Best way to pack books when moving

Book lovers can easily expound on the value of a large library and the beauty that is a well-stocked wall shelf. While they may be right in their convictions, their books can quickly become a nightmare when it's time to haul them to a new home. Heavy and often fragile, it's possible to do serious damage to both the books and yourself on the big day. Here are some moving tips to make the life of a reader just a little bit easier.

Consider the box

You may treasure your copy of "The Unbearable Lightness of Being," but that's a state of existence that a box of books will never understand. If you load too many books into a cardboard box, you may run the risk of the bottom falling out. Not only could this cause harm to your favorite tomes, but you might bust a toe in the process. To add insult to injury, you'll then have to pick up all of the books and repack them. That is, of course, if you're able to pick up the burdensome load in the first place.

You will have an easier time come move-in day if you give some thought to your packing before moving. First, you'll want to invest in some heavy-duty boxes that can handle the excessive weight. Some office boxes come double-sided and with handles to make the move easier. You may also want to consider wooden or plastic crates, which are naturally sturdier. A dolly can also help transport your containers out of the house. 

Even with the stronger boxes, however, you shouldn't need to fill every container to the brim with texts. You'll have a much easier time if you fill the box only partly with books. The rest of the space can be used for other items that are lighter. This strategy can be an efficient use of space, but you will need to give some thought about what items will fit best with books. Don't pack items that are fragile alongside books. If you must put fragile items with books, make sure they sit on top and are cushioned. Ideal items to pack with boxes are articles of clothing, such as socks and underwear.

Go digital

Some book aficionados view e-readers as a crime against humanity. After all, they say there is pleasure that comes with the smell and feel of a book. While you may lose something with an e-reader, however, the benefits you receive extend well beyond moving day. In addition to lightening your load, you'll save substantial space in your new home. Your decorative bookshelves may be gone, but a fresh coat of paint can still brighten up a room. While the transition to digital books may be hard remember that the value of books comes from the ideas inside, and not the material objects themselves. You may be thankful for the lack of clutter later on.

Some books - such as ones with maps - don't always translate well to e-readers. If you don't want to get rid of your entire book collection, at least consider weeding out those books that have little sentimental or economic value. To get rid of excess books, you can always host a yard sale, but this isn't always effective at cleaning house. Instead, consider donating to charity or a local used books store. It's the season of giving, after all. 

Get heavy-duty

If you can't part with your boxes but you can't lift them on your own, then you may just want to hire professional movers. While it may cost you more, it will be worth it to have your books safely and quickly delivered. If you have any particularly old or fragile books, be sure to specify which boxes they are in so movers can handle them with the appropriate care