How to pack your home library for relocation?
Moving is a stressful endeavor and sometimes you might forget to think about every possible aspect of your move. This includes packing up your home library for relocation. Because of the fragility and value of books, it will take some planning to get them right. You will need to approach this task with enough knowledge so that none of your books are damaged in the process. Along the way, you might decide you need some professional hands to help you, which is why professional movers Chicago are here to save the day! If you’re not sure where to begin or want some additional advice, here is our complete guide on how to pack your home library for relocation. Let’s begin!
How to pack your home library for relocation- the first step
Starting early is really important when you’re packing your home library. You need to give yourself enough time to organize, sort, pack, and transport all of your books. The best thing you can do is sit down a month before your move and create a rough list of potential problems. You can also write down a timeline for packing, which can include:
- Sorting through your books
- Decluttering
- Organizing
- Getting the right supplies
- Packing
- Transporting
Always make a plan for how to pack your home library!
Create an inventory – the second step when packing your home library
You should definitely have an inventory when packing your books. This will help you stay on track. The first thing you should do is declutter. Get rid of any books you don’t actually need or want. Transporting books unnecessarily will only add to the stress of your move. It’s not worth it! You can donate, sell or even gift them to your friends and family. The options are endless!
Once you’ve cleaned out your home library, it’s time to make a list of everything you are taking with you. This way. you will know exactly how many boxes you need. In addition, you might realize that it’s too big of a task for you and that you need some professional help.
Organize your books
This step includes sorting your books into categories such as hardcover, paperbacks, large, small, value, fragility, color, etc. Staying organized will not only make it easier for your to keep track of everything but also make packing A LOT easier. Furthermore, you will protect your books when packing because hardcovers can damage paperbacks.
Prepare the right packing materials
Make sure to get the right boxes for packing. You don’t want flimsy, thin boxes because they could potentially rip or fall over while transporting. The boxes you buy should be small and sturdy. It’s better to have more small boxes than a few large ones which are too heavy and put your books at risk. You should also make sure they are clean and dry. Once you get the boxes, it’s a good idea to reinforce the bottoms with additional cardboard and tape. This way, your books will be effectively protected! You will find everything you need at packing supplies Chicago, so make sure you check them out!
Now that you have filled the boxes, look out for gaps and empty spaces and stuff those with packing peanuts, bubble wrap, or newspapers. This will eliminate any movement inside the boxes which can potentially damage your books.
Be careful when packing your home library
This is a very important step which you need to keep in mind at all times! Carefully handle your books when packing them so that you don’t damage any of them accidentally. Take your time so you can avoid any stressful situations!
If you plan on packing your home library up and putting it into storage for some time, adding a gel packet can be a life savior. Often, storage spaces are moist and moisture is your biggest enemy when it comes to books. The gel packet will absorb any moisture and keep your books safe and dry. If you’re looking for the best possible storage, moving services Chicago at Golan’s Moving & Storage have got you covered!
Follow packing guidelines when packing your library
Always pack your books with the book spine down so the pages stay protected. Alternatively, you can lay them flat or upright in the boxes, making sure they’re all packed the same way. If you decide on laying them on top of each other, make sure you pack lighter books on top of heavier ones. It’s important to note, however, that you should never overpack a box with books because the weight can easily damage those that are on the bottom. Hardback books can also be packed with the spines downward and the edges of the pages facing up.
If you have any particularly rare, fragile, or valuable books, make sure you take extra steps to protect them. For example, wrap them in gift wrapping or packing paper, whichever you have at home. It’s important that there’s a soft layer protecting their covers. Then place hard cardboard layers between each layer of books or each book individually. Just make sure there’s no wiggle room!
Pro tip: Never pack books too tightly, especially collectibles. They will get safely to your new home, but you risk damaging them in the process of unpacking and pulling them out. Before you tape up a box, try taking a book out and putting it back. It shouldn’t be too easy, but also not too hard.
Hire professional help!
In case your home library is very large, you have many special, delicate books or you’re just stressed about doing it yourself, hiring a reputable moving company is the best option. Professional movers have experience with packing home libraries and transporting valuable items. They will help you save time and avoid stress, and who doesn’t want that on moving day?
Summary on how to pack your home library
It is not an easy task to sort, organize and pack hundreds of thousands of books. This is why we have written this article for you to have certain tips and tricks as well as guidelines on how to pack your home library for relocation. This includes creating lists, staying focused, being careful, and having the right packing materials and techniques. In case you’re still overwhelmed after reading this article, maybe the best option for you is to hire professional movers to help you. Also, if you have more books then you can relocate professional movers will certainly help you arrange a storage facility in Chicago. If you follow our guidelines and hire the right movers to help you, packing your home library will be a breeze!