METCALF MOVING BLOG
Moving Advice for the Bookworm: 7 Tips for Packing Your Books
Are you a bookworm? If so, you probably have quite a few books to pack during your upcoming relocation. Fortunately, their size and shape often make packing books relatively easy. The following tips can help you with the packing process.
1. Use Small Boxes
Books can get heavy! Packing books into small boxes can help keep the weight down, which will make them easier to move. If you’re buying boxes from your moving company, talk to your movers to find out which of their boxes they most recommend for books. If you’re choosing boxes on your own, remember to accommodate the size, shape, density, and weight of the books you’re packing. Mass-market paperbacks are relatively light-weight and dense, and you can pack them into larger boxes easier than hardcover textbooks.
2. Sort as You Go
It may be that you no longer need all of your books. If you’re open to giving away or donating some of your books, sort them as you’re packing. Separate the books you no longer need, then decide whether to donate them, give them away to friends, or sell them. Ask your children and other members of your family who might also be packing books to do the same thing.
3. Group Books by Size
The most efficient way to pack books is to group them by size. For example, most mass-market paperback books are approximately the same size, and you can easily put them into tidy rows within the box. Trade paperback books, on the other hand, are usually larger and heavier than their mass-market counterparts. Separate trade paperbacks from mass-market paperbacks to make the best use of space in your boxes.
4. Fill Empty Space with Paper
After a box has been filled as much as possible with books, you might have some empty space in the box. Fill this space with paper to prevent the books from moving around in the box. This will help prevent your books from shifting and potentially getting bent during the packing process.
5. Take Care of Fragile Books
If you are a booklover, your collection might include some unique and fragile books. Pack all older, damaged, or expensive books with particular care. Wrap the fragile books individually in packing paper for protection, particularly if you will be storing them. Consider using acid-free paper on your fragile books so that you protect the covers from damage. You can even line a box on the bottom with a layer of crumpled packing paper to make sure that the book covers don’t get knicked or bent.
6. Use Rolling Suitcases
Rolling suitcases make great book holders because they’re easy to transport. Fill your rolling suitcases with books to make transporting your books simpler.
7. Protect Your Books From Moisture and Insects
Line each book box with paper before putting the books inside. This makes it easier to protect your books from moisture and insects.
Hire Pro Movers
Packing can be intimidating, especially if you’ve got a house full of books. To get help with the moving process, call us for a quote. Our full-service relocation service makes moving more manageable!
