best way to pack books

Best Way to Pack Books for Moving or Long-Term Storage

Ian Mutuli
Updated on
Ian Mutuli

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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Books are valuable resources that are gradually losing popularity because of their digital counterparts. However, having a physical book around can have its advantages. If you plan to move or store your books, it can be tricky to figure out the best way to pack them. That's why this post covers the best boxes for your book storage needs and the factors you need to consider when making your choice.

Let's begin!

1. Bankers Box Classic Moving Kit Boxes

Bankers Box SmoothMove Classic Moving Kit Boxes,...
  • Easy set-up - no tape required for box assembly
  • Convenient lift off lid, with easy carry handles
  • Durable, double end, double bottom construction
  • Constructed from strong 32 ECT B-Flute Kraft corrugated board,...
  • Kit contains 10 small and 20 medium moving boxes

The best way to pack books is with moving boxes like the Bankers Box Classic Moving Kit Boxes. These book boxes don't require any tape during the setup, making them easy to assemble. So, you won't have to rack your brain wondering how to put the boxes together for moving your books.

Another reason to take these packing boxes is the ergonomic handles they feature. It'll be easy to lift and hold the boxes without a lot of discomfort in your hands. They are made from a durable corrugated board which is why they are a long-term solution for storing your books. Additionally, the box material is recyclable, so you won't have to throw it away after use.

The kit comes with ten small boxes and twenty medium-sized boxes. This ensures you have an appropriate box for all types of books, large and small. Plus, the square shape makes it easy to fit your books without difficulties.

Pros:

  • Small and medium boxes included
  • 30 boxes in the kit
  • Ergonomic handles
  • Durable materials
  • Easy to assemble

Cons:

  • Not ideal for stacking

2. Amazon Basics Moving Boxes

Amazon Basics Moving Boxes with Handles - Medium,...
  • 10-Pack of medium (19"x14.5"x15.5") moving, banker, or storage...
  • Made of strong corrugated kraft cardboard with a reinforced...
  • Great for moving, storing personal or business items, documents,...
  • Can be collapsed for storage and reused multiple times
  • Transport and stack easily with side handles and flat lift-off...

Our next selection for the efficient packing and moving process of your book collection is the Amazon Basics Moving Boxes. The medium-sized book boxes are the perfect fit for your books. Thanks to the open-side handle design, you won't need to struggle to carry the boxes from one location to another.

Unlike regular book boxes made with packing paper, these are cardboard boxes designed for maximum longevity thanks to the reinforced bottom. You can use these boxes to move or store books, documents, and other personal items. Since the kit contains ten boxes, you'll have enough to place all your books in the moving truck.

Once you are done using the boxes, you can collapse them into a compact form to make them easy to store. The lids have a flat lift-off design that allows you to stack the boxes on each other without becoming unstable. You won't need any masking tape to assemble the boxes since they have a quick setup design.

Pros:

  • Quick assembly
  • Durable build
  • Easy to store
  • Ergonomic handles

Cons:

  • Light duty boxes

3. File Box ENGPOW Storage Organizer

File Box with Lock,ENGPOW Fireproof Box File Storage...
  • Fireproof and water-resistant: Fireproof lock box is made of...
  • Anti-static and reflective strip design:Are you still worried...
  • Portable and secure: High quality combination lock design for...
  • Dimensions: 15.55" x 12.2" x 10".The fireproof lock box fits both...
  • Trusted after sales service:How can we better protect our...

Using a fie lock box is the best way to pack books for some people. It's especially great for those with fragile and antique books because of the fireproof build. As such, you can rest assured you can safely store books without fear of losing them to uncontrolled fires. The books will also be safe from water damage because the box is waterproof.

If you want to sore or move valuable books, this is an excellent way. The exterior build of the box has anti-static properties, preventing dust from adhering to the surface. So you don't have to worry about dust accumulating in the pages of your books when storing them inside this file box.

