Best Way to Pack Books for Moving: Tips, Techniques, and Safety
Moving can be stressful, especially when it comes to packing books. Books are heavy, bulky, and easy to damage, so using the right techniques is crucial to make your move safe, organised, and efficient.
Why Packing Books Properly Matters
Books might seem small, but:
They add weight quickly, making boxes heavy and difficult to carry
Poor packing can damage spines, covers, and pages
Incorrect packing can lead to injuries or torn boxes during transport
Proper packing ensures your books arrive safe, organised, and easy to unpack.
Supplies You’ll Need
Before you start, gather the following:
Sturdy small boxes – small boxes reduce weight; don’t overload
Packing tape – for sealing boxes securely
Bubble wrap or packing paper – for fragile or rare books
Plastic bags or Ziploc bags – to protect from moisture
Labels or markers – for easy identification
Step-by-Step Guide to Packing Books
1. Sort and Declutter
Go through your books and decide which ones to keep
Donate or sell books you no longer need
This reduces weight and saves money on moving
2. Use Small, Sturdy Boxes
Large boxes get too heavy with books
Small boxes (approx. 1.5 cubic feet) are easier to lift and carry
3. Pack Books Flat or Spine-Down
Flat stacking protects the spine
Avoid standing books upright; pressure can damage spines during transport
Heavier books go on the bottom, lighter ones on top
4. Wrap Valuable Books
For rare or fragile books, wrap each book individually with bubble wrap or packing paper
Place in the middle of the box, surrounded by padding
5. Fill Gaps to Prevent Movement
Use crumpled paper or bubble wrap to fill empty spaces
Prevents books from shifting and getting damaged
6. Seal and Label Boxes
Tape the box securely on all seams
Label each box with:
“Books – Heavy”
“Fragile – Rare Books” if applicable
Helps movers handle boxes safely
Additional Tips for Moving Books
Avoid packing books in plastic bags — they provide no structure
Distribute weight evenly to prevent back strain
Use suitcases with wheels for heavy books
Keep important books with you rather than in moving van
Packing Books by Type
Textbooks and Heavy Volumes
Pack flat, bottom layer of boxes
Add extra padding if books are fragile or hardcover
Paperbacks
Lighter, but still pack tightly
Can be layered on top of heavier books
Rare or Antique Books
Wrap individually
Use double-boxing: one box inside another with padding
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overloading boxes — heavy boxes are hard to lift
Using weak boxes — they collapse under weight
Ignoring labels — makes unpacking harder
Not using padding — books can get scuffed or torn
Quick Checklist
✅ Small, sturdy boxes
✅ Books sorted by weight/type
✅ Flat stacking or spine-down
✅ Padding around fragile books
✅ Labeled boxes for easy unpacking
Final Thoughts
Packing books doesn’t have to be stressful. Using small boxes, flat stacking, proper padding, and clear labeling ensures your books arrive safe, organised, and easy to unpack. Follow these steps and make your next move efficient and damage-free.And For Best Moving, Packing and Storages Service in UK You can contact Move Craft.