a stack of books and a mug

How to Pack Books for Moving in a Way That Makes Sense

If you're a bookworm getting ready to move, you might find yourself overwhelmed with the sheer amount of books you'll need to account for. Books can be bulky, and if you love to read, you probably have more than you know what to do with.

If you're drowning in a stack of titles and don't know where to start, don't fret—in this blog, we'll discuss how to pack books for moving in a way that makes sense.

1. Get a Read on Your Reading

Before you begin packing books, take stock of the titles that you plan to bring along with you. What titles do you want to keep close by? Which ones are going into storage? Which ones do you need to return to the library or friends? Once you have an understanding of which books need to be packed and where they need to go, you'll be able to plan accordingly.

For the books that you're planning on reading soon, keep them in a separate, easily-accessible box. This will make it easier to grab the books you need without having to unpack multiple boxes or search through heavy piles of books.

2. Pack Light and Tight

When it comes to packing books, it's best to use small boxes rather than large ones, as the smaller size will be easier to lift when moving day comes around. However, don't make them too tight if you can help it—this includes not overstuffing the box with books, as you don't want it to be too heavy for you to carry.

Also, be sure to double-check that the boxes are capable of supporting the weight; make sure to use sturdy boxes instead of flimsy ones. The last thing you want is for the box to break, and for your books to go flying!

3. Cushion and Wrap Special Items

Are there any books in your collection that are especially valuable? If so, make sure they get the extra care they deserve during the packing process. Vintage books tend to be more fragile, so it's important to take extra precautions when packing them.

Special books in your collection should be wrapped in protective materials like bubble wrap and foam sheets. This will help cushion the book from any bumps or jostling during transportation so that it reaches its destination free from damage.

4. Label Boxes the Way You Organize Your Bookshelf

A key step to staying organized when packing books is to label your boxes in a way that makes sense to you. Designate and label specific boxes according to how you organize your bookshelf—for example, if you sort by genre, label boxes accordingly.

This way, once you're unpacking in your new home, you can easily find the books you're looking for and place them back on their shelves with ease.

5. Keep Books in a Temperature Regulated Area

If you're storing any books for an extended period of time, it's important to make sure they stay in good condition. This means avoiding extreme temperatures and humidity—ideally, they should be stored somewhere with temperature and humidity levels that are comfortable to humans (around 70 degrees Fahrenheit and 50% humidity).

If they're stored in a place that has less-than-ideal conditions, you could risk damaging your valuable book collection. For this reason, storing them in climate-controlled units is your best bet.

Keep Your Books Safe and Sound With Midgard Self Storage

With these tips, you'll be an expert on how to successfully pack books for moving. And if you're in need of a secure, climate-controlled storage space for your books, Midgard Self Storage has the answer. We're here for every bookworm's storage needs, and we're proud to provide the service you need to keep your book collection safe.

We offer quality storage units that are tailored to meet all of your needs—and with 24/7 access and state-of-the-art security, you can rest assured knowing that your collection is safe and sound. For more information on how to keep your books safe during a big move, contact us today! We look forward to helping you ease your mind and get you on the way to a successful move.