Calling all book lovers! We understand that moving your beloved collection can feel like hauling a mini library – because, in a way, you are! And it can be stressful, nail-biting work (respect the books, people!).
From cherished editions to those well-loved paperbacks, books bring a lot of joy but also a surprising amount of weight. Thankfully, we are here to help carry the load – and we understand just how important your books are to you!
In this expert guide, you’ll learn how to pack books for moving like a pro, keeping them organised, safe and in top-notch condition, no matter how far they’re going. So, are you ready to protect your prized pages? Let’s dive into the art of packing books, one chapter at a time.
Sorting your collection before you pack
There’s a lot to do when moving house. But before you dive into packing, take some time to assess your book collection. Here’s how to get started:
Declutter
Declutter your books? Shock, horror – how dare we suggest such a thing! Hear us through, though. We’re not talking about scourging your collection. Think of it more as an organising exercise, if you will. And as a task that will make moving and unpacking just that little bit easier.
Start by sorting your books into three categories: ‘keep’, ’donate’ and ‘sell’. Ask yourself: Is this book worth the effort of moving? If not, pop it in the ‘donate’ or ‘sell’ pile. Books you’ve already read and are unlikely to read again will find a good home in your local library, school, second-hand bookstore or charity shop. Don’t forget to recycle damaged books.
Organise
Group books by category (fiction, non-fiction, cookbooks, travel), size or reading priority for easier unpacking. Pack your favourite or most valuable books in a separate, clearly labelled box. This way, they’re easy to find and unpack first when you arrive at your new place.
How to pack up books: get the best boxes for the job
Choosing the right boxes for your books is important. Avoid large boxes, as they can quickly become too heavy to lift. Instead, opt for sturdy small- or medium-sized boxes that can handle the weight without breaking.
TAXIBOX offers high-quality packing supplies, including boxes specifically designed for heavy items like books. These boxes provide the strength and durability needed to protect your books from damage during the move or while in storage.
When packing, avoid overloading the boxes. It’s tempting to stuff as many books as possible into one box, but this can make them too heavy to carry and increase the risk of box breakage (or worse, an injury to yourself!). Aim to fill each box about two-thirds full with books. Use packing paper, towels, cushions or throws to fill the remaining space and provide extra cushioning to keep your books from shifting and bumping against each other. Not only does this prevent damage, but it also keeps your back safe!
Play it safe: top tips on how to pack books
Follow our best tips to ensure your collection stays intact and your move goes smoothly.
Pack to prevent damage:
- Place books flat or spine-down in the box, never spine-up, as this can bend or break the bindings.
- For valuable or fragile editions, wrap them individually in bubble wrap or packing paper for extra protection.
- Line the bottom of your boxes with packing paper to provide cushioning against bumps and drops during the move.
Balance box weight:
- To evenly distribute weight and add a layer of cushioning, consider mixing books with lighter items like clothes.
- Always place books at the bottom of the box, with lighter items like t-shirts or linens on top.
Label clearly:
- Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to.
- Mark heavy boxes with ‘Books: heavy’ to ensure movers handle them with care.
Heavy lifting: keeping it real
Think moving furniture is hard work? Carting around boxes of books can also be a workout, so make sure you’re lifting safely to avoid injury!
When lifting heavy boxes, bend at your knees, not your back, and keep the box close to your body. This distributes the weight more evenly and reduces strain on your back muscles. Avoid twisting while lifting, and use your legs to do the heavy work.
If you find the weight of your boxes overwhelming, don’t fret – let us do the heavy lifting. TAXIBOX’s removalist service can take care of the actual moving for you, leaving you free to focus on more important things. We bet you like the sound of that!
Heavy books: how to pack and store for moving
Okay, so you know how to pack your books into boxes, but what about organising those boxes into your TAXIBOX for storage before your actual move?
When storing your boxes, remember that books can be some of the first items to go into your TAXIBOX container and the last to come out. Because books are dense and heavy, they’re often not needed immediately, so placing them strategically in your storage will save you effort later on. Storing them properly helps protect your precious collection from potential damage and makes unpacking at your new place a whole lot easier.
Wise words: make your move smooth with TAXIBOX
Don’t lose the plot when working out how to pack books for moving! With a little planning and some clever packing techniques, you can ensure your collection remains in perfect order and safe from any spine-tingling damage.
Start by decluttering and sorting your books, then get the right boxes and use safe packing methods to protect your precious reads. Remember to handle heavy boxes with care and clearly label everything to make unpacking easier.
For a smoother move, consider using TAXIBOX. Our mobile storage and removalist services are convenient and secure. Whether you’re packing a few boxes or an entire library, TAXIBOX has your back. We’ve also got loads of tips on moving house, including how to pack up bathrooms, the kitchen and more. Make your next move easy. Choose TAXIBOX and keep your books safe and sound!
