Moving Out of Albuquerque? Here's What to Do With Your Books
You've accepted the job offer, found a new place, and you're starting to pack. But as you look at your bookshelves, you're faced with a question every relocating reader knows: do I really want to move all these books? Before you start boxing them up, here's what you need to know.
Moving is expensive. Every pound you move costs money. Shipping a heavy box of books across the country can run common reading copy prices to mid-range collectible prices, depending on distance and weight. A typical box of books weighs 40-60 pounds—heavier than most people realize.
Before you pack your entire book collection, here's the practical question: is it worth shipping? And here's the emotional question: do you actually want these books in your new home?
Moving is an opportunity to be intentional about what you keep and what you let go. For your books, that means deciding which ones are worth the shipping cost and which are ready to find new homes in Albuquerque.
Last verified May 2026 · Original research by Josh Eldred
The Math: Shipping vs. Donating Books
Here's what it costs to move books:
- One box of books (40 lbs): solid mid-range collectible value to ship via USPS, UPS, or FedEx depending on destination
- Moving truck add-on: Movers typically charge pennies-1.00 per pound for long-distance moves
- For a 100-book collection: Could cost upper mid-range collectible value in shipping/moving costs alone
Meanwhile, donating your books costs nothing. You can drop them off for free at the New Mexico Literacy Project's 24/7 dropbox, or schedule a pickup if you have a large quantity.
Here's the real question: Is every book in your collection worth common reading copy range to ship? If the answer is no, donation is the financially smart choice.
Which Books Are Worth Shipping?
Not all books deserve space in your moving truck. Here's how to decide what's worth shipping and what's ready to donate:
Ship These Books:
- Rare or valuable books: First editions, signed copies, collectibles, or books with genuine monetary value
- Reference books you use regularly: If you consult them often, they're worth the space
- Books with emotional significance: Gifts, signed copies, books from important people in your life
- Books about your specific field: Professional references or books related to your work
- Books you've reread or plan to reread: You loved them once; you'll love them again
- Favorite series or author collections: If you're a devoted fan, keep them
Donate These Books:
- Books you haven't opened in 5+ years: Chances are you won't in your new location either
- Duplicates or similar books: Keep your favorite version; donate the extras
- Books aligned with hobbies you've moved past: If you're not woodworking anymore, donate those woodworking books
- Textbooks and old education materials: Outdated and rarely reread
- Trendy books you read once: Unless they're meaningful, they're just taking up space
- Books that don't reflect who you are now: You've grown; your collection can grow too
- Books with condition issues: Heavy, worn, or damaged books are expensive to move
The practical rule: if you wouldn't pay a few dollars to ship a book, donate it instead.
The Smart Way to Handle Books Before Moving
Donate First, Pack Second
The best moving strategy is to get your books sorted, donate the ones you're not keeping, and then pack only what remains. This reduces moving costs, lightens your load, and ensures only books you genuinely want arrive at your new home.
- 24/7 dropbox available: Drop off at any time before moving day. No appointment needed.
- Quick process: Whether 20 books or 200, donation takes minutes.
- Location: 5445 Edith Blvd NE, Unit A, Albuquerque, NM 87107
- Large quantity? Call 702-496-4214 to schedule pickup if you need assistance
- Timing: Donate early in your packing process, not last minute
Your books go to readers and programs in Albuquerque. You leave knowing you've done something good for the community you're leaving.
Many people moving out of Albuquerque find this process cathartic. You're curating your collection intentionally, you're keeping books in circulation in the community you called home, and you're starting fresh in your new location with only books you love.
Timeline for Moving Books
Here's a practical timeline for handling books when relocating:
8-6 Weeks Before Moving
Start going through your books. Decide what you're keeping, what you're shipping, and what you're donating. Don't move this quickly; give yourself time to think.
4-2 Weeks Before Moving
Organize books you're donating. If you have a large quantity, call 702-496-4214 to schedule a pickup. If it's smaller, you can drop off at your convenience.
2 Weeks Before Moving
Donate your books to the New Mexico Literacy Project. This removes them from your home before packing, clears space, and reduces your moving costs.
Moving Week
Pack only the books you're keeping. They'll be the last thing you pack and the first thing you unpack in your new home.
Other Options When Moving
1. Sell Books Online
If you have valuable books, you could sell them online through Amazon, eBay, or specialized bookselling platforms. However, the time investment and low per-book returns often don't make sense when you're busy moving.
Unless you have genuinely rare or valuable books, donation is faster and easier.
2. Gift Books to Friends Staying in Albuquerque
Do you have friends or colleagues staying in Albuquerque who might want your books? Whether they're in the Nob Hill area, East Mountains, or anywhere else in the city, you could gift them books you're not moving, which feels more personal than donating them.
This works well for smaller quantities or books with special meaning to specific people. For larger collections, bulk donation is more practical.
3. Leave Books With Your Moving Company
Some moving companies can donate books to charity on your behalf. However, this is slower than personal donation and you lose direct control. It's an option if you're in a real time crunch, but donation yourself is simpler.
4. Store Books Temporarily
If you're not sure about some books yet, you could store them temporarily. However, storage is expensive. A storage unit for 100 books might cost the mid-range collectible zone per month. After a few months, the storage cost exceeds the value of the books.
Better to make a decision now. If you haven't missed the book after a few weeks, you won't miss it.
Questions About Moving With Books
How much does it cost to ship a box of books across the country?
Typically the mid-range collectible zone per box depending on distance and weight. A standard box of books weighs 40-60 pounds. For cross-country moves, figure common reading copy range per pound for shipping plus handling.
Can I donate books the day before I move?
Yes! The 24/7 dropbox is available anytime. Even moving day morning, you can quickly drop off books before your movers arrive. No appointment needed.
What if I change my mind about a book after I donate it?
If you're having doubts about donating books, wait until you're more certain. Sort carefully first. Once donated, I can't track individual books for you. Better to be confident in your decision before donating.
Can I donate books on the day I'm leaving town?
Yes, the 24/7 dropbox is always available. However, it's better to donate earlier in your packing process so you have more time and space to organize. Don't wait until the last moment.
Should I donate rare books or sell them?
If you have genuinely valuable books (first editions, signed copies, rare editions), selling is worth it. For regular used books, the time to list and ship often isn't worth the return. Donation is faster.
Will there be space for new books in my new home?
Starting fresh with only books you love gives you room to grow your collection in your new location. You're not moving boxes of books that never get read, leaving space for books that will.
Moving Is a Chance to Curate Your Collection
Moving can feel overwhelming — so many logistics, so many decisions. But the books are actually an opportunity. You're moving to a new chapter in your life. Your bookshelves can reflect that.
By donating books you're not taking with you, you're not just reducing your moving costs. You're being intentional about your collection. You're saying: these are the books that matter to me, and these are the books that should go to other readers.
That's a good feeling. And your new home will be filled only with books you truly love.
Ready to Donate Your Books Before Moving?
Get books out of your moving truck and into the hands of Albuquerque readers. Save on shipping costs and move only what matters.
24/7 Dropbox:
5445 Edith Blvd NE, Unit A, Albuquerque, NM 87107
No appointment needed. Drop off anytime.