The combination lock feature allows you to keep your rare editions away from thieves. You won't need to switch on the lights at night to find this box because it has a reflective strip for quick identification.

Pros:

  • Resistant to water and fire
  • Combination lock
  • Doesn't attract dust
  • Long-lasting

Cons:

  • Heavy build

4. SUPERJARE Updated File Box

SUPERJARE Updated File Box for Hanging Files, Set of 2,...
  • UPGRADED ORGANIZER BOX - This file storage organizer is made of...
  • HANGING FILE BOX - The storage organizer fits both letter and...
  • ATTRACTIVE POINT IN DESIGN - Our file box is designed with label...
  • SIZE - Exterior dimensions: 16.1"(L) x 13.8"(W) x 10.6"(H),...
  • STACKABLE FILE BOX - The file box helps to sort letters or...

Another way to pack your books is with the SUPERJARE Updated File Box. It's designed to help you systematically store your books in a portable box. The box is made from an MDF board which offers support and stability to keep your books safe while transporting them over a long distance.

This box is the best way to pack books for people with limited storage space. This is because it features a hanging design allowing you to suspend it from a high location. When you don't need the boxes, you can fold them flat for convenient storage. It has enough space inside to store several books without challenge.

You can stack the boxes on top of each other to store large book collections in the same location. On the sides of the boxes, there are label holders that you can use to see the items you store for quick access. These boxes won't collide with the design of your home or office since it comes in a stunning form that'll seamlessly blend into your space.

Pros:

  • Stylish
  • Hanging design
  • Stable and durable construction
  • Easy to move

Cons:

  • The lid lies on the plastic labels

5. Medium Moving Boxes

Medium Moving Boxes (20-Pack) - Brand: Cheap Cheap...
  • SIZE: 18"L x 14"W x 12"H Medium Boxes with Handles
  • QUANTITY: Pack of 20 Medium Moving Boxes
  • ATTRIBUTES: Moving Boxes with Handles - Professional Grade &...
  • USE: This Pack of 20 Medium Moving Boxes with handles is our most...
  • BRAND: Cheap Cheap Moving Boxes - Trust Your Valuable Items in...

You could also use these medium-sized boxes to keep your books out of sight. The boxes feature comfortable handles built to ensure an easy time when carrying your books from place to place. It's made from high-quality cardboard to ensure it can serve you for years without fail.

Each box is designed to hold a load of 65 pounds, allowing you to store hardcover books inside without a hassle. The easy-to-carry boxes use packing tape for sealing to keep your books secure as you move them using moving companies. You'll have a total of 20 boxes for your packing and storing needs.

The Cheap Cheap Moving Boxes brand is a popular choice among professional movers and will allow you to get your books where you need them quickly. There's a better chance of stacking these packing paper boxes together without damaging your belongings because they are the same size. The boxes will come in heat-sealed bubble wrap, which you can use inside to keep rare books in good condition.

Pros:

  • Twenty boxes available
  • Easy to assemble
  • Sturdy feel
  • Collapsible design for storage

Cons:

  • Relatively-smaller for medium-size boxes

6. uBoxes Moving Boxes Bundle

uBoxes Moving Box Combo Pack - 4 Smalls, 6 Mediums, &...
  • uBoxes Moving Box Combo Pack - 4 Smalls, 6 Mediums, & Moving...

You could also use this bundle of moving boxes by uBoxes to store the books you've stacked up over the years. The bundle offers ten small size packing paper boxes which can carry various items like books, tools, toiletries, or photo albums. You can use them to pack and move a lot of stuff to ensure none of your belongings go missing.

Thanks to the reliable construction of the boxes, you can trust that they'll hold up against the weight of your book collection. The corrugated paper is tested for strength and durability, making these ten boxes the only bundle you need for your shipping and moving needs. The main disadvantage of these boxes is that they don't come with handles, making it harder to carry the books around.

For the price, these boxes are great for packing books and other written material. You should avoid touching the box edge while the bundle is new since you'll probably get some paper cuts.

