Moving can be an overwhelming process. Deciding what to keep, what to donate, how to pack and when to start the process presents many challenges. Whether you’re a book lover or an avid collector, the challenges grow because books require unique attention during packing.
It may seem like a good idea to stack as many books as possible into a box, but this can make it more challenging to load the boxes into moving vehicles and even carry your boxes from one spot to the next. Instead of hoping for the best, check out these tips for packing your books.
Proper packing is crucial for your books’ safety and ensuring a smooth move. Using packing tips and techniques can:
A few handy supplies can streamline the moving process. Here’s what you should gather for packing your books:
Once you’ve gathered the supplies you need for proper packing, it’s time to get to work. Keep these book-packing tips in mind.
Moving presents a great opportunity to downsize your home. Use this time to get rid of items you no longer want or need — including books. Perhaps you have old copies that are falling apart or series you no longer have an interest in. Either way, this is a perfect time to sort through your collection and determine what you want to bring. Consider giving books to friends and family, donating to a local library, or offering them to community shelters or secondhand stores to support readers in your community.
Packing hardcover copies flat in your boxes can provide stability. Place the largest books at the bottom of the box to optimize your space. Ideally, you should be able to fit three or four books this way. This tip works best when packing books of the same size.
It’s often best to keep paperbacks flat or spine-down to prevent damage during the move. Packing them with the paper edges down can cause bending of the pages and covers. However, if you’re packing a large number of paperbacks in the same box, it can be beneficial to alternate your placement. Allow the box size to guide your decision, but use a mixture of upright and flat books to keep paperpacks snug.
Avoid overfilling your boxes or keeping the books too loose. You want a nice middle, where your books have support without being rigid. Packing paper is excellent for filling gaps to prevent books from sliding around. This material can also double as protection by cushioning your books during transit.
Like most fragile items, some of your books may require special attention. Collectible, rare editions and personal books you want to keep in pristine condition can benefit from Bubble Wrap. Packing your books too tightly could lead to damage, and Bubble Wrap provides the space your books need to breathe. It can also prevent your books from sliding around, which can save any books in fragile condition or that have existing damage.
Some people suggest using a rolling suitcase for books, but this is one moving hack you should avoid. A suitcase may seem like an easy way to transport your books, but they’re more likely to face damage from sudden movements. Instead, consider specialty boxes. Professional movers can provide specialty boxes and custom crating to suit your needs.
Moving can seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! With Transtar Moving, you can request professional services to streamline your move. We can assist in every phase of the moving process, from packing your belongings to loading the moving van to setting up your furniture and items in your new space. Each of our movers follows best practices to ensure effective packing, loading, delivery and storage in South Jersey.
With more than 50 years of moving experience, our team offers peace of mind in what can otherwise be a stressful process. If you need help making a move, rely on our team to take care of everything. Request a free moving quote today. Get your move on!
