Books are one of the heaviest items you can move. A box full of books can weigh more than 20 kilograms. Packing them the wrong way leads to boxes that are impossible to lift and a real risk of injury. Here is how to pack books safely and smartly.
Use Small Boxes â Always
The most important rule for packing books is to use small boxes.
A large box filled with books can easily exceed 30 to 40 kilograms. No one should be lifting that weight. A small box filled with books stays at a manageable weight of around 10 to 15 kilograms.
Never pack books in the same large boxes you use for lighter items like pillows or clothes.
How to Stack Books in a Box
Pack books flat or with their spines facing down. Do not pack them with the open pages facing down â the pages can crinkle and the binding can crack under the weight of other books above.
Alternate the direction of stacking â one row with spines on the left, the next with spines on the right. This distributes weight more evenly throughout the box.
Fill any gaps in the box with crumpled packing paper to prevent books from shifting and bending during transport.
Mix Heavy and Light Books
Do not fill a box with only large hardcovers. Mix in smaller paperbacks to reduce the overall weight of each box.
Place heavier books at the bottom of the box and lighter books on top. This keeps the box more stable during lifting and stacking.
Protecting Valuable Books
Most books can survive a move without special wrapping. However, rare, valuable, or collectible books deserve extra care.
Wrap individual books in packing paper or acid-free tissue paper. This protects covers from scuffs and prevents moisture damage during transport.
Never pack damp or wet books. Any moisture will cause pages to stick together and can lead to mould.
Safe Lifting Techniques
Even a properly packed box of books is heavy. Lift safely to avoid back injuries on moving day.
- Bend your knees â not your back â when picking up a heavy box
- Keep the box close to your body as you lift
- Do not twist your body while carrying a heavy box â turn with your feet
- Set the box down by bending your knees again, not by dropping it
- Ask for help with anything that feels too heavy to lift comfortably alone
Use a Trolley or Hand Truck
If you are moving multiple boxes of books, a hand truck or trolley makes the job much easier and safer. Professional movers always carry these tools on the job.
Stack no more than two or three boxes of books on a trolley at a time, and make sure the stack is stable before moving it across the floor.
Label Book Boxes Clearly
Write "HEAVY â BOOKS" on every side of each book box. This tells the movers to be careful when lifting and ensures no one places heavy items on top of these boxes in the truck.
National Shifting handles heavy items like book boxes with the right equipment and a trained team. Our movers know how to lift and load heavy boxes safely without damage to your belongings. Contact us today to book a professional moving service.
