How to Pack and Move Books: Your Ultimate Guide

If you’re a certified bibliophile, getting ready for a move – especially interstate or overseas – is no cakewalk. Even if you’re just moving neighbourhoods in the same city or state, the thought of losing some of your beloved books or getting them torn, misshapen or mangled in the process would be a nightmare.

And since stressing over interstate moving costs and the move itself, the best thing to do now is to come up with a checklist or plan to stay organised. This includes a step-by-step packing process and schedule for your house move. If you need some tried-and-tested tips about moving books, count yourself lucky. Here’s your ultimate guide on how to pack and move books – whether you’re moving across town, to a different state or relocating abroad.

➜ Related: The Best Way to Pack Wall Art for Moving

1. Pare down your book collection

It’s never easy saying goodbye to a book – whether it’s one you purchased out of curiosity or genuine interest. But if you have a huge book collection, it would be a good idea to go through your books carefully and separate the ones that you absolutely must have from those that you’re unlikely to read again. Make sure you allocate sufficient time for this to avoid regrets.

Once you are done sorting through your collection, it’s time to decide on what you should do to the books you’ll be letting go of. Do you sell them, give them away to friends or family, or donate them?

• If you want to make a little money out of your collection, you could hold a yard sale and invite your neighbours to see if there’s anything that will strike their fancy. You could also approach second-hand stores, used-book retailers or neighbourhood lending libraries.
• You could also hold a going-away party with your friends (or close relatives). That’s when you can give them a chance to go through the pile of books that you’re not taking with you. Who knows, they might just find something that they’ve been looking for!
• In case you plan to donate your books, you could get in touch with school or church libraries in your community.

Now, we can proceed to the next crucial step: how to pack books in boxes for moving.

2. Start packing ASAP

Just like it would be wise to begin packing all your stuff as early as possible, you also need to allocate enough time to pack your books properly.

Packing books can be time consuming, especially if your collection is huge. You need to prepare several high-quality cartons, pack your books individually, and place them in each box with care. Then you’ll need to label each box, seal them and get them ready for moving day.

To ensure you finish packing your books early, include this task in your list of priorities. 

Also, prepare your packing supplies, including the following:

• Sturdy boxes in different sizes
• Several rolls of packing tape
• Permanent markers
• Packing paper or old newspaper
• Box cutters

3. Organise books based on size

It would be so nice to organise your books based on genre or author name or some other classification system you prefer.

But for the purposes of packing and moving, the best way to organise them is according to size. This way, you’ll find it easier to identify appropriately sized boxes for your books. You can also minimise the gaps within each box and fit your books in with minimal fuss.

4. Keep the weight down by using small boxes

Books are notoriously heavy, as they are made from paper that’s densely packed between covers. This means that if you have 100, 200 or 500 books or more, carrying them to and from the truck could be a real chore, especially if the boxes are big and heavy.

Therefore, it’s best to use small, sturdy boxes in order to limit the total weight of each one. Make sure you line each box with newsprint or packing paper, seal the bottom and openings, and label it accordingly.

By doing these things, you’re also helping make moving your books easier for the removalists. And since each box is set to a reasonable weight, the movers also won’t be tempted to throw your boxes of books around when they’re in a hurry.

How to pack paperback books and old or fragile reading materials

Ensuring your paperbacks and fragile old books are safe requires more attention than taking care of hardcover books, since the latter already have protective covers.

Protect your paperbacks and old or fragile books by putting each one inside a clean plastic bag first before transferring it to a box. You can also support the covers of old books with cardboard or pieces of wood for the front and back prior to putting them inside their individual plastic bags.

5. Mix and match packing positions

Since books come in various ‘standard’ sizes, they’re fairly easy to arrange – whether flat on their backs (ideal for stacking), standing up like books on a shelf or with the spines at the bottom.

If you need to pack differently sized books in a box, you can use a combination of these positions to get the best outcome and avoid big gaps.

6. Don’t forget to group books by weight

Packing your books based on size is all good, as long as there aren’t any huge, bulky or thick books in between. So, if you have books like ‘War and Peace’ or ones of a similar proportion, make sure you put those at the bottom, followed by medium-sized ones, with the thinner, lighter ones at the top.

By doing this, your regular-sized books can be safe during the move.

7. Get rid of gaps by using packing paper or newsprint

Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, you could still end up with gaps if you’re packing books of different sizes and weights. When this happens, fill the gaps using packing paper or old newspaper.

You can also use clean rags or clothes to plug these gaps and prevent the books from moving about during the move.

8. Seal every box securely

Packing tape is a handy resource during packing and moving, so have plenty of it during the packing stage.

To ensure the boxes don’t collapse and you don’t end up with ruined books, secure all box openings and seams with additional layers of tape. If you’re using trolley suitcases, add some reinforcement tape too.

