How To Pack Books For Moving?

by Dan | May 2024 | Last upated October 2025

Packing books for a move isn’t complicated, but there are important things you should know. Books are not only heavy but also susceptible to damage if not packed properly.

At Dan Removals London, we’ve helped hundreds of clients move large book collections safely — from personal libraries to entire office archives. In this guide, we’ll show you how to pack books for a move efficiently, securely, and without back strain.

Gather Essential Packing Materials for Your Books

Before you start, make sure you have all the right supplies ready. Good-quality materials prevent damage and make loading easier.

You’ll need:

📦 Small/medium sturdy boxes
🧻 Packing paper or bubble wrap
✂️ Scissors or box cutter
🪣 Marker pens for labelling
📏 Packing tape (double-layer the bottom)
🧺 Dolly or hand truck for safe lifting

💡 Avoid using newspapers to wrap books — the ink can transfer onto covers and pages.

Declutter and Sort Your Book Collection Before Packing

Moving is the perfect time to declutter and organize your collection.
There’s no need to pay movers to transport books you’ll never read again.

Here’s how to declutter smartly:

📚 Sort by category – fiction, non-fiction, cookbooks, magazines, etc.
💭 Ask yourself – Have I read this in the last 2 years? Will I read it again?
❤️ Keep only sentimental or valuable books.
💰 Sell good-condition books online (eBay, Vinted, or Facebook Marketplace).
🎁 Donate the rest to local libraries, schools, or charity shops.

💡 Dan Removals Tip: Reducing the number of books can cut your moving costs and make packing easier. If you’re short on time, our packing service can safely box everything for you.

How to Reinforce and Prepare Your Boxes?

Books are dense and heavy, so weak boxes are a common cause of damage.
Before filling, reinforce the bottom of each box using several layers of tape in an “H” pattern.

Extra protection tips:

Line the bottom with a layer of crumpled paper or cardboard.
Test by pressing gently — if it bends, add more support.
If storing books long-term, line with a plastic bag to prevent dampness.

How to Pack Hardcover Books Safely for Moving?

Hardcover books are sturdier but can still suffer from spine or corner damage if packed carelessly.

Best methods:

Place books flat or upright (spine against box side).
Don’t pack them too tightly — this prevents warping.
For collectible or first-edition books, wrap each one individually in paper or bubble wrap.
Use thin cardboard dividers between stacked layers to keep spines straight.
Cushion all gaps and corners with packing paper.

💡 Pro Tip: Never place books spine-up — it stresses the binding.

We can pack your books quickly using quality boxes. Get a free quote within minutes.

How to Pack Paperback Books Without Bending Pages?

Paperbacks are lightweight but more fragile.

Stack them flat in piles, or stand spine-down (never spine-up).
Avoid overfilling boxes — leave a few centimetres of space.
Fill gaps with packing paper to stop them shifting in transit.
Keep boxes under 15–20 kg for safe lifting.

If mixing paperbacks and hardcovers, place heavier ones at the bottom.

Packing Techniques

Use the Right Packing Techniques

There are several techniques you can use to pack your books safely:

Flat Stack: Lay books flat at the bottom of the box, stacking them on top of each other. This method is ideal for larger books.
Spine Down: Place books with their spines down and the pages facing up. This prevents the spines from bending and offers better support.
Upright: Pack books upright as if they were on a shelf, but make sure they fit snugly to avoid movement.

Fill the Gaps

Use packing paper or bubble wrap to fill any gaps in the box. This prevents books from shifting and getting damaged during the move. Make sure the box is full but not overpacked.

Why do you need to declutter before moving? ( related article )

Seal and Label Your Boxes

Secure the Box

Once your books are packed, securely tape the box shut. Use multiple strips of tape to ensure the box remains closed during the move.

Label Clearly

Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. For example, “Books – Living Room” or “Books – Office.” This will make it easier to unpack and organize your books in your new home.

How to Transport Books Safely on Moving Day?

Books may be small, but they can be a back-breaker if mishandled.

Safe moving day tips:

Use a dolly or hand truck for multiple boxes.
Lift with your legs, not your back.
Load boxes of books on the bottom of the van for stability.
Avoid stacking them on top of fragile items.

At Dan Removals, our movers are trained to handle heavy boxes with care — preventing accidents and keeping your belongings safe throughout the journey.

How to Unpack and Organise Books in Your New Home?

Unpacking is your chance to start fresh.

Here’s how to do it efficiently:

Begin with the boxes labelled for each room.
Wipe shelves before placing books.
Organize by genre, author, or size for easy access.
Display special editions or photo albums separately.

💡 Dan Removals Tip: Keep boxes for a few days in case you decide to rearrange.

How to pack the kitchen when moving home? ( related article )

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Packing Books

Even experienced movers make errors — avoid these common pitfalls:

❌ Using large boxes that become too heavy.
❌ Packing books with damp paper or newsprint.
❌ Leaving empty spaces in boxes.
❌ Forgetting to label boxes as “Heavy.”
❌ Overlooking decluttering opportunities.

Avoiding these mistakes can save time, effort, and unnecessary damage.

Final Checklist Before You Move

Before moving day, make sure you’ve completed these quick steps:

✅ Reinforced and labelled all book boxes.
✅ Donated or sold unwanted books.
✅ Packed valuable books with extra protection.
✅ Arranged transport with Dan Removals for safe handling.

Once done, you can rest assured that your book collection is ready for a smooth and secure journey.

Conclusion

Packing books for a move can be a daunting task, but with the right approach and materials, it can be done efficiently and safely. By following these steps, you can ensure that your books arrive at your new home in excellent condition, ready to be enjoyed once again. Happy moving!

By following this detailed guide, you can make the process of packing your books for a move less stressful and more organized, ensuring a smoother transition to your new home.

Need Help With Packing the Books?

Let us handle the heavy lifting — so you can focus on your new chapter.

📦 Contact Us Today:
📞 Tel: 0203 8118 664 | 📱 Mob: 07934 512 164
📧 Email: info@danremovals.com
📍 Address: 89 Rugby Avenue, HA0 3DP
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