Books are the item people most consistently underestimate when they’re packing. A shelf that looks modest can fill four or five boxes, and because books are dense, it doesn’t take many of them to turn a box into a genuine safety hazard.
The fix isn’t complicated. It’s mostly about box size, not technique.
Always use small boxes for books
A small box (around 40-45 litres) filled with books is heavy but liftable. A medium or large box filled with books is not.
If you only have medium or large boxes on hand, pack books to about a third of the box’s height, then fill the rest with lighter items.
Pack books spine-down, like they’re on a shelf
Standing books upright with the spine facing down protects the spine and binding far better than stacking them flat.
Fill gaps at the sides with paper or a folded towel so the books can’t shift and slide during transport.
Don’t mix book weight with fragile items
Books are dense and unforgiving if something breaks under them. Never put books on top of a box containing crockery or glassware.
Handle valuable, rare, or sentimental books separately
Wrap rare, signed, or sentimental books individually in packing paper before boxing, in their own small box.
Label the box with its actual weight in mind
Write BOOKS – HEAVY on at least two sides and the top of every book box.
How many book boxes will you need?
If you’re not sure how many small boxes to grab, our guide on how many boxes you’ll need breaks it down by home size.
| Book collection size | Small boxes (books only) |
|---|---|
| One shelf / small collection | 2-3 boxes |
| Full bookcase | 6-9 boxes |
| Two bookcases / study library | 12-18 boxes |
| Serious collector (100s of books) | 20+ boxes |
Frequently asked questions
What size box should I use for books?
Always use a small box, roughly 40-45 litres or less. A large or medium box full of books is often too heavy to lift safely.
How many books fit in a small box before it’s too heavy?
Fill a small box no more than three-quarters full of books, then top it up with lighter items. A fully packed small box of books typically weighs 15-20kg.
Should books lie flat or stand upright in the box?
Standing them upright, spine down, protects the spines and pages better than stacking them flat.
Do I need to wrap valuable or antique books?
Yes, wrap rare, signed, or sentimental books individually in packing paper before boxing them, in their own small box.
Can Move Masters Removalists pack my books for me?
Yes. Our packing and unpacking service covers books along with the rest of your home, using the right box sizes and materials.
Getting your books boxed properly is a small job that saves a lot of strain on moving day. Our packing and unpacking service can take care of it. Get a quote and we’ll take the heavy lifting off your hands.