protection and weight distribution.
When the boxes are prepped, fill them halfway with books and use the other half for clothing, linen or other lighter items. Spread out the weight of the books, even if it means packing more boxes—it’ll be worth it!
Pack Paperbacks and Hardcovers Differently
Paperback and hardcover books need different levels of support and preparation to remain safe.
Tips for Packing Hardcover Books
- Place them upright, with their spines against the side of the box.
- Pack hardcovers tightly, but not so tightly that you won’t be able to get them out of the box.
- If you’re packing moderately valuable editions, wrap them in packing paper or bubble wrap to protect the covers.
- For especially valuable editions, use cardboard slotted between volumes to keep them from shifting during transport in the moving truck. Don’t forget to talk to your mover about valuation protection for added peace of mind.
Tips for Packing Paperback Books
- Paperbacks can be packed in multiple ways. Stack them flat or spine-first so their paper edges face upwards. Don’t pack them so the edges of the pages face down, or they’ll bend and warp. If you leave the boxes this way long-term, they’ll be permanently damaged.
- Fill empty spaces with wadded-up paper to help limit any shifting in the box. This keeps the books from falling onto their sides or bending.
Make the Move Stress-Free With Bekins Van Lines
Now that you know how to pack your books like an expert, you still have to worry about moving them. That’s where Bekins Van Lines comes in. We’re a national moving company staffed by the best packers, movers and drivers in the industry. Since our founding in 1891, we’ve helped make moves easier for countless customers across the country. From residential moves to commercial moves, across the country or across town, Bekins is there for you.
Contact us today to learn how we can carefully transport your personal library to your new home.
