How to pack books and important documents

Books and papers look harmless, but they cause two common moving problems: cartons too heavy to lift safely, and important documents lost in the shuffle.

Books

• Use small cartons only. A large carton full of books can weigh more than 30 kg and will split or injure someone.
• Pack books flat or spine-down, never with the spine facing up.
• Fill gaps with paper so books do not slide.
• Wrap rare or valuable books individually in paper.

Important documents: keep them with you

Never pack these in cartons going on the truck:

• Property papers, rent and sale agreements
• Aadhaar, PAN, passports, voter IDs
• Certificates, mark sheets and degrees
• Insurance policies, vehicle RC and insurance
• Bank documents, cheque books and medical records

Put them in a waterproof folder or document bag, and carry it in your hand luggage. Keep scanned copies on your phone or in email as a backup.

Office files

For office moves, files go into numbered, sealed cartons that stay closed until they reach the right cabin. See our office relocation checklist.