The Ultimate Guide to Packing, Moving, and Storing Your Books

Books are more than just objects—they’re companions, sources of knowledge, and sometimes, even treasured keepsakes. When it comes to moving, ensuring your beloved books arrive safely at their new home is a top priority. As bibliophiles ourselves we have created this guide to walk you through the best practices for packing, moving, and storing your books. Mastodon Moving has moved countless private book collections as well as large libraries. Here is what we recommend when packing, moving and storing books.

The Importance of Proper Book Packing

Moving books may seem straightforward, but improper packing can lead to damage. Bent covers, torn pages, and warped spines are common issues when books are not handled with care. By following a few simple steps, you can keep your collection in pristine condition.

Assess Your Book Collection

Before you start packing, take a moment to assess your collection. Decide which books you want to keep, donate, or sell. This is an excellent opportunity to declutter and lighten your load.

• Keep: Special editions, favorites, or books you haven’t read yet.
• Donate: Books you no longer need or have duplicates of.
• Sell: Rare or valuable books that you’re ready to part with.

Gather the Right Packing Supplies

Having the right moving boxes on hand is crucial to protect your books during the move. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Sturdy, small to medium-sized boxes: Avoid large boxes as they can become too heavy.
• Packing paper: For wrapping books and filling gaps.
• Bubble wrap: To protect delicate or valuable editions.
• Tape: High-quality packing tape to seal the boxes.
• Markers: For labeling boxes.Other Supplies That You May Consider:
  • Scissors or box cutter: For cutting tape and paper
  • Plastic bins: For items that need extra protection
  • Labels or colored stickers: To mark boxes by room

Step-by-Step Guide to Packing Books

Once you have your supplies, it’s time to start packing. Follow these steps to ensure your books are well-protected. Trusted by insurance agencies, real estate agents and facility mangers, our packout services team has had to pack and restore books after a fire or water loss. These are our recommendations and what we do when packing books:

Preparing the Boxes

1. Reinforce the bottom: Use extra tape to reinforce the bottom of each box to prevent it from giving out under the weight of the books.
2. Line with packing paper: Line the bottom of the box with crumpled packing paper for added cushioning.

Packing the Books

1. Sort by size: Group books of similar sizes together for easier packing and better protection.
2. Pack standing upright: Place books in the box standing upright, like on a shelf, with the spines against the box sides. This minimizes pressure on the pages.
3. Alternate stacking method: For larger or heavier books, you can lay them flat, stacking them in layers.
4. Fill gaps: Use packing paper or bubble wrap to fill any gaps and prevent movement during transit.
5. Avoid overpacking: Don’t overload the boxes. They should be full but not so heavy that they become difficult to lift or carry.

Label and Seal

1. Label clearly: Write “Books” and indicate the room they belong in on each box. If you have rare or valuable books, label those boxes as “Fragile.”
2. Seal the box: Use strong packing tape to seal the box securely. Double tape the seams if necessary.

Tips for Moving Books Safely

Once your books are packed, consider these tips for moving day to ensure they arrive at their destination without a hitch.

Handling Heavy Boxes

• Lift with care: Remember to lift boxes with your legs, not your back, to avoid injury.
• Use a dolly: If you have many heavy boxes, use a dolly to transport them to the moving truck.
• Load strategically: Place book boxes on the floor of the moving truck to keep the weight low and avoid crushing lighter items.

Climate Considerations

Books are sensitive to temperature and humidity. If you’re moving in extreme weather, take extra precautions.

• Avoid leaving books in hot cars: High temperatures can warp pages and covers.
• Protect from moisture: If there’s a chance of rain, ensure your boxes are well-sealed or use plastic bins.

Storing Books for the Long Term

Sometimes, you may need to store books for a period before they find their new home. Proper storage is key to preserving their condition.

Choosing the Right Storage Space

• Climate control: Choose a storage unit with climate control to protect your books from temperature fluctuations and humidity. Mastodon Moving offers climate controlled storage in Worcester
• Elevated storage: Store books off the ground on shelves or pallets to avoid potential water damage.

Packing for Storage

1. Wrap in acid-free paper: For long-term storage, wrap books in acid-free paper to prevent yellowing.
2. Use plastic bins: Consider storing books in airtight plastic bins for extra protection against moisture and pests.
3. Stack carefully: If stacking boxes, place the heaviest boxes at the bottom and avoid over-stacking to prevent crushing.

 

Regular Maintenance

• Check periodically: If your books are in storage for an extended period, check on them every few months to ensure they’re in good condition.
• Rotate occasionally: If possible, rotate books in storage to prevent warping or pressure marks.