Tips to Pack Books When Moving

Boxes

• Since books are so heavy for their size, it's better to pack them in small boxes. Moving companies and box manufacturers make "book boxes" specifically for moving books, but banker boxes can also be used. The final weight of the box should be no more than 30 pounds when packed, so if larger boxes are used, the weight limit should be observed.

Orientation

• Books should be packed either lying flat on their cover against the bottom, or with the spines down against the bottom for support. Hard-bound books in particular are susceptible to spine damage if the boards (the large, flat parts of the binding) are inadequately supported, so the books should be placed in the box carefully to keep the cover from pulling away from the pages. Any valuable book should be wrapped carefully in bubble pack, heavy cloth or paper before placed in a box.

Sealing

• Whatever type of box is used should be securely taped to prevent the box from splitting while in transit. The box should be securely taped along the bottom seam and the bottom sides, and the top seam should be taped closed to prevent spilling if the box tips over.

Marking

• All boxes in a move should be marked with their contents, and boxes holding books are no exception. If the library being moved is extensive, a category or qualification can be added to the label, such as "cook books" or "craft books." By clearly marking each box with the contents, the unpacking process is expedited. The boxes can be left in the correct rooms for the contents, thereby making it unnecessary to move them around in the new home.