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, whether you're heading to the 24/7 drop box or getting ready for a free pickup in the Albuquerque metro, including when you're clearing shelves before a move.
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. Medium boxes strike the perfect balance between capacity and weight.
Pro tip: grocery store banana boxes work great for packing 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 available.
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, 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 have the resources and processes to handle all types of books, 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. If you're unsure, here's how to tell if a book has mold.
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—no need for you to be home or meet anyone.
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—whatever 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. Located at 5445 Edith Blvd NE, Unit A in the North Valley, I'm here to make donating simple.
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—boxes should be manageable 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
That's All There Is to It
Packing books for donation is straightforward when you keep it simple. Use medium boxes, fill them properly, and don't worry about sorting. Whether you choose free pickup or my 24/7 drop box, I'm ready to receive your donations.
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.