When it comes to packing for a move, books are often one of the last things people consider. However, if you have a lot of them—or if they’re especially heavy or delicate—then taking time to pack them correctly is worth the effort, if only to preserve your precious possessions and make unpacking easier on the other end!
By following our simple tips on packing books for moving house, you can ensure they make it to your new pad safely, efficiently, and without any damage.
Take An Inventory of Your Books
The first thing you'll want to do is inventory all the books you have. This will give you a good idea of how many boxes you’ll need, and it will also help you decide which books can go into storage and which ones you want to keep with you. After all, some books are keepers that you just have to display in the home, while you love others but don't necessarily need to look at them every day on your bookshelves.
Once you know what you have, start by grouping them by size. This will make it easier to pack them later on. Books can range in size from small paperbacks to large hardcovers, so it’s essential to ensure they’re all properly grouped.
Throw Away & Donate Extra Books
When packing your books for a move, one of the most important things to consider is whether they are worth keeping. How do you decide? Some books may have sentimental value or provide great insight into a particular topic that's important to you, while others may have mattered to you at one time but are now just collecting dust on your bookshelves.
When deciding whether to keep or throw away a book, it's vital to take your time and really think about how much you will actually use it in the future. Another consideration: have you reached for it in the last three years? If the answer is no, maybe that book isn't so important to you after all.
Another option for dealing with unwanted books is to donate them to local libraries or other organizations in need. This not only helps clear out space in your home, but it also gives the books a new life where others can enjoy them! Donating your books helps others, and it feels good.
Whether you decide to keep a book or donate it, thoughtfully choose which ones make the cut, helping ensure that only your most valuable and well-loved titles end up moving house with you.
Packing The Boxes
Maybe you just got a storage unit and want to fit in as many things as possible in order to declutter your space. Perhaps you got a promotion and are relocating. Either way, if you're packing up your books to move them somewhere else, here are some ways to do it efficiently:
Use Small Boxes
Heavy boxes can be dangerous, and their weight can compromise their stability when in transit. Using small boxes will help you make the most of your future space. Small boxes will also keep weight low, saving your body unnecessary strain or injury. You can find small boxes at most moving supply stores or even online. Lifehack: many people simply go to their local liquor stores and ask for the business' empty boxes.
Make Sure Boxes Are Strong, Sealed, and Full of Packing Materials
When packing your books, make sure your boxes are strong enough to support the weight of your books. You also want to seal the boxes tightly so that the books don’t fall out and get damaged. Consider wrapping particularly delicate books with old clothes or towels to ensure safe transport.
Use Your Rolling Suitcases
If you have a lot of large hardcover books, you can skip the boxes and pack them directly in your rolling suitcases. This is a great way to save space and keep your similarly-grouped books organized and together.
Label Your Boxes
Label your boxes using details and general descriptors once you have all your books packed up. This will help you keep track of where everything is and make unpacking way easier. You can even label the boxes with which room they're going in so you know right where to transport those boxes once you get to your new space.
Use A Variety of Packing Positions
When packing your books, use a variety of physical arrangements in each box. This will help keep the boxes from getting too heavy and make them easier to carry. You can pack the books horizontally, vertically, or on their side. Stack some, turn some spine up. Just be sure the weight is evenly-distributed so your boxes don't tear.
Fit Gaps With Packing Materials
Once you have all of your books packed up, fill any gaps with packing materials. Old clothing or towels, bubble wrap, or packing peanuts will do. This will help keep the boxes' contents from shifting during the move, protecting your books.
Use Multiple Layers of Tape
When taping up your boxes, be sure to use multiple layers. This will help keep the boxes from coming apart during your move. You can use packing tape, duct tape, or even masking tape. Just be sure to use multiple layers so that the boxes are securely sealed.
Pack Books You Value The Most Last
Save your most precious books for last: this will help ensure that they are packed securely and won’t get damaged during the move. You can pack them in a box by themselves or wrap them in a blanket for extra protection. By packing the books you value the most last, you'll know exactly where they are at all times and be able to get to them first.
Pack Boxes on the Floor of a Truck or Trailer
Considering how heavy books are and the damage they can cause when they topple, it’s essential to pack them on the floor of your truck or trailer during your move. This will help keep them from falling over and damaging things like furniture.
Storage Tips
When people search for how to pack books for moving house, one thing they don’t read much about is book integrity. It's imperative to protect your books from extremes of temperature and humidity.
If a book gets too hot or too cold, the paper can warp or even break down, damaging the text within. To maintain a suitable climate for your books, you may need to invest in humidity control systems or dehumidifiers, depending on where you plan to store them.
It's also important to protect your books from excess moisture by keeping them away from potential flooding or leaks.
Other factors like light exposure and pests should also be considered when choosing a place for your book collection. With just a little forethought and planning, you can make sure that your precious books stay in good shape for years to come.
Unpacking Your Books
Once you’ve arrived at your new home, it’s time to start unpacking your boxes. Here are a few tips to make the process a little easier:
Start With The Books You Need Immediately
If you have any books you need for school or work, be sure to unpack those first. This will help you settle in and not feel so overwhelmed by the inevitable, neverending sea of post-move boxes.
Unpack One Box At a Time
Don’t try to unpack all of your boxes at once. This will just make the process more difficult and overwhelming. Start with one box and take your time unpacking it. Then move on to the next.
Find a Permanent Home For Your Books
Once you’ve unpacked all of your boxes, finding a permanent home for your books is essential. This will make finding the ones you need when you need them easier. You can use shelves, bookcases, or even bins. Just be sure to find a system that works for you.
Understanding how to pack books for moving can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be with a bit of planning and preparation. By following the tips in this article, you can be sure that your books will arrive at your new home safe and sound.
Visit us at your local BuxBear Storage location to secure a climate-controlled storage unit for all your storage needs! And give us a call with any storage-related questions. We’re happy to help!