Books are heavy! If you start packing books in big boxes, most likely the box will give way, or it will be too heavy to lift. Our best suggestion is to use the smallest standard-size boxes, so they can take the weight of your books and are easy to handle.

If you are using new boxes, make sure you seal the bottom well, and if the boxes are recycled, double the amount of tape. Try and ensure each box weighs less than 20kg. Lots of smaller boxes are easier to pack than a few heavy ones.

Any valuable hardcover editions should be separately wrapped in packing paper before placing them in the box. Hardcovers can be packed upright with the spine against the box’s side, just like on a shelf. Books of great value, such as old photo albums or first editions, need stiff cardboard between them to keep the spines straight and prevent any movement. Extra packing paper balled up can be used to line the box before you pack each book.

Paperbacks can be packed flat and stacked. Don’t pack books with the paper edges facing down and spines up to prevent damage – this will cause books to warp and pages to bend.

Books can shift during the move and cause damage, so use wadded-up paper to fill any remaining spaces in the box.

Make sure the box is labelled and taped shut.