Packing Books: Do’s and Don’ts to Remember

If you’re moving to a new place of residence, one of the most time-consuming things you need to deal with is packing your belongings. While it’s easy to pack some household items, the same cannot be said for books. They may not be fragile, but they may still end up bent or torn if not properly packed. 

Today, we talk about some do’s and don’ts when packing your books before your upcoming move.

DO Go Through Your Book Collection

First off, you need to go through your book collection. You may be tempted to hold onto every book, but keep in mind that you may not need all of the books you own. Most professional moving companies also charge their services by weight, so carrying all your heavy books is not the cheapest idea. As such, you may want to conduct a garage sale or donate the books you will not be bringing.

DON’T Put Off Packing Your Books

Books take a long time to pack as it involves the use of – and careful placement inside – multiple boxes.  When coming up with your packing checklist, make sure that your books are a top priority. You don’t want to leave this at the last minute as you may likely forget a thing or two.

DO Use Small Boxes for Your Books

If you’re planning to bring 30 to 50 books, the best way to pack them is by using small boxes that will keep the weight below 40 pounds. This makes your books easier and safer to move. Remember that the boxes should be made of thick cardboard with very strong sides and corners. You may also want to add extra tape at the bottom for extra protection and proper sealing. Book boxes should also be lined with packing paper or newsprint for additional cushioning. 

DON’T Pack Your Books in One Position

To get the most out of your boxes, don’t pack your books in one position. Professional movers suggest using a mixture of the following packing positions: 

• Flat on their backs – This is ideal for stacking, especially if the books are of the same size.
• Standing up – This is similar to how you keep your books on shelves. Make sure the spines of the books are facing the walls of the boxes.
• Spines against the bottom. This packing position helps protect the pages of your book from damage.

DO Consider the Weight of Your Books

Since some books are heavier than others, you need to organize them by weight when packing them. To keep your small, delicate books from getting crushed or damaged, put the heavy books on the bottom, medium-weight books in the middle and light books on top. Again, remember that each box should be below 40 pounds. 

DON’T Forget to Unpack Your Books Early

When you arrive in your new residence, the first thing you may want to do is unpack important household items. However, you should also consider setting up your shelves and unpacking all your books first.

Look no further than Around Town Movers for your moving needs! We make sure that your belongings – including your books – are transported safely to your new home. Call us today at (703) 682-5922, or fill out our contact form to set an appointment. We serve residents of the DMV, including those living in and around Washington, DC, and Sterling, VA.