On a list of complex items to pack and move, books come in low on the stress-o-meter rankings — right?

After all, they’re flat, (usually) rectangular, and tend to fit neatly into containers without much hassle. However, there’s one pesky reason why you shouldn’t just throw all your book into boxes, tape them up, and call it good: weight.

When packed together, books are heavy — very heavy. That means it’s all too easy for improperly packed boxes to break open in transit, resulting in books spilling out into the moving truck.

Avoid the mess and potential damage to your books. Read on to learn how the experts recommend packing your books for a move.

Pare Down Your Collection

Though it’s hard to part with books, a household move is a great time to curate your collection. Not only will you have less to pack, but moving companies may also charge by weight. Fewer books equal less weight, and that means money saved on moving costs.

Set aside time to go through your titles and separate them into three piles:

• Sell
• Donate
• Keep

Sell books in good condition to your local used bookstore. It’s a great way to raise a few bucks for your upcoming move.

Consider donating books to local schools or shelters. Many libraries accept used books and sell them as a fundraiser. You can also explore donating to non-profits that provide books to veterans, schools overseas, or incarcerated populations.

Invest in High-Quality Boxes

Your books are valuable to you, so treat them with care and use high-quality packing materials. Choose sturdy boxes made from thick cardboard with solid corners and edges.

When you’re putting your boxes together, add an additional layer of tape to the bottom seam to prevent breakage. 

Bonus Tip: The extra tape will also protect against liquid or dirt.

Line each box with crumpled packing paper or newspaper. You can even use a sheet of packing foam for extra security.

When packing books, the experts recommend going small. Choose small boxes with a volume no larger than 1.5 cubic feet. Anything bigger probably can’t handle the weight.

Pack the Books

Once your boxes are taped and lined, you can start packing your books.

Pack your books with the spines toward the bottom of the box — instead of spines facing up. If you pack them with their spines facing up, it can cause the bindings to break. Try to pack books of similar sizes together.

Wrap up collector’s edition books, expensive books, and picture albums individually with packing paper. Divide the individual books with cardboard to keep their spines straight and guard their covers from friction.

Before you tape the box shut, add a layer of crumpled packing paper or a foam packing sheet for protection.

Make Your Move as Smooth as Possible

Packing books may seem easy, but there’s more to it than simply tossing them into a huge box. Take just a few extra minutes and use the right packing supplies, and you’ll avoid bent covers and ripped pages.

For more tips on packing or moving assistance, contact us. We can help get your books and other household goods to your new home with ease.