Simple Tips for Moving With Lots of Books

Declutter Your Books Before Packing 

Just the idea of getting rid of books can make a book collector cringe. However, you have no better time for a move to reassess which tomes truly deserve to be in your book collection. You may also realize that you have two copies of some beloved books, and you might want to pass on a copy to someone else who would love it.

Separate your book into specific piles while you pack. Make one pile for the books you definitely want to keep. You might want to start packing those first, in fact. Make another pile for books that you are on the fence about. You can always revisit whether you really want to get rid of them later.

Set aside another pile for books that you want to give away to certain people. Place a sticky note on each book with the name of the intended recipient. That can help you keep things in perspective and feel reassured that the books you plan to part with will go to a good home. Make yet another pile for books that you want to sell. Set aside another pile of books that you want to donate.

Choose Sturdy, Professional Moving Boxes

Although it can be tempting to pick up free boxes from grocery stores, those boxes will always be used. As a result, they are likely to be well-worn. They may also not be designed to be sturdy enough to protect heavy items like books. Be wise, and choose sturdy professional moving boxes to ensure that the books are protected in transit.

Utilize Padding and Other Packing Supplies

A very common mistake that book lovers make when moving is simply putting books in boxes without protecting them. They may feel they can get more books in each box that way. However, books can easily be scratched and otherwise damaged if they're just in a box. Gather the following packing supplies:

• Moving boxes
• Packing tape
• Box labels 
• Marker
• Tissue paper
• Bubble wrap
• Scissors
• Cardboard sheets

To best protect books in transit, wrap each book in tissue paper, then also put a layer of bubble wrap around each book. Place a piece of cardboard between books to help ensure they aren't damaged during the move. You may also want to put an extra layer of cardboard at the bottom and top of each box for a little extra protection. 

Take the time to label each box so that you can easily identify your book boxes after the move. For extra help in reassembling the contents of your bookshelves once you're in your new home, be detailed with labeling your boxes. If you place books on the shelves in alphabetical order, try to pack each box according to that order, then label them with where they fit in the alphabet.

Pack Books Together in Separate Boxes

People often make the mistake of packing books with other items. They may think that books can go in the bottom of any box since they are both heavy and sturdy by nature. Yes, books are heavier than many other things you'll pack, but they are fragile in many ways. Don't try stuffing them in with other items. Instead, designate specific boxes just for your books. 

Stack Inexpensive Books

If you have inexpensive paperback books, pack them by placing them flat and stacking them in the box until each stack nears the top of the box. Hardback books that are well-loved but not valuable may also be stacked. For more valuable hardcover books, place them in the box as though they were being set on a bookshelf. Just be sure to pad the bottom and top of each book.

Fill Extra Spaces in the Boxes

Books can easily move around and shift during a move, so they should be as snugly fit in the boxes as possible without risking damage to them. You are likely to have extra space in boxes since you can’t always get a perfect fit of books in each box. Fill the extra space with tissue paper and bubble wrap to protect your books.

Enlist the Help of Moving Professionals

Unless you are trained in weight lifting, you probably shouldn't even consider moving your own stuff if you have many books. Book boxes are likely to be among the heaviest you will have, and multiple book boxes can be especially difficult to move. Professional movers are used to dealing with heavy boxes, and they may offer other expert advice about protecting your books.

Finally, contact United Moving & Storage today for all your local and long-distance moving services. Whether you have questions about moving with your books or other aspects of the move, we are happy to help. With our free estimate and high level of customer satisfaction, our caring team will make your move as easy as possible.