8 TIPS TO HELP YOU MOVE HARDCOVER BOOKS

It can be challenging to be a handheld book hoarder. I’ve moved 12 times in the last ten years, and my boyfriend and I are now planning our 13th relocation. My family is still eager to help, but they have begun to object to moving my library.

While transporting my books is one of the most challenging aspects of every transfer, it is also one of the most rewarding. When I’m stressed about moving into a new house, arranging my bookshelves always calms me down and helps a new room feel more like home. And after a decade of traveling, I’ve honed some basic (but effective) techniques for moving a large number of books.

CULL The SHELVES, FOR EXAMPLE.

One of the main things about moving is that it gives you the perfect excuse to get rid of any of the books that have been collecting dust on your shelves. Take a few runs through your bookshelves a month or two before your scheduled transfer and ask yourself if you still want to bring this book (among all the other books). The response will almost always be a resounding no. Don’t look at a book you’ve wanted to give away again; instead, take the bags to a used bookstore or Goodwill to sell or recycle them to get them out of your hair.

2. Deal WITH Little BOXES

This may sound self-evident, but it’s an error I make all the time. Although the tiny (16′′ x 12′′ x 12′′) box from Home Depot appears to be adequate, it becomes very bulky when loaded with hardcovers. Liquor store boxes, banana boxes, and old mailing boxes (from all of the books I bought online…) have all worked well for me. If you do use larger containers, just fill them to around 75% capacity. Use the remaining space for clothing, office supplies, or other light items. To cover the books, line the tops of boxes with paper or bubble wrap.

3. CONSIDER PACKING OPTIONS CREATIVELY

Reusable grocery bags (especially the $1 cheapies at the grocery store), storage baskets, and even brown paper bags work well for packing books for your move is quick. Another Rioter proposed packing books with wheeled suitcases and keeping the clothing in bins (much lighter!). Be sure the bottom of whatever you’re using is durable – books hurt when they land on your foot.

4. PACK STRATEGIC AND JUDICIOUSLY Mark

When you’re getting ready to pack your books, plan. Keep books shelved together in the same bins, so you don’t have to search through boxes looking for books that belong together while you’re unpacking. Often, spend some time naming the boxes rationally. Since that’s how my shelves are set, I usually write the genre and read/unread on the box. This will save you huge time and aggravation in the long run. Take pictures of your shelves if you like how they’re set up so you can remember where books go in general.

5. START BOXING THE BOOKS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

Although it’s easy to put off packing books until later, I’ve found that it’s best to do so as soon as possible. Seeing the boxes hang around may be inconvenient, but packing them early keeps me encouraged to pack carefully, ensures that I have decent boxes to use, and allows me to cull a few additional titles as I fill boxes.

6. CAREFULLY PACK

If your books are going to be deposited before or after your transfer, pack them spine down to keep them safe. You may also stack books upright or lay them down. In each package, I usually use a combination of methods. Make sure none of the books are stacked at an angle or twisted unusually since they would be confused when you remove them.

7. Have YOUR EMERGENCY READING Books ON HAND.

Don’t bring one of your books with you! Make sure you leave a few books to read before and after your transfer, particularly if you won’t have access to your library for an extended period. Place these books in the same box as your other “emergency” products, such as contact numbers, prescriptions, and mobile phone chargers. 

8. UNPACK THE BOOKS FIRST (OR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE) (OR GET THEM OUT OF THE WAY)

I usually live in small apartments, so having 20 boxes of books around is a challenge. I unpack my books after the furniture is in order, the bed is assembled, and I’ve eaten something. Nothing makes me feel more settled than putting my books on my shelf, and having them in order helps to declutter the rest of the home. Tuck the boxes away and work with them in a reasonable period if you have a designated area for books (a spare bedroom or *swoon* a library).