The best way to pack books for a move
If you are an avid book lover and need to move out of your current home, you need to think about how you are going to move your collection. Books are easily damaged, can destroy your moving box or bag if they are too thin, and are quite heavy. Before you hand them over to professional movers https://paramountmoving.ca/vancouver/, use these tips to pack them as safely as possible:
Declutter before packing
Moving is an opportunity to reevaluate your collection. Donate, sell, or recycle books you no longer need. Reducing the volume will lighten your load and save space in your new home. Prioritize keeping valuable, sentimental, or reference books.
Small, sturdy boxes
Books are dense, and overfilling large boxes will make them too heavy to lift safely. Use small or medium cardboard boxes or plastic crates with reinforced bottoms. Aim to keep each box under 20-25 kg (45-55 lbs) to avoid strain and box failure.
Pack books flat or spine-down
Books can be packed in two secure positions:
Flat pack - books are stacked horizontally. Ideal for preventing warping and spine damage.
Spine-down packing - books are stacked upright with the spine down to prevent pages from bending.
Avoid packing books spine up, as this may cause pages to come loose under pressure.
Fill gaps to prevent shifting
Use crumpled packing paper, bubble wrap, or towels to fill empty spaces in the box. This will prevent books from shifting or bumping during shipping, which could result in torn covers or bent pages.
Wrap valuable or fragile books individually
Books with leather covers, dust jackets, or antique bindings should be wrapped in acid-free paper or bubble wrap. This will protect them from moisture and scuffing. Avoid using newspaper, as ink may transfer to the covers and pages.
Label boxes clearly
Label each box "Books," along with its destination room and a brief inventory (e.g., "Cookbooks" or " Children's Bedroom"). This will make unpacking easier and help the movers handle them properly.
Avoid moisture and stack safely
If possible, use plastic wrap or bags for added protection. Ask the movers to keep book boxes out of damp areas during the move. When stacking, place heavier boxes on the bottom and avoid placing them under items that could crush them.
When unpacking books after a move, start with the heaviest boxes to avoid stressing stacked items. Unpack by category or size for easier organization and allow books to acclimate to room temperature if moving from extreme conditions. Avoid stacking books too high to prevent crushing. Inspect books for moisture damage before shelving.
