How to Pack Your Books with Care: Everything You Need to Know

If you’re an avid reader, packing your book collection can be daunting.

• Books are heavy
• They’re prone to damage if handled incorrectly
• They accumulate much faster than you realize
• They may have sentimental value
• They may have collector’s value worth hundreds of dollars

In your carefree college years, packing was easy. You threw all your books into a box, taped it up, and off you went. Books were disposable and replaceable.

But now, with all the first editions and autographed copies in your library — assuming you haven’t yet made the leap to digital — the rules have changed. And with a growing collection of valuable and cherished books, the old college approach no longer applies.

Why Proper Packing Matters

Haphazardly packed books can be damaged in various ways:

• If the books are stacked without support, the weight can cause spines to bend and break.
• Storing books in a damp or humid environment can lead to mold growth and ruin pages and covers.
• Books with delicate paper and ink are susceptible to fading, staining, and tearing if not packed properly.
• Improper packing can also lead to dust, dirt, or debris trapped between pages or covers, causing damage over time.

Proper packing is crucial during longer moves when your books will be jostled and handled multiple times.

Preparing to Pack Your Books

Assessing Your Collection

Take a moment to evaluate your book collection. Do you need every book? Moving is an excellent opportunity to declutter and lighten your load.

• Decide which books you want to keep, donate, or sell. If you haven’t read a book in years and don’t plan to, it may be time to say goodbye.
• If you have rare, antique, or valuable books, consider packing them separately or transporting them personally to ensure their safety.

Gathering Supplies

Here’s a quick list of what you’ll need for packing:

• Sturdy cardboard boxes (small to medium-sized)
• Packing tape
• Bubble wrap or packing paper
• Scissors
• Labels and markers
• Packing paper or soft cloths

Choosing the Right Boxes

Smaller boxes are better for books. Large boxes become too heavy and are more likely to break under the weight.

If you can find them, specialty book boxes are designed for books and often have handles for easier manipulation.

Best Techniques for Packing Books

Upright Packing

• Position Books Vertically: Similar to how they’re stored on your shelf, place books upright in the box. This method prevents damage to the spine and makes books more accessible.
• Support with Bookends: Use packing paper or bubble wrap to fill gaps and prevent the books from shifting during transit.

Flat Packing

• Pack Flat: Consider packing larger, heavier books flat in the box. This reduces the pressure on their spines and keeps the covers from bending.
• Layer Carefully: Alternate the direction of each book (placing some spine-up and some cover-up) to distribute weight evenly and provide extra support.

Additional Packing Tips

• Group your books by size, genre, or any other system that makes sense to you. This will help you access them later and ensure a more organized packing process.
• Place a layer of packing paper or bubble wrap at the bottom of the box for added protection.
• Fill the boxes, but avoid overstuffing.
• Use extra packing paper, bubble wrap, or soft cloths to fill any gaps in your box. This reduces movement and potential damage during transport.
• When packing multiple boxes, ensure that weight is evenly distributed. Avoid overloading any box to prevent it from breaking or becoming difficult to lift.
• Seal boxes with packing tape. The box should have no open edges where moisture or dirt could enter during transit. Reinforce the bottom to prevent mishaps.
• Clearly label each box with the contents and identify whether it contains fragile items to ensure careful handling during the move.
• If moving during extreme weather conditions, be mindful of your books’ exposure to heat, cold, or humidity. If possible, transport them in a climate-controlled environment.

Protecting Special Books

A little extra care goes a long way for rare or valuable books.

• Wrap each book individually in bubble wrap or packing paper.
• Pack them in a separate, well-padded box and label this box as “fragile.”
• Consider using a waterproof container for added protection against moisture or accidental spills.
• If transporting the books personally, ensure they’re stored safely and securely in your vehicle.

Moving Day Tips

Lifting & Transporting Boxes

Books are heavy, and improper lifting techniques can lead to injuries.

• Always lift boxes with your legs, not your back. Keep the box close to your body.
• A dolly or hand truck can make moving boxes much easier and safer.
• Stack boxes carefully in the moving truck so they won’t shift or fall during transit.
• Place the heaviest boxes on the bottom to create a stable base.
• Secure your boxes with straps to prevent them from shifting.

Unpacking & Storing Books

• Before unpacking, clear a designated area where you plan to store your books. The space should be dry, cool, and away from direct sunlight.
• When opening boxes, use a box cutter or scissors to avoid damaging the contents. Take your time to examine the condition of each book as you unpack.
• Check each book for any signs of damage incurred during the move. Look for bent spines, stained pages, or any other issues.
• If necessary, gently remove dust or debris from the books using a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using any cleaning products that could damage the pages.
• Place books on shelves upright, similar to how they were packed. This helps maintain their shape and prevents damage.
• Leave space between books to allow air circulation and to prevent them from leaning or bowing.
• Keep your books out of humid areas like basements or attics.
• For rare or valuable books, you may wish to invest in archival boxes or book covers for additional protection.

Walsh Moving & Storage Can Help

Do you need more advice on how to keep your belongings safe when you move? Call us at 310-299-5892. We’ve moved everything from wine goblets to grand pianos and automobiles and can offer the best advice and professional help.

If you’re short on time, consider hiring us to pack your books and ensure they arrive in perfect condition at your new home.

FAQs: How to Pack Books

Q: How do I keep my books from getting damaged during a move?

The trick is to pack them in small, sturdy boxes and fill any gaps with packing paper or bubble wrap to prevent shifting. For valuable books, use extra padding and pack them separately.

Q: Can I use large boxes to pack books?

Avoid large boxes because they can become too heavy and are more likely to break. Stick to small to medium boxes for easier handling.

Q: What’s the best way to transport rare or valuable books?

Wrap rare or valuable books individually in bubble wrap or packing paper and pack them in a separate, well-padded box. Consider transporting these books yourself to ensure their safety.

Q: How should I pack paperbacks versus hardcovers?

Paperbacks can be packed flat or spine down, while hardcovers are best packed flat to prevent spine damage.

Q: Is it essential to keep the books organized while packing?

Keeping your books organized while packing can save you time when unpacking. Consider grouping them by genre, size, or author to make it easier to locate specific titles later.

Q: Should I use newspaper for packing books?

Avoid using newspaper, as it can transfer ink onto the pages of your books. Opt for packing paper or bubble wrap, which won’t stain.

Q: How can I tell if my books have suffered water damage?

Look for warped covers, discolored pages, or a musty smell. If you notice any signs, address them quickly to prevent further damage.

Q: What’s the best way to store books long-term?

Keep books in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Consider using archival-quality boxes or covers to protect them from dust and moisture.

Q: Can I stack boxes of books on top of one another?

Yes, but place the heaviest boxes at the bottom to create stability. Avoid stacking them too high to prevent tipping or collapse.