They’re small, portable, and usually don’t have any fancy technology built into them, but the books in your library can still be one of the more challenging parts of your move. Without a little organization and planning, packing books can easily become the most time-consuming and difficult part of your move.
Before your movers arrive, be sure to have your books ready for them. By following these simple tips from Matco’s Calgary Movers, you can make moving your library a breeze.
Tip #1: Use Small Boxes
Although each one of your books probably doesn’t weigh that much, if you add enough of them together they get pretty heavy. Be sure to pack books in smaller boxes. It will take more trips to get the boxes in the van but the lighter weight will make it go more easily. Your Calgary movers will also appreciate the lower-weight boxes – a 4-cube box of books is deceptively heavy for the size!
Tip #2: Put Two Layers Of Tape On The Bottom Of Your Boxes
For the same reason you should put your books in small boxes, you should also be sure to solidly tape any boxes that have books in them with at least two layers of tape. If you’re using recyclable boxes or reusing boxes from your last move, you may want even more. The weight of the books actively works to ruin the structural integrity of the boxes. Extra layers of tape provide an extra layer of protection (no one wants to see your books spilling out across the driveway).
Tip #3: Line Each Box With Paper
To protect your books from being thrown about and bent, you should line each box with packing paper. If you’re planning to put these boxes in storage, this paper will also keep dust away from your books. Fill any gaps left in the box with packing paper or peanuts, ensuring that the normal jolts of a move don’t jostle your books around.
Tip #4: Sort Your Books By Size
Packing books is a great way to brush up on your geometry skills. To use the most space in each box it’s best to put books of relatively (if not exactly) the same size in each box. That way there will be no wasted space, which means fewer trips to get the job done. Books of the same size are usually of the same genre as well, meaning that this simple step also gives you a head start on your library organization! When professional Calgary movers pack a home, this is one of the most common methods for packing books quickly and efficiently.
Tip #5: Always Place Books As Regularly As Possible
When deciding how to place books in a box, pick a style and stick with it. Whether you’d like to stack them as you would on a shelf or place them with the front toward the ground, what’s important is that they’re all going in the same direction. This prevents pages from colliding and getting crunched if things shift around in the box. It also makes for easy unpacking!
Tip #6: Fill In Any Gaps With Packing Paper
No matter how much you plan, you won’t be able to fill the boxes perfectly. If you do find any gaps, you should fill them with packing paper to stop the books from sliding around when the Calgary residential movers carry them.
If you’re planning to put some books into storage, be sure to put them in a climate-controlled facility. Moisture can damage the pages, which can be disastrous for expensive or rare books. Ask your moving consultant about your storage options before you book your move – find out whether all their facilities are climate controlled and secure. Planning ahead can help give you peace of mind, and saves trouble in the long run!
Planning a Move in Calgary? Partner with Matco’s Movers in Calgary
Matco Moving Solutions can help you with your local, long-distance or international move. We are a full-service moving company that is dedicated to delivering a stress-free and positive moving experience. We have locations in Calgary, Edmonton, Yellowknife, Whitehorse and Inuvik and over 55 years of moving experience and expertise.
Contact us today for a free moving quote and to learn how Matco Calgary’s movers can help you with your next move.