Packing books without back pain
Moving books
Packing and carrying book boxes without overloading your back
Spare your back
Books are among the heaviest things in any move: a large moving box full of books can hardly be lifted safely. That is why the most important rule is to use small, sturdy book boxes and, as a rule of thumb, pack no more than around 20 kilograms per box. This spares your back and prevents the bottom of a box from giving way. Especially for a private move with a large library, it pays to plan for this early.
The packing itself is just as important: distribute books evenly, fill gaps with packing paper so that nothing slips, and mark every box as heavy. Anyone with a lot of boxes should not carry them alone. On request, our packing service takes care of the packing and our movers carry the boxes – on long-distance moves too. You can enquire by phone on 01625978461.
Have your book boxes packed – at a fixed price
Transparently calculated, no hidden costs
Tell us roughly how many shelf metres of books are moving and which floor they are going to. You will then receive a fixed price – with packing service and sturdy book boxes if you wish. We are liable for your goods under the German Commercial Code (HGB). Places with their own pages can be found under Locations.
Quotes available individually based on workload, scheduling and the desired scope of services.
How we protect backs and books
Small boxes, good technique
Book boxes are among the heaviest items in a move. That is why our movers rely on small boxes, the right lifting technique and enough people: heavy boxes are moved by two people or with a sack truck, and nobody rushes in the stairwell. You know the price in advance as a fixed price, and we are liable for your goods under the German Commercial Code (HGB) up to €620 per cubic metre (§ 451e HGB). Particularly valuable volumes are best taken with you personally.
Small boxes
Limit the weight
Lift correctly
Equipment
Services that fit
Packing in a back-friendly way is above all about distributing weight. These six points help keep your book boxes manageable and get the books onto the new shelf undamaged.
Pack mixed loads
Not to the brim
Secure the bottom
Label clearly
Plan in breaks
Valuables separately
Only a few book boxes? Shared load
If only a few book boxes need to go somewhere else, for example to a student in a new city or from a house clearance, a shared load can be cheaper: the boxes travel on a lorry that is heading that way anyway. In that case a time window applies instead of a fixed day.
Moving
service without compromise
What applies to books also applies to other heavy things: crockery, tools, files or records belong in small boxes, packed evenly and clearly labelled. Anyone planning a private move with lots of heavy boxes should organise helpers and equipment early – or have the boxes carried for them. On a long-distance move across several federal states, boxes are also stacked tightly in the lorry: sturdy, fully packed book boxes then go at the bottom.
Planning safe and relaxed
Furniture, boxes, transport routes
Costs, timing and special cases
Questions about packing books
Choosing the right box size for books
The most common mistake when packing books is using boxes that are too large. Big boxes seem practical, but filled with books they quickly become so heavy that they can barely be lifted. Instead, use small book boxes of about 40 x 30 x 30 centimetres and stick to a rule of thumb: no heavier than around 20 kilograms per box.
This compact size distributes the weight better and allows you to grip the box securely on both sides. This avoids putting one-sided strain on your spine and at the same time protects delicate book spines from pressure marks during transport.
Lifting and carrying without straining your back
When lifting heavy book boxes, the right lifting technique matters more than strength. Bend your knees, keep your back straight and lift the box with your legs rather than your back. Carry the box as close to your body as possible to minimise leverage and the strain on your spinal discs.
With a particularly large number of boxes, it is also advisable to take regular breaks and carry heavy boxes in pairs. On request, our movers will pack and carry the heavy boxes for you.
Costs in detail
We offer fair and transparent prices: for a 4-room flat we charge from €1,299, for 3 rooms from €915, for 2 rooms from €589 and for 1 room from €365. For houses or villas we always prepare an individual quote. Long distances are no problem either – here the long-distance rate is from €4.10/km. It is best to clarify all the details during a free survey.
What makes the difference in price?
- Volume of household goods
- Number of kilometres (from €4.10/km)
- Floor without or with a lift
- Need for a parking restriction zone (Halteverbotszone)
- Furniture assembly and shared load as additional options
What we do for you
What we do for you
From the small box to the complete company move - here you find our core services.
| Home move | For private households, we offer an all-round worry-free moving service. |
| Furniture transport | We transport your furniture gently and on schedule. |
| Company move | We plan your company move down to the detail and secure operations. |
| Part load | Small moving quantities we transport cost-effectively by part load. |
| Clearance | Creating space made easy - with our clearance. |
| Move with assembly | Your furniture is disassembled, transported and reassembled. |
Books over long distances
On a long-distance move, heavy book boxes sit at the bottom of the lorry and are firmly stowed. We plan such moves from Berlin (Stromstraße 21); find out more under long-distance moves and in the locations overview.
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