Moving can be especially challenging for book lovers, as books are among the heaviest items despite their size. If you’re a true book enthusiast, you may have hundreds or even thousands of books to pack for a move. Books hold sentimental value, which adds to the challenge of finding the best tips to pack books for a safe move without any damage.
But don’t worry! Whether you have an extensive home library or a modest collection of books, Team Removals Canada has prepared a comprehensive ten-step guide that will show you how to pack books for moving in a way that ensures their safety throughout the journey.
Best 10 Tips For Packing Books For Moving Like Professionals
Here is the step-by-step process of protecting and packing your books for a move. With these expert tips and techniques by our professional movers in Canada, you can confidently tackle this essential task and preserve your beloved books for years to come.
1. Declutter Your Book Collection
Before packing books for the move, consider reducing your book collection by letting go of any books you don’t use or need, even though it might be difficult. This is the perfect opportunity to distinguish between the “must-haves” and the “done-with-that” titles in your book collection. Take the time to identify books that are unlikely to be read again and consider finding a new home for them. Also, remember that reducing the number of books can save you money.
2. Donate Unwanted Books
While it’s completely understandable that book collectors may be hesitant to part with their precious collection, it’s essential to consider your individual situation when preparing for a move. Donating or reselling unwanted or unused books can be a practical and sensible approach that simplifies the moving process. By letting go of books that no longer serve a purpose in your collection, you not only reduce the weight of your move but also make space for new bookish adventures in your new home.
Remember, finding new homes for your books allows others to discover and enjoy them, ensuring that the love for reading continues to spread. There are several options for giving these books a fresh start. Second-hand stores, church and school libraries, neighborhood lending libraries, and used-book retailers are all excellent places that may gladly accept your old books.
3. Gather Book Packing Supplies
To pack books for moving, it’s wise to follow the procedures used by libraries to handle the books safely. You’ll need the right packing supplies to protect your books during the move. Gather appropriate moving boxes in various sizes to accommodate your book collection. You’ll also need packing materials like packing paper, bubble wrap, packing tape, and markers for labeling.
4. Use Appropriate Boxes
Once you have determined which books you’ll be taking with you during the move, it’s crucial to choose the appropriate boxes for packing. It is essential to ensure that the selected boxes can handle the weight of the books and are free from any water damage. If you opt for used boxes, thoroughly inspect the inside to ensure they are clean and dry. Additionally, use tape to secure the bottom of the boxes, and double-check their sturdiness before proceeding with packing your books.
5. Arrange Books By Weight: Heaviest To Lightest
When packing your books, remember to prioritize placing the heaviest hardcover books at the bottom of the box. This precaution ensures they won’t tip over during transportation. For your special coffee table display books, it’s essential to wrap them in a newspaper or packing paper before packing to maintain their pristine condition.
When packing hardcover books, it’s best to lay them flat inside the box rather than placing them sideways, as this prevents shifting during the move. Special items like magazines and comic books require extra care, so wrap them in packing paper and place them on top of heavier items. It is important to consider using acid-free archival paper for valuable comics or keep them separately during the move for added safety.
6. Pack Books Spine Down
Both hardcover editions and paperbacks can be packed flat and stacked in the moving boxes. Alternatively, you can also pack them spine first, with the paper edges facing up. However, it is essential to avoid packing books with the paper edges facing down and spinning up, as this can lead to warping of the books and bending of the pages, potentially causing damage to your beloved collection.
7. Fill Empty Spaces
To ensure extra protection for packing books, use bubble wrap or wadded-up paper to fill any remaining spaces in the box. By doing so, you prevent books from shifting during the move, reducing the risk of potential damage. Taking this extra step will help safeguard your beloved books and keep them in excellent condition throughout the relocation process.
To pack books like a pro, leave an inch gap at the top of each box, add a layer of newspaper or packing paper to this space, and set the box aside for boxes containing uneven books or reading materials that may shift easily, such as comic books, pack the inside tightly with packing tape or old newspaper to secure the items. If you have fragile books, ensure their safety by individually wrapping them in bubble wrap. You may also consider transporting these delicate items separately or designate a special box specifically for items that require extra care during the move.
8. Secure The Boxes By Packing Tape
Make sure to invest in high-quality, heavy-duty packing tape to secure the books by applying it to the boxes. The extra effort will be well worth it, as it ensures your cherished books reach their destination safely. You can easily find packing tape online or at office supply stores. Once the box is packed, securely tape it closed and label it with its contents.
9. Avoid Stacking The Boxes
To ensure the safety of your books during loading, avoid stacking boxes in the moving truck unless they are securely secured. Remember that books are heavy, and an accidental toppling of boxes could lead to considerable damage. So, it is necessary to take the required precautions to secure the boxes properly and create a stable loading arrangement to safeguard all your belongings during the move.
10. Avoid Delay In Unpacking Your Books
Upon arriving at your new home, make it a priority to unpack your books without delay. Although they can withstand staying in a dry and cool storage area for a short period, prolonged pressure on the book spines or trapped loose pages could cause irreparable damage. To ensure the safety and longevity of your beloved books, carefully remove them from the boxes and find a suitable place to store them in your new space. This precaution will help preserve the condition of your academic treasures and allow you to continue enjoying them.
Conclusion
So, prioritizing proper packing and loading procedures for moving your books will minimize the risk of damage. By following the steps outlined in this guide to packing books for a move, you can ensure that your beloved books make it to your new home safe and sound. With these book packing tips in mind, you can tackle your moving journey with confidence and preserve your books for forthcoming years.
If you are still not confident to protect and packing books for moving, Team Removals Canada can help you with their best packing services in Canada. Our team has years of experience in handling belongings safely, including books. Simply call us at 647 932 2202 or reach out to us through mail at info@teamremovals.ca and let our movers and packers in Canada manage your book collection with the care it requires. Happy Shifting!
