Packing Books and Heavy Items Safely for a Move
How to pack books, records, tools and other dense items so boxes stay liftable, protect your back and do not burst, with box sizes and weights to aim for.
Few things ruin a moving day like a box that rips open on the stairs, spilling books across a driveway. Dense items such as books, tools, records and tins are the usual culprits, and the rules for packing them are different from everything else in the house.
The core principle: small boxes for heavy things
A box packed with books in a large carton can easily weigh more than a person should lift. A sensible target is to keep any box to a weight you can carry comfortably, which for most people means roughly 15 to 20 kg at most. A small box full of books can still be heavy, so do not fill it to the brim when the contents are dense.
Use the smallest sturdy box you have, and mix in lighter items such as cushions or towels in larger boxes to share the weight.
Packing books
Orientation
Pack books flat or upright with spines against the sides of the box, but not loosely standing. Alternate spine directions if the books are different sizes, so there are no gaps.
Fill gaps
Use paper or small soft items to avoid movement. Gaps allow books to slide and damage corners.
Protect valuable books
For rare or special editions, wrap in paper or bubble wrap, and keep them in a separate, labelled box. Avoid piling them under other heavy items.
Do not overfill
A good test is whether you can lift the box with one hand under each side without strain. If it feels heavy, take some out.
Records, CDs and DVDs
Records go upright, tightly, in small strong boxes, padded at the sides so they cannot lean. Do not stack them flat in tall piles. CDs and DVDs go in small boxes, or in the cases in a larger box with towels to share weight.
Tools and garage items
- Hand tools: small box or toolbox, with sharp parts wrapped
- Power tools: original cases if possible, with batteries removed
- Screws and nails: sealed containers and taped shut
- Garden tools: tie bundles together and cover sharp edges
- Chemicals and fuels: not suitable for transport, see what movers won't carry
Other dense household items
- Tins and jars: small boxes only, and no more than a layer or two high
- Ornaments and weights: wrap and place at the bottom
- Board games and files: small or medium boxes
- Free weights and dumbbells: consider carrying separately or using strong crates
Labelling and handling
Mark heavy boxes clearly with the word "HEAVY", the room and contents. This tells movers to plan where to put them in the van, with heavier items at the bottom, and lets helpers know to use proper lifting. See how to label boxes for moving.
Lifting tips
- Bend your knees, keep the load close to your body and avoid twisting.
- Get help for anything you cannot lift easily.
- Use a trolley or sack truck where possible, especially for stairs.
- Avoid carrying boxes while your view is blocked.
Planning the load
Books are best loaded at the bottom of the van, so they do not crush lighter boxes. Ask your mover how they will arrange the load if you have a lot of them. Heavy items on stairs are also a factor in how long the job takes, which affects the cost. See moving with stairs or a lift.
When to get help
If you have a large library, a collection of records or a workshop, consider asking your mover to include extra hands. A second person often turns a back-breaking job into a straightforward one.
A worked example
Say you own 300 paperbacks and 40 large hardbacks. A typical small box can hold 25 to 30 paperbacks at a manageable weight, so the paperbacks need about ten to twelve small boxes. The hardbacks are heavier and bigger, so they might need another five to six small boxes at eight to ten books each. That is around 17 boxes for what looks like a couple of shelves. Underestimating this is how people end up with a dozen overloaded boxes and a strained back.
Weight guidelines by box size
These are rough guides, and a lighter box is always better.
| Box size | Suitable for | Approximate loaded weight |
|---|---|---|
| Small | Books, tins, tools, records | Often 10 to 15 kg |
| Medium | Mixed kitchenware, folders, games | Often 12 to 18 kg |
| Large | Light items only, such as bedding | Keep light, under 10 kg |
If a box feels too heavy to lift at arm's length, take items out.
Strengthening boxes
- Tape the base with two layers, in an H pattern.
- Do not reuse boxes that have gone soft or damp.
- Add a layer of crumpled paper to the bottom to cushion contents.
- Fill gaps so contents cannot shift.
Common mistakes
- Using a large box for books
- Stacking heavy boxes at the top of a tower
- Loading records flat in a tall pile
- Leaving a loose lid on a box of tools
- Not marking which boxes contain heavy contents
Bookshelves and heavy furniture
Empty bookcases before they are moved. A full one is dangerous and likely to break. Remove shelves where possible and wrap them separately. If shelves are fixed to a wall, take care when removing them, and check what is behind the wall before drilling in the new home.
Stairs and awkward routes
If the route has stairs, use smaller boxes and let the team know about the heavy ones. See moving with stairs or a lift.
Frequently asked questions
How heavy should a moving box be?
As a guide, aim for under about 15 to 20 kg, though it depends on who is carrying. If you struggle to lift it, it is too heavy.
Can I pack books in suitcases?
Yes, wheeled suitcases are an easy way to move books, but do not overload them. Take care on stairs.
Should I pack books spine up or down?
Flat, or upright with spines supported, is better than spine down, which can strain the binding.
Can I leave books on the shelves if I move the bookcase?
No. A loaded bookcase is heavy and may collapse. Empty it before moving, and wrap the shelves separately.