If you’re a voracious reader (or collector) and have a lot of different book editions that need to be moved, you probably wonder how to pack books for moving so they don’t get damaged during transport. We have all of the answers you’re looking for – all you need to do is read our simple guide.
Before you start with boxing up, you need to get boxes and packing paper (or bubble wrap), as well as necessary additional supplies. You should also declutter before the move to decrease the weight of your cargo. Consider the size and weight of each individual copy you wish to keep and mix different packing positions when needed. Once you seal the boxes, label them, and hand them over to your chosen international movers.
Start Gathering Supplies by Getting the Right Boxes for Books
Although not as hard as packing dishes and other breakables, boxing up your precious book collection can be challenging. Physical publications are often bulky and heavy, making them sometimes difficult to pack and transport damage-free. However, with the right packing materials and careful preparation, you can do it easily and safely. So, what do you need to get?
The first step is getting the right-sized boxes for your collection. In most cases, you’ll need to use small to medium ones. These editions are heavy, and making a relocation mistake of overfilling a large box with them can result in injuries and damages. Additionally, you want sturdy boxes that won’t break or tear when stacked or moved around. You can purchase boxes from any major retail store or online retailer or ask local stores for their empty boxes – most are more than happy to give them away for free!
When Packing Books for Moving, Will You Need Wrapping Supplies?
Not all pieces of your collection need to be wrapped with packing paper or bubble wrap. However, editions that are expensive, old, or damaged should be packaged with additional care. So, how to protect paperback books of high value? You can wrap them individually in packing paper – it’s especially important if you wish to get storage services and leave them in a unit for some time. It would be best to use acid-free paper for extremely valuable editions to prevent damage to the covers.
You’ll also want to use paper (or some other chosen material) as filler between each stack in order to prevent shifting and damage during your move. Be sure to use enough of these materials so that there’s no empty space in the box – this will help keep things secure while they’re being transported.
Finally, make sure you have labels and markers on hand so you can easily identify each box’s contents after it arrives at its destination. This will come in handy when unpacking as well – there will be no hunting through ten different boxes just trying to find that one book!
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Declutter as Much as Possible
Decluttering is an essential part of each relocation to-do list but is especially important when relocating overseas and getting international moving services. If you plan to live in another country, then you probably know an international move can get costly fast – and the more possession you decide to bring, the higher the relocation budget you’ll need. And imagine how much keeping your whole library will add to the final cost! Therefore, going through your collection and deciding what to keep when relocating abroad is a must.
There are plenty of other reasons for this type of decluttering besides the financial benefits. For example, by getting rid of copies that are no longer relevant or useful to you, you’ll have more room in your new home for things that bring you joy or are more practical for your new life after relocating abroad. At the same time, decluttering your collection can help make the transition process easier since you’ll spend much less time packing and unpacking.
How to Declutter Your Library?
There is no reason for you to dread this purging process – it can even be fun! Start with the easy stuff first, such as editions you know without a doubt that you don’t want anymore, and then move on to those that may require more thought. Ask yourself questions such as:
- Do I really need this book?
- Will I actually read this again?
- Does this book still bring me joy?
If the answer is no, then it might be time to let go of that particular title when planning a move. If there are certain authors or topics that hold special meaning for you, consider keeping just a select few titles from each topic instead of trying to keep everything. At the same time, research if there are some digital copies that can serve as a replacement for physical ones.
If you need some valuable relocation tips on this topic, make sure to watch the video below:
Where to Donate Books?
Of course, finding the right home for those copies you want to leave behind is important – you need to make sure your beloved reads go somewhere they will be appreciated. Donating them is always a good choice, so make sure you reach out to local organizations in your area.
Libraries often accept donations from the public, but there are also women’s and children’s shelters that look for appropriate reading materials, as well as after-school programs or community centers. You can also reach out to schools and universities in your area – depending on the nature of your collection, they could use your donation in classrooms and other learning spaces.
