How to Pack Books When Moving

Before Deciding How to Pack Books in Boxes, Pick Out Those You Won’t Be Relocating

Or maybe you have a book or two you know you’ll never read again. Considering the average American reads only 12 books yearly, you might have more unread books than you realize. Whatever the case is, put those in a separate pile for unwanted items to donate and consider selling them on Craigslist or donating them to charity. There’s no need to carry them all, especially if you’re planning your moving budget to the T, reducing the relocation costs, or even going into a smaller home.

The Best Way to Pack Books for Moving Is To Divide Books into Categories

Now that you’re left with a pile of items that have made it to the relocating to another state checklist, it’s time to get them organized. Divide everything into meaningful categories to make packing easier. Here are a few tips you could use:

• Sort by cover type – dividing all your collections into hardcover and paperback is a great first step. This will help you organize them easily for the boxing-up process.
• Sort by size – additionally, you may want to sort them by their dimensions, as this will make it easier to fit them into appropriate-size boxes. Always put lighter ones on top.
• Sort by shelf – while this method might not be that handy for packing, it will certainly make unpacking easier. Simply group those titles that you keep on the same shelf and pack them as such.

All of these hacks can help you have a more efficient transition. Moreover, settling in will be much easier when you can easily find your favorite author. If you didn’t manage to find a job before moving to another state, or you’re still on a house-hunting mission then avoiding relocation depression should be your priority. Luckily, reading for 6 minutes can lessen stress by 68%. So, with your favorite tome in your hands, you can easily unwind from all that stress and concentrate on starting anew.

Use Smaller Boxes for Books

Always use the smallest boxes possible to pack your titles. These will be more likely to sustain the weight they carry, as larger ones could give in at the bottom. Alternatively, you might want to use a suitcase for heavier and larger volumes, ensuring their safety.

How to Protect Paperback Books? Use a Lot of Protective Materials

Before you start filling the box, cover its bottom and all its sides with at least two layers of protective paper. If you’re packing more expensive or rare volumes, you might even consider using bubble wrap or cardboard. Additionally, add protective layers between every two items for extra padding. Remember to do this if they are going to storage first.

When Packing Books for Moving Cross-Country, Alternate Between Bound Edges

Need some more long-distance relocation tips for taking care of your novel collection? When stacking your book collection, either vertically or horizontally, don’t forget to alternate between bound edges. This will help protect the contents from moving around or stacking unevenly.

However, when it comes to paperback issues, you should avoid stacking them bound edge up. Teir covers aren’t sturdy enough to keep them in that position for too long, especially when they’re on the moving truck.

Tips on How to Pack Books for Moving – And How Not To

Now that you know what the most important things you should do are, it is time to move onto things you should absolutely avoid doing. Without further ado, here are the most common moving mistakes people make when packing books for a relocation. Keep these tips in mind to make sure your belongings stay intact.

Not Preparing Books for Storage During Relocation

If you’re planning on storing your belongings in a storage unit for some time, there are certain things you should do to ensure your print survives this. Namely, you should use acid-free materials and waterproof protection. Worry not.

If you are booking Cross Country Moving Company to handle your relocation, you will have access to the top-notch facilities. More importantly, we offer you 30 days of free storage services. For added peace of mind, our facilities are monitored 24/7 and climate-controlled.

Being Too Quick to Pack

Even if you’re working on a short deadline to move into your new home, you should take the time to carefully pack your belongings from your moving-out list. Rushing through this task could easily result in unfixable damage to your items.

So, one of the most important moving tips we have is to start with the organization process at least 6-8 weeks before the move. Remember to take your time when handling these belongings. This will ensure they reach you in pristine condition.

Using Improper Supplies

Not using the right materials is a recipe for disaster. For example, if you use large boxes, you run the risk of the crate breaking and all of its contents falling out. If you use newspapers instead of clear paper for protection, the ink from the print might end up rubbing off on your items. So don’t hesitate to invest a little more in proper supplies and get some bubble wrap and packing paper.

Leaving Empty Space in a Box

One of the most important things you should do before sealing the box with packing tape is to fill voids. You can use packing paper, foam peanuts, or even pieces of cloth to do this. The important thing is to make sure the contents of the box don’t fly around and get damaged, to move them safely to the new place.

Being Lazy With Labeling

We all know how important it is to label your boxes. Writing down the contents of each box will help you unpack in a much more organized manner later on.

However, it probably won’t be enough to simply write “books” on a box. You should at least at the category as well, such as “textbooks”, “dictionaries”, or “living room shelf”. And if you have some time on your hands, you might even write down every single title.

When You Learn the Best Way to Pack Books When Moving, Proceed with Your Preparations

Now that you know how to tackle this task, and how to lower moving expenses, it’s time to check the safety of your future neighborhood. It’s also crucial to decide whether you’ll move during the holidays or maybe in the summer. If you’re moving alone to another state, to avoid relocation anxiety make sure you find a cross-country moving company that has good reviews. Find a highly recommended partner that offers a wide array of other services you might need, such as auto transport or packing services.

Once you have gathered all the necessary information, consider factors such as the weather and seasonal conditions when choosing your moving date. Relocating during the holidays or in the summer may offer certain advantages, such as better weather or more flexible schedules. By carefully weighing these factors, you can make a well-informed decision that suits your preferences and circumstances.

Feel free to ask more about this process or their services, and how they pack clothes or handle box up bulky furniture. They will also explain to you how car shipping works in case you’re planning to transport your vehicle across the country. If you like the answer, you can ask for a free estimate and book your relocation date.

Have a Smooth Chapter in Your Move With Cross Country Moving Company

When it comes to relocating your library, our specialized book long-distance moving services ensure that your literary treasures arrive safely at their new home. Whether you have a modest collection or an extensive array of rare editions, we understand the sentimental and monetary value of these possessions. Our team uses acid-free packing materials and sturdy medium-sized boxes to protect against damage during transit.

We carefully store everything to prevent warping, creasing, or spine damage, and we can even create custom crates for particularly valuable or antique volumes. With our expertise, you can trust everything will be well-protected throughout this journey. Contact us today and let our crew guide you through this adventure.