Pros:

  • Easy to assemble
  • Foldable
  • Sturdy build
  • Acid-free paper
  • Ten boxes included

Cons:

  • Super-sharp edges

7. Aviditi Corrugated Cardboard Box

Aviditi 977 Corrugated Cardboard Box 9" L x 7" W x 7"...
  • DIMENSIONS: Inside dimensions measure 9-inches (length) x...
  • APPLICATIONS: Aviditi corrugated boxes are great for packing,...
  • TOP QUALITY: These boxes are the industry standard and proudly...
  • MATERIAL & STRENGTH: Standard strength industrial corrugated...
  • PACKAGING: Package includes 25 boxes and ship flat to save on...

Lastly, we'll review the Aviditi Corrugated Cardboard Box, which is among the best ways to pack books for moving. The box is built to carry small heavy items like books which you need to store as you move to a new location. One box comes with a capacity of 0.28 cubic feet to ensure you can use it for more than books.

You can assemble these corrugated boxes in a few seconds, thanks to the easy assembly design. Plus, since they are made in the USA, they are an industry standard for durability and functionality. You'll need to place the books flat to ensure you distribute the weight event across the bottom of the box. Each book box can withstand a weight of 65 pounds, which will be enough for a collection of books.

There are 25 corrugated boxes inside this package that you can reuse and recycle to keep the environment in good condition. You can fold the boxes flat to conserve as much space as you need when you aren't using them to hold books.

Pros:

  • Made from kraft corrugated paper
  • 25 boxes included
  • Quick assembly
  • Easy to fold flat

Cons:

  • Some boxes are poorly glued together

Packing Tips for Storing Your Books in Moving Boxes

There are some tips you can use to determine the best way to pack books. Let's discuss them below.

1. Group Books By Size

The first tip to use when packing your books for storage or moving is organizing them according to size. This is especially true for those with many books of various sizes. You'll have to group your books according to size to ensure the ones that share the same dimensions fit in one box.

2. Use Light Small Boxes

It's hard to carry numerous books in one box, which is why you should go for small boxes. These boxes will make your loads lighter, allowing you to carry the books faster and without risks.

3. Line with Packing Paper

Since you'll probably be using the boxes for a long, you'll want them to stay in good condition for as long as possible. This means that you'll have to line the edges with some tape to fortify the corners and edges from wearing out. Also, you should add some packing paper at the bottom of the box to cushion your books for maximum safety.

4. Pack by Weight

Books differ in weight just as they do in size. When organizing books of the same size, you should take the heavier ones and place them on the bottom and finish with the lightest on top. This will help keep the delicate books from getting damaged under the weight of the other books.

What are the Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Way for Packing Books?

As you narrow down on the method you want to use for packing books, you should keep the following factors in mind.

1. Carrying Capacity

One of the things to consider is the total weight of the books you have. You want a box that won't tear open as it carries your books. This means that you should check the amount of weight and space the box offers in relation to your books.

2. Box Materials

You should also go for the materials that can last long and withstand the weight of carrying your books. Cardboard boxes are great for packing books since they are made from heavy materials that withstand wear and tear.

3. Number of Books

The last thing to consider is the number of books you have. This value will determine the number of boxes you need before settling on a particular bundle. Some of the packing kits in this post have more than ten boxes, while others have more than twenty. You'll need to find out which one offers the ideal number of boxes to avoid buying new ones after an initial purchase.

So, you should count your books and determine the number of boxes necessary to pack and store them.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Should you pack books spine up?

No, you shouldn't. Packing them this way will leave the books susceptible to warping and bending.

2. How do you pack books for storage?

The best way to pack books for storage is by laying them flat on the bottom of the box, starting with the heaviest and finishing with the lightest.

3. What size box should I pack books in?

Small boxes are the best for packing books because they can hold numerous books without carrying too heavy.

Ian Mutuli

About the author

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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