Books are small, but a full bookcase can become one of the heaviest parts of a move. A box that feels manageable when empty can be difficult to lift once filled with hardbacks, and an overloaded carton is far more likely to split on the stairs or in the van. Knowing how to pack books for moving properly protects your collection, makes loading safer and saves time when you unpack.

For most London moves, the best approach is simple: use small, strong boxes, fill gaps so books cannot shift, and keep each box at a sensible lifting weight. Do not be tempted to use one large box just because it holds more. It may be cheaper in cartons, but it is harder to carry and more likely to cause damage.

Sort books before you start packing

Packing books is a useful point to reduce what you take with you. Unlike clothes or kitchen items, books are easy to keep without noticing how much space they occupy. Go through each shelf and separate books you want to keep from duplicates, old textbooks, unwanted paperbacks and titles you are unlikely to read again.

Books in good condition can be donated, given to friends or sold. If you are moving from a small flat, clearing even one shelf can reduce the number of boxes required and make the new place easier to set up. For office moves, check whether old manuals, catalogues and archived documents still need to be retained before packing them.

Keep valuable, sentimental or frequently used books separate. This might include family albums, signed editions, legal reference books, course materials or a child’s favourite bedtime books. These can travel in clearly marked boxes or, where appropriate, with you in the car.

What you need to pack books safely

You do not need specialist materials for every book, but the right basics make a real difference. Have these ready before you empty the first shelf:

• Small double-walled cardboard boxes or sturdy book boxes
• Strong packing tape and a tape dispenser
• Plain packing paper or clean paper for filling gaps
• Bubble wrap for fragile, valuable or unusually shaped books
• A thick marker pen and labels

Avoid using worn supermarket boxes, damaged cartons or large removal boxes for a full load of books. They may look sound, but books place concentrated weight on the base and sides. If a box has been exposed to damp or has weak handles, use it for light items instead.

Suitcases with wheels can be useful for a limited number of heavy books, particularly if you are moving from a flat with lift access. However, do not overfill them. Wheels and handles are designed for luggage, not a whole library, and a heavy case can be awkward on kerbs, stairs and narrow hallways.

How to pack books for moving step by step

Start by taping the bottom of each box securely. Run tape along the main seam, then add two strips across it for extra support. If the box has a separate base insert, use it. This small step helps prevent the bottom opening while the box is being carried.

Place heavier hardbacks flat at the bottom or stand them upright with their spines against the side of the box. Upright packing is generally suitable for standard books, provided they are supported closely enough that they cannot lean and bend. Pack books of a similar size together where possible.

Large coffee-table books, art books and oversized hardbacks should usually lie flat. Put the largest items at the bottom, then build up in even layers. Do not stand very large books on their fore-edges, as the weight can strain the binding.

Fill the box to around three-quarters with books, then use lighter items to finish the load. Towels, bedding, soft clothing or crumpled packing paper work well above the books, provided they are clean and dry. The aim is to stop movement without making the carton too heavy.

Before sealing the box, lift it carefully. If you need to strain or cannot carry it comfortably for a short distance, remove a few books and replace them with lighter items. There is no single safe weight for every person, but a box should be manageable for the people moving it and suitable for the route from your property to the vehicle.

Seal the top with tape and label both the top and at least one side. Write the room, a brief description and whether the contents are heavy. For example, “Study – reference books – heavy” is much more useful than simply writing “books”. Side labels remain visible when boxes are stacked in a van or storage unit.

Packing paperbacks and delicate editions

Paperbacks can be packed upright or flat, but do not bend them into gaps. Pack them tightly enough to stay straight, using paper at the sides if needed. If you have a complete series, label the box with the series name so it can be unpacked together.

For old, rare or signed books, wrap each item in acid-free tissue or clean packing paper before placing it in a small box. Avoid packing tape directly against a book cover. Bubble wrap can provide extra protection, but do not compress it tightly around delicate leather bindings or foil covers. Keep these boxes away from liquids, plants and cleaning products during the move.

Do not make boxes too heavy

The most common mistake when packing books is filling every available inch with books. A compact carton may survive the journey, but it can still be unsafe to lift and unpleasant to carry up several flights of stairs.

This matters particularly in London properties with narrow staircases, basement entrances, controlled parking areas or no lift. Your removal team may need to carry boxes some distance from the property to the van, so smaller, well-labelled loads are more practical than a few oversized ones. If access is difficult, mention this when arranging your move so the right team, equipment and vehicle can be planned.

A useful rule is to combine books with lighter belongings rather than treating each box as a book-only carton. Put a firm layer of books at the base, then add cushions, linen or folded clothes above. Just avoid placing heavy books on top of anything that could be crushed.

Keep book boxes dry and easy to identify

Moisture causes more damage to books than a few bumps. Keep packed cartons off damp floors, away from open windows and clear of drinks, houseplants or wet outdoor areas. If rain is expected on moving day, make sure boxes are fully taped and ready to load promptly rather than waiting outside the property.

Numbering boxes can also make unpacking less chaotic. For a larger home move or office relocation, write “Box 1 of 6”, “Box 2 of 6” and so on for each room or collection. If one box is missing when you arrive, you will know straight away.

For students moving between halls, a clear label is especially useful if several people are loading at once. Include your name, new room or flat number where known, and a note such as “heavy – books”. Keep essential study materials for the first few days in a separate bag rather than relying on finding the right carton immediately.

Loading and unpacking your books

Book boxes should sit on the floor of the van, ideally against a solid side or at the front of the load. They provide a stable base for lighter boxes, but should not be placed on top of fragile furniture, lamps or cartons marked delicate. Keep them square and level rather than stacking them at an angle.

At the new property, move book boxes directly into the room where the shelves will be. It is easier to unpack six smaller boxes in the study than to carry them around the house later. Before returning books to a bookcase, check that the unit is level, secure and not overloaded on one shelf.

A little care at the packing stage prevents split boxes, sore backs and damaged pages. Pack in small batches, label clearly and stop each carton before it becomes a burden. Your books will arrive in better condition, and the first evening in your new home will be far more pleasant when the book you want is easy to find.