Example of a mini panic attack: that moment during moving when you realize you must pack your books. If you’re like most, you really haven’t given much thought to moving your book collection. This task tends to fall by the wayside amid the chaos of moving.
But it doesn’t have to be a mini panic attack moment. There are some simple steps you can take to get your books ready for moving day.
First Things First
The first thing to think about is where you’re going. Will you be driving to your new home, perhaps a city nearby? If you are, then you’ll probably be able to take all your books with you.
However, if you’re moving long-distance, you may be paying moving costs based on weight. If this is the case, give serious consideration to culling your book supply. Even paperbacks can run up the shipping costs when you’re paying by the pound.
Once you’ve culled the herd, it’s time to get packing.
Packing Your Books
The first step is having the right packing materials. You’ll need small to medium-sized moving boxes. You don’t want your boxes of books to weigh in at more than 50 pounds each. Use packing tape to reinforce the bottom of each box, and then label each box with a marker pen.
If you’re recycling boxes, make certain they’re solid and devoid of dampness, silverfish or spider webs. You’re also going to need clean, soft packing paper and bubble wrap.
Now you’re ready to get to work. Different types of books need different packing approaches.
- Hardcover books. The best way to pack these is standing upright, with their spines against the box’s side. For extra protection, wrap each in packing paper. If a book is of considerable monetary or sentimental value, use bubble wrap.
- Paperback books. It’s best to pack paperbacks flat and stacked. Packing them spine down with the paper edges up or with paper edges down and spines up may cause the pages to bend and the books to warp.
General Rules of Thumb
Here are a few more good ideas to make certain your books arrive at their new home in great shape:
- Pack heavier books in the bottom of the box.
- Wrap heavier books and pack them in wheeled travel suitcases.
- Keep books that you shelve together in the same box to make unpacking easier.
- Pack books early in the packing process.
Packing books doesn’t have to be a major chore. Get it done early, do it well, and don’t forget to leave out your emergency reading materials, just in case!
Stay tuned to connecticutsfinestmovers.com/ for more handy moving tips and advice.
