Books do not look like one of the hardest things to pack until you fill an entire moving box with them and try to pick it up.
A single book may not weigh much, but a shelf's worth packed into one container can quickly become difficult to carry. Books can also be damaged during a move if they are packed loosely, overloaded, or exposed to moisture.
The goal is not to fit as many books as possible into every box. The goal is to pack them securely while keeping each container manageable for moving day.
Start by Deciding Which Books Are Actually Moving
Before you pack the first book, take a quick look through your collection.
Moving is a good opportunity to separate books into a few groups:
- Books you are keeping.
- Books you may want to donate or give away.
- Books you plan to sell.
- Valuable or sentimental books that need extra protection.
- Books you will want available immediately after moving.
You do not need to turn this into a major decluttering project. Even removing a small number of books you no longer want means fewer heavy items to carry.
Don't Fill a Large Container Entirely With Books
This is one of the easiest packing mistakes to make.
A large moving box or tote may have enough physical space for dozens of books, but that does not mean filling every inch with books is practical.
Books are dense. A container full of nothing but books can become difficult to lift long before the container runs out of space.
- Spread books among multiple containers.
- Stop adding books while the container is still comfortable to handle.
- Use remaining space for lighter belongings when appropriate.
- Test the weight before moving on to the next container.
If you are using reusable moving totes, the same principle applies. Capacity is not a target weight.
Keep Books Secure While Packing
Books should not slide around freely inside the container.
- Keep books together in stable rows or stacks.
- Put heavier books toward the bottom.
- Avoid forcing books into spaces where covers or bindings can bend.
- Fill large empty spaces with appropriate lightweight packing material.
- Keep books away from anything that could leak onto them.
For valuable, collectible, or especially fragile books, consider wrapping them individually or using packaging appropriate for their condition.
Watch the Weight as You Pack
Do not wait until the container is finished to discover that it is too heavy.
- Add a layer or group of books.
- Test the container's weight.
- Add more only if it remains manageable.
- Use lighter belongings or packing material for remaining space when appropriate.
This may mean using more containers than you initially expected. That is better than discovering on moving day that several packed containers are difficult to move.
Use Smaller Groups for Heavy Book Collections
If you have several full bookshelves, break the collection into smaller groups.
- Pack one shelf at a time.
- Keep related books together when useful.
- Distribute especially heavy hardcover books among different containers.
- Label each container as soon as it is packed.
Label Book Containers Clearly
At minimum, identify the room and contents, such as Office - Books, Bedroom - Books, or Kids' Room - Books.
If a container is heavier than the others, marking it as heavy can help whoever is handling it know what to expect before lifting.
Keep Books Away From Moisture
If you are moving on a wet or snowy day, avoid leaving book containers on wet pavement, in standing water, in an exposed truck or trailer, or in a damp garage or basement for an extended period.
Should You Use Cardboard Boxes or Plastic Moving Totes for Books?
Either can work when books are packed appropriately. Cardboard offers many size choices. Reusable plastic totes provide a rigid container with consistent dimensions and do not require cardboard-box assembly.
For QC Tote Rental customers, the important point is not to fill the entire tote with books. Use books as part of the load and monitor the weight as you pack.
For a broader container comparison, read Moving Boxes vs. Plastic Totes: Which Is Worth It?
How Many Moving Totes Do You Need?
Books are one reason estimating a move by bedroom count alone can be misleading. Consider the number of bookshelves, hardcover versus paperback books, cookbooks, children's books, textbooks, office books, and books kept in storage.
For a room-by-room estimate, see How Many Moving Totes Do I Need?
Moving Books in the Quad Cities
If you are moving in Davenport, Bettendorf, Moline, Rock Island, or another community in the QC Tote Rental service area, reusable moving totes can be delivered before your move and collected after unpacking.
Compare moving tote packages to determine which quantity fits the rest of your move, then reserve moving totes for your dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I fill an entire moving box with books?
Not necessarily. Distribute books among multiple containers and monitor the weight as you pack.
Should heavy books go on the bottom?
Placing heavier books toward the bottom can help create a more stable container. Avoid packing books so tightly that covers or bindings bend.
How do I keep books from moving around?
Pack books securely and use appropriate lightweight packing material to fill excessive empty space.
Should I label containers containing books?
Yes. Identify the room and contents. If a container is considerably heavier than others, label it as heavy.
Can I pack books in reusable plastic moving totes?
Yes, but do not assume the tote should be filled completely with books. Monitor the weight and distribute heavy books among multiple containers.