How to Pack Books for Donation
Simple, practical tips to prepare your books for pickup or drop-off
To pack books for donation, use small or medium boxes (banana boxes are ideal), lay the books flat or stand them spine down, and stop filling while the box is still easy to lift. Bags are fine for my drop box, and there's no need to sort anything first. Below is the detail on each step, for the 24/7 drop box or a free pickup in the Albuquerque metro, including when you're clearing shelves before a move.
★★★★★5.0(87 Google Reviews)Last verified October 2026 · Original research by Josh Eldred
Choose the Right Box Size
The most important packing tip: use medium-sized boxes, not large ones. Books are heavy, and a large box filled with books becomes difficult to carry and handle. A medium box holds plenty and still lifts safely.
Grocery store banana boxes are ideal for books. They're sturdy, the right size, and you can often get them for free from your local grocery store. Ask the produce department; they usually have extras.
Don't Overfill Your Boxes
It's tempting to cram as many books as possible into each box to minimize the number of containers. But overfilled boxes become too heavy to transport safely and put strain on the box itself. Fill your boxes until they're full but still manageable to lift and carry.
A good rule of thumb: if the box feels too heavy for you to pick up comfortably, it's too full. Proper packing helps me handle the boxes safely and efficiently.
No Sorting Necessary
Don't spend hours organizing your books by genre, condition, or any other criteria. I accept all books in any condition. Hardcover, paperback, new, used or worn, I take everything. Just pack them up as they are.
This means you can donate your books faster and get them out of your home sooner. I sort every box by hand at the warehouse, so leave the sorting to me.
The one thing worth separating is mold. Put any moldy or musty-smelling books in their own bag and label it, so spores stay away from the clean boxes. Mold is case by case, so text me a photo of those first. If you're unsure, here's how to tell if a book has mold.
Before you pack, flip through each book for cash, photos, letters and receipts; a quick pass on the shelves someone read most is enough. Water-damaged books are welcome, but wet ones never go in the drop box: let them dry first, or text 505-250-3804 for a pickup.
For Free Pickup: Leave by the Door
If you're using my free pickup service, just pack your boxes or bags and leave them by your front door or nearest accessible location. Make sure they're easy to spot and access. I'll handle the rest, and you don't need to be home or meet me.
Request your free pickup online or text 505-250-3804. Pickups are scheduled by route across the Albuquerque metro, and I'll confirm the day with you before I come.
For My 24/7 Drop Box: Bags or Boxes
If you prefer to drop off your books at my 24/7 drop box, you have flexibility. Place your books in bags, boxes or any container that works for you. No special packing or organizing needed. Just bring your donations and drop them off anytime that's convenient for you.
My drop box is available around the clock, so you can donate before work, after hours, or whenever it fits your schedule. It is the covered box outside the gate, by the road, at 5445 Edith Blvd NE in the North Valley.
Heavy load? Between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. every day, someone at the warehouse can help you unload, and that's also the time to come if the covered box outside the gate is already full (or text 505-250-3804). Shipping from outside New Mexico instead? Pack the books flat in a sturdy box, fill the gaps so nothing shifts, and see how to donate books by mail at the Media Mail rate.
Quick Packing Checklist
- ✓ Use medium-sized boxes or grocery store banana boxes
- ✓ Don't overfill: every box should be easy to lift
- ✓ No sorting by genre, condition, or type needed
- ✓ For pickup: leave boxes by the door
- ✓ For drop box: use bags or boxes, any condition works as long as the books are dry
Next: Drop Box or Pickup
Use medium boxes, fill them so they still lift easily, and don't worry about sorting.
Ready to clear your shelves? Schedule a pickup or head to my drop box location today. I've collected an estimated 500,000 pounds of books and media since 2021 (how I estimate it) and I'm ready for more.