When you are moving to a new home, it’s important to pack and store your items properly in order to prevent them from being damaged or lost. For small, heavy items, this can be even more important. This is because when packing lots of small heavy items together, the overall weight can be tricky for lifting. And if not boxed up securely, things can end up falling out of the bottom of the box.
Books, although not usually expensive, are often important possessions. For avid readers, they add soul to the home, and they usually hold deep sentimental value.
If you’re looking to move your library from your old to your new place, here’s our advice. From how to pack and storage tips to the best boxes for packing books, we’ve covered it all.
The best boxes for packing books
One of the biggest mistakes that people make when moving home for the first time is trying to source the largest box size possible. This is a common issue as people want to load the van with as few trips as they can get away with. But the reality of packing is very different.
This is because everything you own is a different weight. So while stuffing a huge box full of scarves will make it easy to lift, small heavy items can really add up in weight. Ideally, you need to have a selection of boxes of all different sizes in order to fit a range of items in.
The best boxes for packing books are relatively small. Our advice is to opt for a common moving box size, which is around 1.5 cubic feet. Boxes measuring 17’’x12 3/8’’x 12 3/8’’ are a good size for books. Go any larger with your box and it may become difficult to carry once you load it up.
With the standard 1.5 cubic feet box, you won’t have to worry as it will typically fill up before it gets too heavy.
Making boxes secure for books
When sourcing your house-moving boxes, make sure they are strong and sturdy. Flimsy cardboard can mean boxes coming apart during lifting and books falling through the bottom. At Happy2Move, not only do we provide a comprehensive packing service, but we also sell high quality, durable boxes.
If you are packing yourself, be sure to buy some good tape for securing your boxes. Assembling cardboard boxes without tape by folding in the flaps is not recommended, especially for heavy items.
How to pack your books effectively
Packing books into boxes may seem like an easy task, but it can end up being a bit of a jigsaw puzzle when some books are bigger than others. To make your packing as efficient as possible – and to save money on materials – organise your library beforehand.
It can be tempting to organise your books into author or genre to make unpacking easier when you get to your new place. But the best way to pack books to save space is to organise books by size. Put all similar sized books together so they slot in seamlessly together inside the box.
If you have some heavy hardback books, big textbooks or large coffee table books, try to spread the weight by packing these separately. For instance, pack a few hardbacks with each box of paperbacks. If you put all your hardbacks together, the weight of the box may be too heavy to handle.
Storage for books
If you are between places for now and need to store your books, make sure they are well-packaged in a durable box and securely taped together. They need to be in a cool, dry place, away from damp and direct heat sources.
Choose a reliable storage company that can keep your items safe and secure until you are ready to take them. Books are prone to damage if not stored in the right way, so check that the storage units are clean and weather-proof. A leaking roof can mean your entire collection is ruined, so always double check the storage solution you choose is a good one.
Need help with your move and need to make sure your beloved books are packed, transported or stored with the utmost care? Get in touch with our team today or get a free quote online. We sell the best boxes for packing books and other quality packing materials, and can provide a comprehensive removals service.