9. Put some books in your trolley suitcases

Suitcases – especially rolling ones – are not just meant to hold your clothes. In fact, they can make excellent book transportation receptacles. After all, they’re pretty sturdy and roomy and conveniently come with wheels for ease of movement.

How to pack books in a suitcase

Now, your big question might be how to pack books in a suitcase. It’s super easy.

The same rules apply if you’re packing books in boxes or in trolley suitcases. The only difference is that there’s less of a need to reinforce the inside bottoms or openings of the trolley with tape. You just need to make sure that the books are well-packed so they don’t move around during transport.

For best results, fill your suitcase with crumpled newspaper or packing paper to fill in gaps and keep the books in place.

10. Label all over

We’ve mentioned labelling several times, and we’re saying it again: label every single box and any other container you use for packing – whether it’s a trolley suitcase or some other receptacle.

If you can, put labels on all sides or at least two sides that are visible to whoever is handling the boxes. Be extra detailed in labelling by adding information on the fragility of the contents, as well as including arrows that’ll tell the movers which is the right side up.

11. Unpack your books ASAP

When you get to your new place, it would be advisable to get the shelves set up and the books unpacked. This way, you can arrange your books using your own system and clear out a good number of boxes. You’ll be able to free up more space for other things.

How to Pack Books Without Boxes

If you lack access to boxes for packing your books, this is how to pack books for moving securely using these alternative methods:

Wrapped Bundles

Instead of using moving boxes for books, you can bundle them with packing materials. Place a group of books on packing paper or bubble wrap, wrap them up, and secure them. This is good for short moves or when the books won’t be handled roughly.

Storage Bins

If you have plastic storage bins, you can use them instead of moving boxes for books. Pack the books inside the bins, arrange them neatly, and fill any empty spaces with soft items. Close the lid tightly to keep everything secure while you’re moving books.

Tote Bags or Backpacks

If you have a smaller collection of books, tote bags or backpacks are also good options. Packing books for moving upright in the centre flap of the bag and stacking them vertically is the way to go. Ensure the bag isn’t too heavy and that the weight is balanced to prevent straining the straps.

Reusable Shopping Bags

Durable, reusable shopping bags can be a practical choice for carrying books. Similar to tote bags, arrange the books vertically inside them and ensure they’re not too heavy to handle easily. Tie the handles together or use extra straps to keep the bag closed and prevent books from falling out during transportation.

Rolling suitcases or Travel Bags

When packing books for moving, using suitcases or travel bags with wheels can be the best way to pack books for moving. They’re built to carry heavy clothes and belongings, so they can easily handle the weight of books. Pack the books tightly, flat or spine-to-spine, and fill any empty spaces with clothes or soft items to keep them from moving around.

Bonus Tip for How to Pack Books Without Using Moving Boxes for Books

Plastic bins offer a superior alternative to cardboard boxes when packing books for moving or storage. They’re lightweight but strong, waterproof, and easy to stack and carry.

• Unlike cardboard, plastic bins are durable and won’t tear, collapse, or crush under heavy loads. The sturdy plastic material protects items inside from damage. These weatherproof bins keep moisture, dust, and other elements out.
• Thanks to their design and built-in handles, plastic bins are stackable and easy to carry. They won’t slide around, reducing the risk of toppling over.
• Not only are plastic bins convenient, but they’re also sustainable and reusable. Made from recycled materials, they can be used multiple times.
• Renting plastic bins is a cost-effective option. After unpacking, they can be picked up from your new home, eliminating disposal fees.

How to Pack Books Without Bubble Wrap

Bubble wrap is a top-notch packing material. It’s efficient, easy to use, and even fun! Its air-filled design protects household items, preventing damage and absorbing shocks during transportation when packing books for moving.

Bubble wrap is also incredibly versatile. It’s lightweight and flexible, so it can wrap items of any shape or size without adding bulk. This makes it ideal for packing delicate or oddly shaped items during a move.

If you’re seeking a cheaper and greener alternative to bubble wrap or moving boxes for books, plenty of options are available.

Old Clothes

Many clothes are large and thick enough to protect fragile items during a move.

You can repurpose old or damaged clothes by cutting them into pieces and using them as filler material in moving boxes for books.

Towels

Towels are a fantastic alternative to bubble wrap. They’re large enough to wrap items securely, soft to prevent damage, and thick enough to provide reasonable protection.

Towels can also create a cushioning layer at the bottom of a packing container or between items in moving boxes for books.

However, remember that towels are heavier than bubble wrap, which can increase the box’s overall weight.

Shredded Office Paper

Shredded paper is a versatile filler material that provides excellent cushioning when packing books for moving.

However, it’s not recommended to use shredded documents containing sensitive information. Be cautious about using shredded paper from personal documents to prevent identity theft.