If none of these options seem like the right fit for you, there are several national charitable organizations that accept book donations. For example, Better World Books collects used textbooks and other reading materials at no cost and donates them either directly to people in need or sells them online, with proceeds going toward literacy initiatives around the world. The Salvation Army also accepts donations year-round – just look up your local branch online to see what items they’re currently accepting and where you can drop off your donation.
You Can Sell Some Editions and Secure More Money for Moving Internationally
Selling some copies when organizing a move is an excellent way to raise money. All it takes is some effort and some organization on your part. Listing them online is the best way to find buyers quickly and easily. There are dozens of sites that allow users to list their items for sale online, from eBay and Amazon Marketplace to Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace – so it can be hard knowing where to start. If you want a quick sale, try listing on multiple platforms simultaneously.
Pack Books Early in the Process
It takes a lot of time to pack a huge library, especially if you wish to clean each copy before you place it in the box – as you should. Additionally, reading materials are not often a part of relocation essentials (no matter if you feel otherwise). Since you won’t be using them until after the move, they should be packed at the beginning of the moving overseas process and set aside. The exception may be the novel or anthology you’re currently reading and those you plan to take with you on the trip overseas.
How to Pack Books for Moving? Start by Grouping Them by Size
How to pack books in boxes? You’ll have a much better idea of what will fit and how if you group them all with each other before you begin boxing them up. The first step is to sort through your whole collection and group them by size – smaller paperbacks together, mid-size hardcovers together, large hardbacks together, and so on.
Grouping copies by size has several benefits over just throwing them all into one box. It allows you to better organize your collection, so certain editions are easier to find when unpacking after the move, and it keeps them from getting damaged during transit. It also ensures that the boxes are balanced evenly and not too heavy on one side, which makes them easier to move safely and less likely to cause injuries when lifting.
Consider the Weight of Different Editions Before Arranging Them in Boxes
Some copies are heavier than others. Therefore, once you arrange them by size, make sure you place heavy books towards the bottom, followed by medium-weight and then light copies. If you follow this, your most delicate editions won’t be crushed during the lengthy transportation process.
Mix Packing Positions and Use the Space in the Box to the Fullest
What is the best way to pack books for moving? The wisest choice would be to get packing services and let professionals do the job for you. However, if you’re determined to do it by yourself, know there are three different (and safe) ways of doing so:
- Flat – if all the books have the same dimensions and fit in the box, placing them on their backs is the best position for stacking,
- Standing up – you can also stack editions the way you arrange them on shelves – just make sure their spines are facing the box’s walls,
- Spines down – pack different collections with their spines facing the bottom.
In most cases, you won’t be using just one of these packaging techniques. More likely than not, you’ll have to combine these methods in order to maximize the use of space. Therefore, to make the most of your boxes, follow this relocation hack, and mix these packing techniques.
Still, note that there will frequently be extra room in the box, which can cause copies to shift during transportation – and possibly get damaged. That is why, when you see some empty space in a box, you should use packing materials to fill them. Even your own clothing might be used to fill the gaps – this is a terrific method to pack clothes and cut waste while packaging some other household items.
Don’t Forget to Label
Label the boxes so that international movers know not only what’s inside but also how fragile the contents are and which side is up. Don’t hesitate to add the adjective “fragile” if the books have a high sentimental or monetary value. This way, those responsible for transporting your boxes will be informed about the box’s content, and it will be handled appropriately during the move to a new home.
Let an International Moving Company Help You Pack and Enjoy Your Precious Collection After the Move
When relocating to another country, there is no need to agonize over packing your collection when you can hire experts to do it for you. Relocation is traumatic as it is – you don’t need the added anxiety. With the help of the right international mover, you will be able to sit back and relax while the relocation team takes care of everything, including your library.
They will ensure your collection, alongside your other belongings, arrive at your new home abroad without any damage. Therefore, if you want to move efficiently and don’t wish to stress about the well-being of the possession closest to your heart, make sure to research the nearby companies and book your move with the best one.