Do you have plans to move to a new home soon but don’t know what to do with your large home library? Then you should probably spend some time learning how to pack books for moving interstate or storage. If you do it incorrectly, you risk causing damage to your prized possessions. However, there’s no need to be concerned! We’ve put up this useful guide with guidelines for handling print publications for relocation to assist you in preventing this.
Plan Your Book Packing Process
You can’t judge a person by their library, but you can judge a book by its cover. In the presence of well-stocked shelves, no one can remain unmoved. But, every now and again, the need to relocate arises and the topic of how to pack books in boxes for moving takes center stage. If you ever packed a book or two as a birthday present, don’t worry, this is not as complex. Just follow our tips, and you’ll be good to go.
The Best Would Be to Start With Selecting the Books You Want to Bring and Pack
Take a look at your packing list and pick out the titles you won’t be taking with you before you start placing every single book into a box. Is it possible that you have many copies of the same book? Or maybe you have a book or two that you’re certain you’ll never read again?
Put those in a separate pile for unwanted items to donate and consider selling or donating them to charity, whatever the situation may be. There’s no need to transport them all, especially if you’re arranging your interstate moving budget to cut costs or downsize your living space, so check out places like Goodwill that accept these types of donations.
Declutter Your Home By Keeping the Books You Need
Decluttering is one of the first things on everyone’s moving to-do list when they move. It’s not an easy chore in general, and it only gets tougher when it comes to literature. Most home libraries took a long time and a lot of love to build. However, books are cumbersome. Carrying all of them isn’t the cheapest method to relocate out of state, especially because most state-to-state movers charge by weight.
So go through your collection and decide what will and won’t work for you. Pieces you don’t plan to read again (or ever – it’s well known that collecting and reading are two very different hobbies) and those you don’t want should go in the latter group. Then there are those that you bought solely for the cover, which you thought would look wonderful on a shelf.
Categorize for an Easier Unpacking
When you’re getting ready to move, don’t forget to check over all of your editions and select which ones you’ll retain and which ones you’ll throw away. Those who consider themselves book fans understand the true value of a book and find it difficult to detach themselves from any of them.
To ease the process, group items into useful groups. Here are a few pointers to consider:
- Sort by the type of cover. The first step in organizing is to go through your collection and divide everything into hardcover and paperback categories.
- Sort by the size of the item. You may also choose to categorize them by their dimensions to make it easier to fit them into the right size boxes for books.
- Sort the items by shelf. While this strategy may not be ideal for packing, it will make unpacking much simpler.
Ensure You Use the Right Materials
Before you begin packing anything in your home, double-check that you have all of the essential tools and supplies to complete the relocation and safely wrap your precious collection. You don’t need to buy a ton of different relocation goods, some can even be found for free, but there are a few items you’ll most likely need till the end of your journey.
Whether you’re relocating on your own or have hired movers with expert interstate moving services to assist you, you’ll need the right tools to keep your books secure. And not just them. You’ll need to properly pack glasses, safely transport pots and pans, place your clothes in boxes, and take care of any fragile items you might have. Here are some essentials you should get on time:
- Medium or small boxes,
- Paper,
- Tape,
- Marker.
What Is the Best Way to Pack Books for Moving State to State Without Damaging Them?
Make sure there is enough room within the box before you begin adding the items inside. The most crucial aspect is to secure high-quality materials. A little hack to help with that is to make sure the box’s inside edges are lined with protective paper and the book’s cover is protected with bubble wrap.
Avoid cramming too many editions onto a single container – it will overflow. It may take a little longer to put each book neatly, but everything you do now will pay off in the long term. Fill any remaining space in the box with cloths or other cushioning that will keep any book from moving and protect them from damage.
How to Protect Paperback Books?
Should books be packed spine up or down? This mostly depends on the type of covers. When it comes to paperbacks, stacking books on top of each other is the most prevalent method. Then, when they stand on a shelf, you can put them upright. A third option is to stack them with the spines facing down so that no pages are harmed during the transfer to the new shelf.
Packing Hardbacks for Moving Interstate
Hardbacks and more valuable editions, unlike paperbacks, demand a more delicate approach. So, what’s the best way to pack a hardback book? Stacking or lining them up in an upright stance are both options. However, to avoid damaging the covers, place paper sheets between each one. Use cardboard instead of paper if the editions are opulent or rare. Paying for relocation insurance for your most valuable pieces may be the best way to ensure that all of your bases are covered.
Take a Book or Two With You
One of the most effective relocation tips is to bring a book or two with you on the journey to your new house. It’ll reduce any moving stress and make time on the road more enjoyable, especially if you don’t employ car shipment and have to stay in a motel for a night or two. And in case you’re unsure of your skills, it might be a good idea to get packing services as well.
