Packing books for a home moveis back-breaking, and hiring movers is sometimes bank-breaking.

Here’s how to pack and protect books for the move.

You want to ensure the box supports the weight and is free from water damage.

moving

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If packing with used boxes, ensure the inside is clean and dry.

Gather yourpacking supplies, tape the bottom, and check to confirm it’s secure.

Be sure they’re not packed too tightly so they aren’t damaged when you remove them.

A moving box with books next to it

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Each book should be protected with paper and placed in a well-padded box.

Bubble wrap or foam chips can line the box before you pack each book.

Both book types may be packed spine first, with the paper edges facing up.

Hardcover books packed standing upright in box

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Just verify you don’t pack books at odd angles.

Books can shift easily during the move, causing damage.

Do not stack the boxes in the moving truck unless you could properly secure them.

person placing bubble wrapped mementos into lined moving box

The Spruce / Michele Lee

If you gotta store books longer, ensure the storage facility is dry and cool.

Acid-free paper won’t deteriorate or turn yellow over time.

Never pack the spine up since books can warp that way.

Placing books into a moving box spine down

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The best boxes for packing books are smaller, usually 1.5 cubic feet (12x12x16 inches).

Ensure they are strong and reinforced with tape on the bottoms.

One of the best tips for packing books is to use rolling luggage for your books.

Woman stacking larger books in moving box

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Paperback books packed in flat stacks inside box

The Spruce / Ana Maria Stanciu

person adding extra packing paper to the top of the box

The Spruce / Michele Lee

Box labeled ‘books’ after securing with tape

The Spruce / Ana Maria Stanciu