by Jamie McCormick

Created on: August 06, 2010

The process of moving abounds with complications and tedium, and can easily become a nightmare, especially for anyone with a library's worth of books. But it needn't be an exercise in frustration. Books can be some of the most difficult items to pack properly because of their weight and shape, but a few simple guidelines can streamline the whole process, making for a more organized and less stressful experience.

1) Start with small boxes – No matter how strong you might be, unloading box after box is exhausting, so make it as easy on yourself as possible. NEVER pack books in large boxes, unless you are slipping a single book into a space between some pillows. The best boxes to use come from reams of paper, which have double-thick reinforced cardboard and handles. Boxes of books are heavier than their equally sized counterparts of other items, and it is very easy to lose your grip on them, so handles are a life-saver (or a toe-saver, since that is where you will drop boxes that don't have handles). These boxes can be found behind your local office supply store, such as Office Max or Staples – packages of paper are shipped in them and the boxes are discarded when the paper is shelved. If you can't find them outside by the recycling bins, tell a manager that you're moving, and they will usually help find you some. If you use another type of box, make sure they are sturdy and no larger than 2ft. or so on every side.

2) Use heavy-duty clear packing tape to reinforce weak spots – The easiest method of applying tape, which relates to all of your boxes, not just those of books, is using a hand-held rolling dispenser with a built-in, pressure activated cutting edge, like what they use at the Post Office. These can be found at any office supply store for a couple of dollars, so pick one up when you go for the boxes and you will save yourself a lot of time and trouble over using a regular roll and trying to keep up with scissors. Taping becomes particularly important if you use other boxes than those from reams of paper. Check your boxes over thoroughly, looking at every corner and side, and tape anything that looks weak BEFORE you start to pack them. For boxes with folding flaps on the bottom, tightly tape every seam three times lengthwise (once down the middle, then on each side of that strip of tape) and at least three times across.

3) Pack the bottom layer spines up, filling every inch of space – If you have your books organized into groups,

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