3 Ways to Protect Your Books During a Move

1. Use book boxes

Books cope best with a move if you pack them in specialist book boxes. While you might think that any box will do here, this isn't always true. If you fill a large box with a lot of books, then the box will be hard to lift and carry. It might break if it can't cope with the weight of the books.

Book boxes are smaller than the norm. They are sturdy enough to cope with even heavy books, but you'll find it hard to overfill them so that they become too hard to carry.

These boxes give your books maximum protection. If you pack carefully, then your books will fit snuggly inside. They won't move around and get damaged during the move.

Tip: If you already have some small packing boxes, then they might double up as book boxes. Before you use them, check that the cardboard is strong and free from damage. Tape over the seam at the bottom of each box to make sure it holds during the move.

2. Plan before you pack

Packing books into boxes is a bit like doing a complicated jigsaw puzzle. Unless all your books are exactly the same size, you have to fit things together.

You'll find it helpful to do some forward planning before you start filling boxes. For example, bring all your books together so you can see exactly what you have to deal with.

At this stage, it helps to sort your books. While you can sort by type, say hardback and paperback, it makes most sense to sort by size to start with.

You'll find it quicker and easier to fill a box with books that are around the same size. Plus, the books will fit together and fill the space more effectively.

As you start to pack your boxes, remember these three important tips:

• Heavy books should go at the bottom of a box with lighter books on top.
• If you pack books on their sides or standing up, it's better to rest the spines against a side of the box. This reduces the risk of damage to the pages.
• If you have gaps in the box once you've filled it, fill these spaces with screwed-up packing paper or even items of clothing or towels. This stops the books from moving.

Tip: If some of your books are valuable, then give them extra protection. Wrap them in acid-free paper to keep them clean. If you're worried about keeping them in good shape, you can bubble-wrap them but make sure to use a layer of protective paper first to prevent damage.

3. Ask your removalist for help

Your removals company is a good source of help when you need to pack up a lot of books. Many removalists sell packing supplies; most also offer packing services.

So, you could hand this job over to the experts. They'll come in to your home and make sure that your book collection is packed up safely and securely in the right kind of boxes.

Tip: If you have valuable or antique books, then look for a removalist with experience of packing and moving fragile or valuable items. They will know how to look after your collection.

For more advice, contact Zippy Removals & Storage. As well as general packing, moving and storage services, we also stock packing supplies. We also have plenty of experience of moving fragile and antique items, so your valuable books will be in safe hands.