Every move is the beginning of a new chapter. Before you can turn the page, though, you’ll need to pack your books the safe way. A few simple packing techniques can help protect your collection, keep boxes easy to transport and make unpacking your personal library much easier.
Watch the video below, then follow these simple steps.
How to Pack Books Like A Pro
Step 1: What You’ll Need
Before you start packing your books, gather these supplies:
- Small, sturdy moving boxes (Book Box (1½ cft)16” x 12” x 12”)
- Packing paper
- Packing tape
- Permanent marker
Why use small boxes? Books become surprisingly heavy. Small boxes are easier to lift, less likely to break, and safer to move than large boxes.
Step 2: Assemble and Reinforce Your Box
Before adding any books, reinforce the bottom of the book box by taping it like a pro.
Tape the bottom with:
- Two strips of tape over the center seam
- Two strips across the seam
- One strip around the entire bottom perimeter for extra support
A reinforced box helps prevent the bottom from giving out under the weight.
Step 3: Pack Your Books Properly
Place books either:
- Flat, stacked neatly
- Standing upright with the spines aligned
Keep books of similar sizes together, whenever possible, so they stay supported and don’t shift during the move.
Step 4: Don’t Overpack
Even a small box can become too heavy if it’s packed completely full.
Once you’ve added your books, fill any empty spaces with crumpled packing paper. Add packing paper across the top before closing the box to keep everything secure and prevent books from shifting in transit.
Step 5: Label Every Box
Clearly label each box with:
- The contents
- The room it belongs in
Proper labeling makes unloading and unpacking much faster after your move. Love just how your books are arranged? If you’ve carefully arranged your bookshelves by color, author, or collection, take a quick photo before packing. It makes recreating your shelves in your new home much easier. Or, let NorthStar Moving handle it with our Photo Perfect Packing™ service, designed to put everything back just the way you like it.
Ready for the Next Chapter
With the right packing materials and these pro packing tips, your books will stay protected from packing day to moving day.
If you’d rather skip the packing altogether, NorthStar Moving offers professional packing services for everything from your book collection to your fine china and the rest of your treasured belongings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best box for packing books?
Small, sturdy moving boxes measuring 16” x 12” x 12” (1½ cft) are the best choice for packing books. Books are very heavy, and smaller boxes are easier to carry and less likely to break. Large boxes filled with books are difficult to lift and more likely to tear open during the move.
Should books be packed flat or standing up?
Both methods work. However, you choose to stack your books, make sure the spines are aligned. Keep similar-sized books together for the best support.
How do you keep books from moving inside the box?
Fill any empty spaces with crumpled packing paper so the books cannot shift during transport. To provide a cushion for any boxes stacked above, you should also add crumpled packing paper at the very top.