Even though electronic books are widely in use today, thanks to devices like kindle, tablets, and smartphones, many still prefer the traditional paper books. If you’re among those and have a large library in your home, you’ll need to think about how to pack books for moving locally.
Because books are valuable items to people who collect them, you really don’t want to risk damage to your precious editions and need to plan wisely each step in the process of packing, transporting, and unboxing your library. Rest easy, though; we have collected simple lists of dos and don’ts for you.
During relocation, pay special attention to book packing.
How to Pack Books for Moving: Use Smaller Boxes
Keep in mind that cramping many volumes in only one box will make it extremely heavy to carry. That is why the smartest thing you can do is to pack them in smaller and solid boxes with the weight you can handle. The measures of an ideal moving box are 17”x12 3/8”x 12 3/8”. Here are some other, more detailed packing tips to make book transportation secure when relocating:
Wrap the bottom of the box in layers with plastic wrap for protection;
Fill the bottom of the box with moving paper before you start placing things in it;
First pack heavy and hardcover editions, then add medium and small-sized ones;
Fill all the gaps with other items from your household such as T-shirts, towels, socks, etc;
You can also use bubble wrap protection to secure your volumes;
Seal the top of the box and reinforce the bottom with double layers of packing tape.
Secure your packages with the layers of tape.
Packing Your Volumes by Categories
A great tip is to classify your copies by size or matching editions, and you will have a clearer idea of the gaps that might be left in the packages and how you’ll want to fill them. Be sure to mark each category on the boxes with big letters. You’ll thank yourself you did this once you’re in your new home and start unpacking.
Divide your copies by matching editions.
Use Storage Services
In case you have a big library and need storage services, double-check if the one you’re hiring has a dry, clean, and air-conditioned facility. We would also recommend you wrap the volumes in acid-free paper instead of the usual one because that is a guarantee of safety and protection.
Not All Your Books Need to Go Into Storage
If you have a vast library, you might want to use this opportunity to do a fun book unhaul. Book unhauls are similar to decluttering, in that that you get rid of the ones you either don’t like, have never read or plan to read, or the ones that don’t hold any special meaning to you. Besides, you’ll feel great with the extra space you’ll have when you give them to friends or donate them to schools or libraries.
Donate the copies you don't need to libraries.
Don’ts When Moving With Books
During relocation time, people naturally have a lot on their minds and plenty of things to organize. That is why there are a couple of common mistakes that anyone can accidentally make when packing books. Follow this list of don’ts that we have gathered for you, so you don’t repeat any of those.
Don’t Use Second-Hand Boxes
It is important not to use already used boxes, especially if some food has been stored in them before. If you do this, your editions might pick up some insects and bring them into your new home.
Don’t Forget to Put Extra Protection for a Valuable Book when Packing
Each valuable book or special edition must be packed separately from the other ones. Additionally, wrap them in soft packing paper first and be sure that you have put extra protection. This step is essential if you need to leave your precious volumes in a storage facility for a longer time.
Don’t Pack Your Books Too Tightly
Don’t pile your copies too tightly when packing. Doing so can cause book damage when unpacking and will make the boxes too bulky and uncomfortable to carry.
Don’t Pack Books That Total Over 20 Pounds Together
It is best not to pack more than 20 pounds of books per box. It will prevent damage that can ensure if the box is accidentally dropped. Additionally, if your packages weigh too much, you or your local movers can injure yourself when carrying them.
Don't make the mistake of cramming your things too tightly
Last Piece of Advice: Put Them on the Bottom of the Truck
If you are relocating, you will probably get professional local moving services to help you move. But if you have your own vehicle you plan on using, don’t forget to put the boxes with your paper and hardbacks on the bottom of the truck. That way, you don’t need to worry about them falling over or breaking your other things during transportation.
Put the boxes on the bottom of the truck.
Final Words
Without a doubt, there is a lot of thought and planning that goes into your move, and books should not be exempt from that. Take these simple lists of dos and don’ts that we have made for you when you pack your library, and your move will go as effortlessly as possible. Never forget to have a little fun when revisiting all the copies you’ve collected throughout the years. If you are looking for a reliable moving company near you, contact Twin Brothers Movers. We can offer you excellent moving and packing services. Our movers will transport your precious belongings to your new residence in New York carefully and safely.
During relocation, pay special attention to book packing.
Secure your packages with the layers of tape.
Divide your copies by matching editions.
Donate the copies you don't need to libraries. 
Don't make the mistake of cramming your things too tightly
Put the boxes on the bottom of the truck.