You’ll have to move a lot of books when you move, whether you’re a bookworm or haven’t gotten around to donating your old textbooks. What’s the best way to get your entire library organized and ready to go? Everyone has a different way how to pack books for relocation, but following best practices can help ensure that your most prized volumes arrive at your new location intact. Fairfax Transfer and Storage are especially well versed in handling books. A bent cover, a torn page, or a squashed book jacket is infuriating to everyone who has ever had one as a book possession. The misery of trying to avoid all that damage when moving your books from one location to another is surely familiar to you.
The earlier you start the better
You may postpone packing a large collection until the last minute, resulting in shoddy packaging and unnecessary damage. The sooner you begin to pack books for relocation, the sooner you’ll be able to enjoy your new home. Having time to re-evaluate your collection in the next step will allow you to do so. When you go through your book collection, you’ll find a treasure trove of memories that you’ll want to revisit again and time again. You’ll be able to enjoy the process rather than feel rushed or frustrated if you get started early. If everything is ready when residential movers in Northern VA arrive, the move will start much faster.
Categorize your books
Decluttering is one of the first things to do when moving into a new home. It’s not an easy task in general, and it becomes even more difficult when dealing with literary works of art. In most cases, a person’s personal library is the result of a labor of love. Books, on the other hand, are hefty. As a result, relocating all of them isn’t the most cost-effective way to relocate. The exception is if you’re doing your own local move. So take a look at your collection and pick what you like and don’t like for your needs and tastes. You should only keep items that you have no plans to read again (or ever; collecting and reading are two very different hobbies). Then there are the books that you bought because you liked the look of the cover.
Be sure to find sturdy boxes
If you want a sturdy box, look for one made of thick cardboard with well-rounded corners and edges. You don’t want to use a book box that looks like it’s been through a lot of wear and tear. Re-apply more tape to build a stronger box so it can hold books when you’re satisfied with its strength. This increases the strength of the seal and keeps liquids and other foreign objects out. Use packing paper or newspaper to line your book cartons. This adds a layer of protection and another way to keep your books safe.
How to pack
A few ideas are provided on how to fill containers that have been prepared and reinforced. Whenever possible, stack pieces of equal size on top of one other. Keep the books safe and secure by packing the box to the hilt with cloths or other cushioning. Don’t forget that even paperbacks are heavy, and don’t overfill the boxes, advises one of the moving experts. Having a large number of small boxes is better than having a few large ones that are difficult to handle and transport. When you’re moving, a suitcase with wheels and a few boxes will become your best friends. You’ll have the easiest time if you wish to pack books for relocation, in that kind of suitcase. Packing services Northern Virginia will have some good advice if you have any more questions.
Is shipping by yourself worth it?
You don’t have to pack everything onto a moving truck to move. Sending your boxed books is an option. Starting at $2.89, the United States Postal Service (USPS) offers Media Mail, which is significantly cheaper than most other types of mail. Books (defined as at least 8 printed pages) and other forms of media are exempt from this rule. While USPS claims to be able to ship things weighing up to 70 pounds, it is recommended that you keep your box weight under 25 pounds in order to avoid any additional fees from the postal service. Parcels must be dropped off at a local post office, which can take anywhere from two to eight days. If you need some time to decide, buying storage units Northern VA is always an option.
Have a strategy
Consider your lifting capacity before anything else. Moving advice suggests packing no more than 25 pounds of books in one box, but this isn’t ideal for everyone. This weight limit applies even if someone else lifts the boxes. Smaller boxes with fewer books should be packed for you if you have back or other health issues. It is recommended that boxes used to pack books are no larger than 12″ × 12″. Reinforce the bottom of each box with tape. One piece along the seam and two pieces perpendicular to it, after establishing the number of boxes needed and identifying free or paid boxes. And the most important part is to check on the Better Business Bureau before paying a moving company.
Leave out the books you still want to read
For voracious readers, a day without sifting through a book is unimaginable. Having all of your books in boxes for an extended period of time can be scary. It’s a good idea to keep a handful of your favorites in your bag so that you always have something to read. You may find that reading a little each day during the packing and moving process can be really relaxing. While your television, computer, and laptop are resting, you may relax with a good book instead of worrying about what’s going to happen next.
Use rolling suitcases
If you’ve ever thought of rolling bags as merely garment hangers covered with old airport tags, you’re not alone. They are perfect if you want to pack books for relocation. They’re tough, spacious, and equipped with wheels for easy transportation to and from the moving vehicle. It’s understandable that you’d think it was too good to be true. It’s not, is it? You’ll be on your way in no time if you follow the simple instructions for luggage and boxes provided below.
