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Moving to a new home is an exciting time. And it requires a lot of organization and good packing skills to pull off a smooth move. This guide outlines how you can pack books so that they'll arrive safe and secure at their new location.
Step 1:

Start by sorting through your books. Books are probably some of your heaviest smaller possessions. And especially when you're being charged by weight for long-distance moves, you don't want to pack or move any books that you don't really want. So first go through your book collection and pick out any books that you no longer need or want in your collection. Donate them, give them to family members, or recycle any worn books so that you won't have to waste time and money packing them.

Step 2:

Find appropriate moving boxes. Books are especially prone to damage from water and moisture. It is important to pack them in dry, sturdy moving boxes that will keep them mold and moisture-free. Choose boxes to hold your books that are also sturdy enough to carry the weight of your books. And be sure to reinforce any seams with strong packing tape before you begin packing books into your moving boxes.

Step 3:

Pack hardcover books properly. Hardcover books should be placed upright in moving boxes, with the space facing outward toward the box's side. Don't cram books into moving boxes, but do try to use your box space wisely. Books that are too tightly crammed into moving boxed can be damaged as you go to unpack them, so be sure to leave a little wiggle room between your books.

Step 4:

Wrap valuable books individually. If you have books that are of particular value to you, you should take extra measures to ensure these books make the move safely. Hardcover books require only a brown paper bag to protect them from dings and tears during a move. Soft cover books should be placed in sturdy individual boxes, or at least wrapped in bubble wrap and a plastic bag.

Step 5:

Use stiff cardboard when necessary. If you want to prevent your books from touching each other or from shifting during transport, you can use stiff cardboard dividers. Simply place these between your valuable books to create a separate barrier.

Step 6:

Paperback books can be stacked or laid flat. Paperback books, though still valuable, don't require the same detailed packing methods as hardcover books. All you need to do is ensure that the spines all face the same way. Whether you stack paperback books upright or lay them flat matters not. Just ensure that they're not packed at a weird angle.

Step 7:

Fill voids in book boxes to prevent shifting. There will inevitably be some empty space left in your book boxes. It is important to fill these voids so that your books will sit securely as they are being moved. Use some old towels to fill voids in boxes, or even jam in one of your favorite sweaters to create a cushioned filler that will keep your books in place.

Step 8:

Tape the box closed and label it. With your book boxes properly packed, you just need to tape up the box and label it, and then it's ready for the big move.

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