How to Pack Books for a Move (Without Wrecking Your Back)
How to pack books for moving: small boxes, the right way to stack them, how to protect valuable volumes and how to keep box weight safe to lift.
Pack books in small boxes, no bigger than a banker’s box, so each one stays light enough to lift. Lay books flat or upright with the spines down, fill gaps with paper and tape the bottom twice. Heavy boxes of books are the most common cause of burst boxes and sore backs.
Which boxes should I use?
Use small boxes only. Books are dense, and a large box filled with books can be too heavy to lift safely. A good rule is that you can lift the box comfortably with both hands. Mix books with lighter items such as pillows in a medium box if you want to use bigger sizes.
How do I pack them?
- Tape the bottom of the box twice, in both directions.
- Line the bottom with a layer of crumpled paper.
- Place books flat or upright with the spines facing down. Alternate the direction of the spines for a snug fit.
- Put heavier, larger books at the bottom and lighter paperbacks on top.
- Fill gaps with crumpled paper so nothing slides.
- Seal the box and write the room and contents on the side.
How do I protect valuable or delicate books?
Wrap rare, signed or very old books in acid-free paper or a clean cloth and keep them upright in their own box. Do not use bubble wrap directly on covers for long-term storage. Carry irreplaceable volumes with you in your own vehicle.
How can I reduce what I pack?
Before packing, go through your shelves. Donate, sell or recycle books you no longer read, since you pay to move every one. Our guide to decluttering before a move shows an easy order to work in.
How many boxes will I need?
A rough guide is one small box for each shelf or two. Pack a test box, see how heavy it is and adjust. It is better to have more small boxes than fewer large ones.
How should I label them?
Write BOOKS and the destination room on the side of each box. Keep a note of which room each shelf goes to, so unpacking is quick.
Want help?
Our crew can pack and load your books, and hand-truck heavy boxes. See our packing services or request a quote.
