I always remember my mother treating her books like gold bars when it came time for packing and moving. Being a bit of a bookworm myself, I never knew how much my collection meant to me until I had to pack it for the first time. It’s not as easy as it seems if you value your books and want to keep them safe during your move. So, in honor of all the librarians (who really love books) on this National Librarian Day, April 16th, my mother and fellow book lovers out there, this post’s for you.
Strategic Packing
Before you start your initial packing, it’s helpful to take into consideration what you plan on doing with your books after you’ve moved. Will you be storing your books at the new place or in a storage facility? Will you unpack your entire collection, or only the ones you haven’t read? Some people pack boxes by author(s), while others like to pack boxes according to read and unread books, or by genres/themes. Strategic packing before the move definitely saves time and frustration later. Also, don’t forget to label the boxes…so if you are storing them you can quickly find a certain book.
Book Boxes
When it’s time to start packing your book collection, the bigger the box the better right? Wrong…that’s a common mistake made by many. If you fill a large box to the brim with heavy books, who’s going to be able to lift it? U-Haul offers a 12” x 12” x 12” (1.0 cu/ft) book box that is most convenient for moving smaller, heavier items. And, it’s capable of holding up to 65 lbs. If you’re not certain how many book boxes you think you need, you can always buy more and return them if you haven’t used them. U-Haul offers a 100 percent buy-back of any unused U-Haul box, with receipt, at any U-Haul store nationwide.
How to Pack the Books
Books can be laid flat or stood upright in a box, but, to avoid damage, should never be angled in any way. I have found that packing my books flat and upright works best for me since I have so many different-size books. It is important to have book spines facing out or down for extra support. And, you should pad out gaps in boxes with packing paper or bubble wrap to prevent your collection from moving and bending during your move.
*Are you experienced with packing books for a move? If so, please share your secrets here.