Book lovers are unique collectors, and there’s no doubt that collectors they are. There’s nothing they don’t love about books, from their smell to how they can disappear into the worlds between their pages. However, loving books has one major drawback: packing them when moving. Books are heavy and somewhat delicate, making moving them a hassle. If you’re a book lover, the thought of your precious paperbacks getting damaged in a move is enough to stop your heart! To ensure your books have the protection they need and to achieve a stress-free move, work with Maffucci. 

Maffucci Moving & Storage, with over 100 years of experience relocating corporations and individuals, is your trusted partner in making your move stress-free. Our track record of helping countless people, with 50% of our local business coming directly from referrals or repeat customers, speaks volumes about our expertise. With specialized moving services, easily accessible drivers, flexible pricing, guaranteed pick-up and delivery, and free moving estimates, you can rest assured that your book collection is safe when you work with our team.

FAQs About Moving Books

The thought of having to pack and move all your books is exhausting. Where should you even start? What materials should you get? How many boxes will it take to pack them all up? These are a few of the questions that might come up. Let’s take a look at some of the others. 

What is the Best Type of Box to Use When Packing Books for a Move?

The best type of box for packing books is made of strong cardboard. While it may be tempting to reuse boxes you already have, old boxes are flimsy and could be crushed during your move. The ideal box size depends on the weight and number of books. Use small boxes for paperbacks and small hardcovers. If you want to mix hardcovers and paperbacks, use medium boxes. Use large boxes for oversized books. Small boxes can hold 15–20 books, and large boxes can carry up to 30–40 pounds. Use this number to get a rough estimate of how many boxes you’ll need.

Another temptation to avoid is the urge to fill large boxes to the brim. Reading materials become heavy quickly, so fill large boxes about halfway and use the remaining space for lightweight items to maximize the box’s efficiency. 

Should I Pack Books Flat or Upright?

Hardcover books can be packed upright, with the spine against the box’s side. You want them to fit snug, but not so snug that they could be damaged when you take them out of the box. Paperbacks can be packed flat or with the paper edges facing up. Never pack books with pages facing down; they’ll bend. Less valuable hardcovers can also be packed flat and on top of one another. 

How Do I Prevent Book Damage During a Move?

To prevent book damage during a move, individually wrap each book in acid-free paper and then in a layer of regular packing paper. We also recommend placing stiff pieces of cardboard between the books to ensure the spines remain straight and to prevent shifting. To take things further, cover each book in bubble wrap and place them in boxes lined with bubble wrap. Pack rare books in custom-sized boxes after following the wrapping instructions above.

Can I Use Suitcases to Pack Books?

When it comes to packing books, suitcases can be a game-changer. They offer a practical and efficient solution for safeguarding books during relocation or travel. By firmly positioning the books and using filler materials like clothing, you can maximize the space in your suitcases and ensure your books are well-protected. This resourceful approach to packing can make your move a lot more manageable.

How Do I Label Boxes of Books?

Labeling securely sealed book boxes is relatively easy. Label the boxes with the destination room and by genre or a “read/unread” scheme to make unpacking a cinch. This will make reshelving them go by a lot faster.

Should I Declutter My Book Collection Before Packing?

It is highly recommended that you declutter your entire home, including your book collection, before a move. Go shelf by shelf to determine which books you want, such as often rereads, unreads, and sentimental attachments, and which ones you can stomach parting with. You can eliminate old textbooks, duplicates, and reads you didn’t love. After going through your toss-outs, reexamine your “keep” pile to see if there’s anything else you can part with. Decluttering your books simplifies packing and allows you to make room for more additions to your collection after the move.

Is It Okay to Stack Books on Top of Each Other in a Moving Truck?

As a general rule of thumb, avoid stacking book boxes on top of one another in a moving truck. Since books are pretty heavy, falling boxes can cause damage to furniture or other fragile items. One exception is if they are securely fastened to prevent them from toppling over. Do not make the pile higher than two boxes if you must stack. To balance the load, it’s best to place book boxes on the ground, evenly distributed along the walls. 

Have No Fear, Maffucci Is Here (to Help You Move)

Figuring out the best way to organize books, only to discover that the weight limits of your boxes aren’t what you thought, can be incredibly frustrating. To minimize potential hassles when moving books, consider hiring a professional mover. Over the last 100 years, Maffucci has built a reputation as a reliable team with reasonable prices. Our decades of successful service in the moving industry speak for themselves: moving with Maffucci ensures a seamless experience. 

Ready to make your move stress-free? Let Maffucci Moving handle the heavy lifting, including your treasured book collection. Contact us today for expert packing and moving services you can trust!