Additionally, shredded paper can create a mess when unpacking in your new home.

Newspapers and Magazines

Old newspapers and magazines can be excellent packing materials. You likely have plenty at home, and they’re free!

Have fun packing books for moving! You can ball up or tear newspapers and magazines into strips for padding and cushioning inside moving boxes. This will fill empty spaces and prevent books from shifting during transportation.

You can also use newspapers and magazines as an extra protective layer. However, avoid wrapping items directly in newsprint, which can leave ink stains.

Junk mail can also be crumpled up to fill space in moving boxes for books.

Linens

Bed sheets, pillowcases, tablecloths, and other large, soft fabrics can be the best way to pack books for moving. However, avoid using brand-new ones, as they might get damaged.

Packing paper

Packing paper is a soft and smooth material designed to protect delicate items. It wraps securely around objects, shielding them from scratches, dust, and dirt. So using it when packing books for moving can be a life changer. It’s also space-saving and allows wrapped items to be easily stacked or bundled.

When crumpled, packing paper becomes a resilient cushioning material. It’s also affordable and environmentally friendly.

While packing paper is beneficial, it’s thinner than bubble wrap and lacks air-filled cushioning. You may need to use multiple sheets to achieve the same level of protection.

Other Alternative Packing Materials When Packing Books for Moving

You’ve learned how to pack books without boxes and without bubble wrap. You can also find alternatives to other packing materials:

• Blankets: Regular blankets can protect your books during shipping especially if they’re many.
• Pantry Goods: Bagged goods like beans, rice, and popcorn can fill empty spaces in moving boxes for books. Consider using pea straw or peanuts in the shell as a greener alternative to packing peanuts.
• Soft Items: Sponges, oven mitts, napkins, and handkerchiefs can also be used as fillers, and plastic bags can provide padding.

Be creative in finding suitable packing materials. While these alternatives are effective, they may not offer the same level of protection as professional packing supplies or moving boxes for books.

Consider using specialised packing materials when packing books for moving. Damage during the move can cost more than investing in quality materials.

Hiring professional packers can ensure the safety of your books. This can save you time and stress, and you’ll be happy to find everything intact after the move.

Optimal Weight for Moving Boxes for Books

When packing books, aim for a box weighing between 13.6 and 18.1 kilograms (30 and 40 pounds). This makes them easier to handle and reduces the risk of injury. However, the weight can vary depending on book size, density, and strength.

Key packing tips:

• Distribute weight evenly: Place heavy books at the bottom and lighter ones on top.
• Test the weight: Lift the box before sealing it to ensure it’s manageable.
• Consider others’ strengths: Adjust the weight based on the people handling the boxes.
• Avoid overpacking: Leave some space in the box for proper closing.
• Ask for help: If the boxes are too heavy, seek assistance from friends, family, or professionals.

For professional moving services, consider Relocations WA, a reputable company specialising in packing and moving heavy items.

Follow These Instructions of the Best Way To Pack Books for Moving

When packing books for moving, prioritise keeping them safe, organised, and manageable.

Do’s:

• Pack books upright (small/medium) or flat (oversized).
• Wrap valuable books with acid-free tissue.
• Avoid moving boxes in bad weather.
• Add a protective layer in plastic bins.
• Pack similar books together.

Don’ts:

• Pack books with spines down or up.
• Pack books too tightly or loosely.
• Pack boxes too heavy.
• Stack heavy boxes on light boxes.
• Stress over perfect organisation.

If your books need to be shipped…

Your first concern would be how to package books for shipping.

Preparing your books to be shipped also means following more or less the same steps. You’ll still need to protect your books individually and pack them carefully in their boxes.

One thing you shouldn’t forget, though, is to put your name and contact details on each box to ensure it makes its way back to you in case it gets misplaced or lost during shipping.

Keeping books in storage

The decision to keep your books in storage is an entirely individual choice.

Perhaps you need more time getting organised in your new place or there isn’t enough space for all your books. Whatever the situation, you need to ensure the storage facility you choose is safe and secure. After all, you wouldn’t want to entrust your precious book collection to just anyone.

At Relocations WA, we offer a complete Perth removals and storage service, so we can help you get set up with the facility you need to keep your books safe and sound wherever you may go. Books and furniture storage Perth prices depend on factors such as the space’s size, storage duration, etc.

Easy-breezy moves with Relocations WA

Moving house is never easy. But with Relocations WA, you’ll find the kind of moving assistance we offer to be efficient, friendly, safe and reliable – whether you’re moving locally, interstate or overseas, and whether you’re moving with pets, an art collection or lots of books.

We’ll make sure everything is safe and intact during your move. So, there’s really no need for you to worry about your books – we’ll take care of them as if they were our own.

If you’re moving soon, please get in touch with us.