What Is The Best Size Box To Move Books?

• January 15, 2023
• Bill Chen

Last updated on October 30, 2023

You likely haven’t given much thought to how to move books, but some care is required to ensure your collection stays in good condition! Using the right moving boxes for books is the first step to protecting what can be some of your most prized possessions.

Without proper care, your books can be damaged during the move. So, read on for some tips on how to pack books when moving from the removal experts at Bill Removalists.

What are the things you need when packing books?

When figuring out how to pack books for moving, the first thing you will need is moving boxes. Aim for something lightweight with solid construction that is not too big (packing too many books can be heavy!).

You’ll also need packing tape to secure the box and loose packing supplies such as newspaper or bubble wrap to keep the books from moving. At Bill Removalists, we can supply all of this and even pack the books for you to save time and ensure they are loaded correctly.

What are the types of Boxes?

We recommend a roughly 12” x 12” x 12” box that is well-constructed and sturdy to support the book’s weight. The following size options are available in the world of packing boxes:

• Small
• Medium
• Large
• XL
• Wardrobe
• Dish Pack

In some cases, you’ll be able to access speciality book box options that are often reserved for very valuable books. If you would like to use these, mention them to the Bill Removalists team as we prepare your quote.

Book lovers with lots of expensive editions just need to take it one box at a time, or call Bill Removalists to handle their move for them!

Where can I get boxes?

The easiest way to find an appropriate book box is to ask your removalist company to supply some. A reputable removalist will have access to a range of box types along with packing paper, tape and everything else you need.

If you are working on a tight budget, you can also try websites like Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace, where many people give away moving boxes after they are finished with them.

What is the best process for how to pack books for moving?

Follow the below steps when moving your books to ensure a safe and efficient process:

Step 1: Choose a suitable box

As mentioned, we recommend something close to 12” x 12” x 12” in dimension, but more importantly, the box should be well-constructed and sturdy.

Step 2: Select the books you want to move

If you have been waiting for a chance to clean out some books you no longer want, now is the time! Pack only the books you really want to keep and wipe the dust from them before packing to avoid small scratches in transit.

Step 3: Pack the heaviest books first

Always pack the heaviest books first to keep the centre of gravity as low as possible in the box. Carrying and stacking will be much easier if you do, trust us!

Step 4: Pack all books face down

Pack the books flat in the box face down to spread the weight evenly across the boxes’ base.

Step 5: Leave some room in the box

Leaving some room at the top of the box will make the centre of gravity more manageable and reduce the risk of damage during stacking. Loose packing materials can be popped in this top space for added protection.

Step 6: Fill all gaps with loose packing material

In addition to our last point, fill any free box space with loose packing paper and materials, top and sides, to maintain the box’s integrity and protect your books.

Step 7: Tape it up!

Place packing tape at the bottom and top of the box and be generous to give the box extra strength

Step 8: Label the boxes

If you have packed your books alphabetically or by genre, label the boxes for ease of unpacking. Even simply labelling the box “books” can make the activity of unpacking easier.

From small boxes for fragile items to larger options with extra space, Bill Removalists can ensure you have everything you need to safely transport your book collection.

What to do with the book you are not taking?

As much as we’d love to keep all the books, sometimes your entire collection won’t be making the trip with you. If you have some books that are not making the journey, why not donate them to a local library or school? Not only will you be recycling these great items, but you’ll be sharing the gift of knowledge with new readers!

How can Bill Removalists Sydney help with packing your books when moving?

As professional removalists with years of experience, Bill Removalists can ensure your book collection travels and arrives safely, no matter how big or small it may be. We know how to pack books the right way and will happily share our packing tips with our community (just like in this article!).

Save yourself a lot of time and effort when moving house by letting the experts at Bill Removalist bring the packing paper and handle the moving tasks for you today.

Before you start packing your book collection, consider making the task easier with one of the finest moving companies on offer, Bill Removalists!

FAQ

Have some more questions about how to pack books? Our helpful FAQ section can answer these:

Is it better to store books in cardboard or plastic boxes?

Both cardboard and plastic have their advantages. Cardboard is a much more environmentally-friendly option, whereas plastic will be stronger and offer a waterproof option. For the sake of ease and the environment, we use cardboard at Bill Removalists.

Why is packing books correctly important?

While they may not seem like a big deal, lots of books in a box can be heavy! You likely also have some expensive books in your collection that need extra care. If you pack books correctly, you’ll ensure a safe move while avoiding damage to your collection.

How many books fit in a box for moving?

The size of your box will determine the number of books that it can hold. Delicate books may require more space for packing paper. It is also important not to overload the box to ensure it can be safely lifted.