How to Pack Books for Moving
Books are like old friends. They are not just stories and guides; they are physical objects that have been through life with us. Often for many years. When moving to a new apartment, naturally you want to take your shelf full of books with you. The only question is: what is the best way to pack them? Fortunately, people have been moving with books for centuries, so we can help you decide how to pack books for moving.
These tips should provide everything you need to safely pack up your books and make the journey to your new apartment. You'll be unpacking your books back into their shelves in no time.
Remember, Books are Heavy
The most important thing to remember is that books are heavy, especially when stacked all together. Most of the special methods for moving books are designed to make sure you don't try to lift a box of books that is too heavy. When packing a box, it should be no more than 30 pounds, and books can reach that weight quite quickly.
But don't worry. There are many ways to help manage the weight of all your favorite books while keeping them safe in the move.
Use a "Book Box" - The Smallest Packing Box
When buying moving boxes, you may notice that the smallest box is also called a "book box." This is because books should be packed in small groups so the box isn't too heavy to lift. Book boxes were designed to help you pack books in safely small numbers so that you and your movers can safely transport them without risk of lifting injuries. Little books boxes are also useful for other small and well-organized packing tasks.
Pack Your Books Upright
Arrange books upright, as you would place them on the shelf. This will help to avoid damaging their binding and structure. Books were designed to be lined up on edge, so pack them that way, as well. This means the most efficient way to pack books is to choose books that are around the same height. But if you packed your boxes with your books laying flat, it should be OK as long as you don't take too long to unpack.
Use a Moisture Barrier If You Are Worried
If you're worried that your book box might be exposed to moisture (ex, moving during a rainy or slushy season), you can add a moisture barrier to the inside of each box to ensure wet cardboard doesn't become book damaged.
Spread Books Into Different Moving Boxes
If a box of books is still too heavy, one useful alternative is to pack a few books into each box of other items. You can safely nestle a couple of books in each box of clothing, in the items from your vanity, or alongside electronics. Books are not that heavy individually. If you spread them out between other boxes, you should be able to safely lift each box. Just remember to test the box weight before you seal each box to ensure that no single box is too heavy to lift.
Pack Books in a Suitcase
Another option is to pack your books into a suitcase. Suitcases tend to be built for safer and more ergonomic lifting than boxes. They have sturdy handles and some have wheels that make it even easier to tote your books from one house to the next. A sturdy suitcase can be packed in the moving truck alongside other boxes or transported in your personal vehicle. They also often have a built-in moisture barrier to keep your books safe from harm on the trip.
Donate Some of Your Paper Books
If you find yourself packing books that you haven't read or thought about in years, you can lighten the load by donating a few. Some books are keepsakes, but some are just books that have accumulated over the years. Books you won't miss can be donated or sold. This will reduce the total weight of books that you need to carry with you on your move. And if you want the coziness of a full bookshelf at your new place, you can always buy a few more books that you will enjoy more than those you have cycled out.
Apartments for Book Lovers in Little Rock
If you are looking for an apartment in Little Rock, AR that welcomes book lovers, join us at Fairfield Apartments. Each apartment has plenty of room for your bookshelves and we're not far from the William J Clinton Presidential Library and Museum if you want to explore a stunning research center and collection of historical books. We welcome all book lovers here at Fairfield, whether your collection is small and precious or vast room-filling.
Contact us to ask about availability, floorplans, amenities, our favorite books, and more.