As a writer, your prized possession is almost certainly your collection of books. Whether you read reams of epic fantasy or are a sucker for a good literary romance, your books are an important part of your world and have helped you become the author that you are today.
That means that moving time can be stressful. Not only will your family try to cut down on the volume of books you’re planning to move with, but you’ll need to properly transport your library with care if you want them to make the journey in one piece.
That said, moving to a new home also represents an opportunity to improve your home library. You’re working with a blank canvas, and have plenty of options to redesign your reading space to keep your favorite books close at hand. You can also redecorate with reading in mind and may be able to create an even cozier space to sit down and read in peace and quiet.
Caring for Your Collection
If reading plays a central role in your life, you may be worried about the damage that could occur when moving. This is a valid concern; particularly if you have rare or sentimentally important books in your collection. Rather than simply stuffing your books into boxes, follow guidance on how to successfully move your collection, which suggests:
- Cleaning your books to remove dust, mold, or liquid damage
- Prepare them by sorting them in the order that you plan to unpack them
- Take extra care with antiques, wrapping each individual book with acid-free cloth and bubble-wrap
- Label each box properly, so you can find your hardcover fiction and collection of memoirs quickly when you arrive at your new home
Following these steps can help you master the art of crating and shipping during your move and protect your books. Securing proper crating is crucial if you’re transporting a large volume of books and do not want them to get damaged in transit. Nowadays, you can even buy customizable padding and support to ensure that the crates you choose fit your needs exactly. Just be sure to inspect the crates yourself, lest any of your favored books have been accidentally packaged in the wrong packaging.
Creating a Reading Space
Packing up your library can be a little tedious. However, once you’ve got your books in boxes, the fun can begin. Start by creating a blueprint of your new library space and pull tape to get an accurate estimation of where you’ll be able to store your books.
Rather than choosing bookshelves and cabinets at random, consider making an investment in a more permanent solution like bespoke shelving. This will cost a little more, but bespoke, fitted shelving will turn a disorganized writing room into a distinct home library. Fitted shelves will also help you fit as many books as possible into your new space, meaning your passion for reading and writing can flourish following your move.
If this is your first dedicated home library, consider drawing inspiration from writers who have created the perfect writing and reading room. This means you’ll want to include features like:
- Soundproofing the room
- Investing in natural lighting
- Comfortable seating throughout
- Closeness to nature (indoor plants or great views)
You’ll also want to design a room that supports your needs. Before buying a drinks trolley or an espresso machine for your library, ask yourself what you plan on doing while in your new space. Do you plan to work on professional projects while in the library, or is it primarily a space where you plan to get lost in a good book?
This is a question explored by Virginia Woolf, in her 1916 essay “Hours in a Library”, where she draws a distinction between “learners” and “readers”. While the distinction may be a little reductive, answering purpose-driven questions can boost your writerly productivity and help you settle down to enjoy a new book when you’re finished writing for the day.
Getting Rid of Items
While every book is sacred, every reader has a few volumes that are not highly regarded. Getting rid of these books when moving is crucial. They’ll free up space for your most prized novels and will alleviate the sense of despair you feel when you look at your DNF or “to read” pile.
Try to donate items when cleaning out books before a big move by getting in touch with charitable organizations like:
- Salvation Army
- Once Upon a Child
- Goodwill
- Books for Soldiers
- Operation Give
These organizations are in need of books and will ensure that your unwanted volumes find a good home. This can appease your family members, too, who will appreciate lightening the load by shipping books off to good causes before a move.
Conclusion
Moving your home library can be anxiety-inducing if you’ve collected a large collection of rare volumes and prized editions. However, with a careful approach, you can move your books into the new home safely and may benefit from an uptick in comfort and productivity when you’ve finished moving house. Just be sure to design your reading space with your needs in mind, as you’ll need to establish a clear distinction between work and leisure if you want your new library to feel like a home within your home.
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1 Comment
I’m in process of setting up my new office and downsizing books. That’s the toughest part, letting go of my babies. The thing that is helping is knowing that someone else will now enjoy them.