Moving your cherished book collection can be a big task. If you've ever wondered "how do I pack books for moving," you're not alone. Books are surprisingly heavy when packed together, and improper packing can lead to damaged spines, torn pages, or even lost volumes. As a trusted provider of furniture transport interstate services, we've helped countless Australians safely relocate their libraries, and today we're sharing our expert tips.
Why proper book packing matters
Books represent significant investments of money and time. Whether you're an avid reader with a collection built over decades or a student with essential textbooks, protecting these valuable items during furniture transport interstate is crucial.
The right packing technique not only protects your books but also makes the moving process more efficient, less costly and less physically demanding. Your books can give you a lifetime of reading pleasure, so it makes good sense to treat them with respect and protect them as much as possible.
How do I pack books for moving: Step-by-step guide
Gather the right supplies
Before you start packing, collect these essential materials:
- Small to medium-sized sturdy boxes (book-specific boxes if possible)
- Corrugated cardboard for placing between hardcover books
- New boxes if possible as older ones will have lost some structural integrity
- Packing paper or bubble wrap
- Avoid using newspaper as packing, as the print can transfer to your book covers
- Packing tape (strong and wide)
- Packaging straps and buckles to increase box strength
- Markers for labelling
- Inventory list (suggest numbering cartons like 1 of 10)
Sort and declutter
Moving presents the perfect opportunity to review your collection. Consider:
- Donating books you no longer need
- Organisations like Lifeline have once a year supersales on books
- Selling valuable titles you don't want. Try Gumtree or similar sites
- Preloved Books or the World of Books are some of the sites dedicated to second-hand book purchases and sales
- Recycling damaged books
- Setting aside special volumes for separate packing
- Remember to dust the books that you intend packing so that they are ready to unpack and shelve on arrival at your new residence
This step lightens your load and reduces the cost of furniture transport interstate services, especially for long-distance moves.
The correct packing technique for books
- Reinforce Box Bottoms: Apply extra tape in an H-pattern across the bottom and halfway up the sides to support the weight.
- Consider strapping boxes in addition to taping them to maintain the integrity of the boxes in transit
- Line Boxes: Add a layer of crushed packing paper at the bottom for cushioning.
- Sort your books to keep like ones together, hardcovers of similar size, paperbacks separate.
- Pack Strategically - Place books in one of these positions:
- Flat/horizontal (best for hardcovers)
- Standing upright with spines against the box wall (like on a shelf)
- Spine down (never spine up, which damages the binding)
- Mind the Weight: Keep boxes under 20kg for easier handling.
- Avoid overpacking boxes as they can damage backs and the books themselves
- Lay paperbacks down flat and stack like-size books together
- Fill Gaps: Use packing paper to prevent shifting during transport.
- Seal and Label: Close boxes securely and mark them clearly with contents and destination room. Use LARGE PRINT THAT CAN BE EASILY READ.
Special considerations for valuable books
For rare or sentimental volumes:
- Wrap individually in acid-free paper
- Use book-specific boxes or plastic containers
- Consider climate-controlled transport for very valuable collections
- Keep irreplaceable books with you during the move
- Avoid using newspaper as packing as the print can transfer to your book covers
When arranging furniture transport interstate that includes valuable books, discuss special handling requirements with your removalist team.
Loading books for transport
When loading your packed books:
- Place book boxes on the floor of the moving truck
- Distribute weight evenly
- Never stack heavy items on top of book boxes
- Keep books away from items that might leak or cause damage
Final thoughts
Packing books properly is an investment in protecting your collection. When wondering "how do I pack books for moving," remember that the time spent on careful packing will pay off when you unpack undamaged volumes at your new home. Our experienced team specialises in furniture transport interstate, including precious book collections, and we're here to help make your move as smooth as possible.
Need assistance with your upcoming move? Contact our friendly team today for a free quote on your moving needs.
Happy Moving!
