And true book lovers may have to pack hundreds, if not thousands, of books.

Hardcovers are heavy and even paperbacks can add up to a lot of money.

Now is a great time to separate the “must-haves” from the “done-with-that” titles.

Stack of books next to packing materials and houseplant

The Spruce / Ana Maria Stanciu

Identify those books that are unlikely to be read again, then look for a good home for them.

verify you seal the bottom well with a double layer of tape over all the seams.

Alternatively, less valuable hardcovers can be packed flat and stacked.

person preparing to move boxes

Bubble wrap is especially good for protecting edges, corners, and preventing damage to a book.

Packing them with the paper edges facing down causes the pages to bend.

you’re able to also pack books using multiple methods in one box.

Materials and tools to pack books like a professional

The Spruce / Ana Maria Stanciu

Just double-check you don’t pack them at odd angles.

Secure the Boxes

Before closing the box, use wadded-up paper to fill any remaining spaces.

Books can shift easily during the move, causing damage.

Book collection thinned out before packing

The Spruce / Ana Maria Stanciu

Tape the box closed and label it “Books.”

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

check that thebooks are cleanbefore packing them.

Medium-sized boxes assembled for packing

The Spruce / Ana Maria Stanciu

Pack books in alternative containers you may already have such as rolling suitcases, standard suitcases, and backpacks.

Usingsmaller boxescan help you pack books without making the boxes too heavy.

Ideally, a sturdy box of books should weigh no more than 35 to 40 pounds.

Layer of tape covering seams inside box for packing books

The Spruce / Ana Maria Stanciu

Take a softcover book in your carry-on luggage or a tote bag for easy access.

Hardcover books packed standing upright in box

The Spruce / Ana Maria Stanciu

Paperback books packed in flat stacks inside box

The Spruce / Ana Maria Stanciu

Box labeled ‘books’ after securing with tape

The Spruce / Ana Maria Stanciu

Boxes labeled ‘books’ standing upright on floor

The Spruce / Ana Maria Stanciu