How to Sell Old Books When Moving

Organize the books you want to sell at least three months before your move. Clean up old books using a damp wet cloth to remove dust or dirt. Flip through the pages of every book to remove old objects, such as bookmarks, notes or photographs. Unfold any folded corners and erase any pencil marks.

Research old books that you feel may be valuable, such as first editions, autographed copies, well-known authors, publishers or those that feature original illustrations. Ask your local library for assistance in placing value on books. Search the title of the book on the Internet through public library resources such as the Enoch Pratt Free Library Humanities Department (prattlibrary.org).

Keep documentation on the potentially valuable books you are selling so you will be able to prove their value to purchasers. Contact antique stores that sell books or book collectors to offer your books for sale. Use the documentation so you get the greatest value for your book.

List textbooks, first editions, autographed copies or books that are in demand by the market, such as those written by recently deceased authors, on the Internet. List them on websites such as Ebay or Amazon that sell books. Purchase an advertisement in your hometown newspaper to find local buyers.

Post information regarding old textbooks with local college newspapers for college students. Place an advertisement on bulletin boards in the halls of college campuses, if possible.

Set up a garage sale to sell books in bulk, such as paperback books, out-of-date encyclopedias and used children's books, to move these inexpensive items.