We conduct a detailed inventory of your entire collection, including photographs and condition reports for each item. Our trained crews use specialized equipment and techniques to ensure safe and secure loading and unloading of the collection. We use high-quality, archival-grade packing materials to cushion and protect objects from shock, vibration, and environmental factors. If items need to be stored in our warehouse during transportation for any length of time, we do have a secure yard as well as locked doors and property cameras inside and outside of our warehouse facility.

We’ll begin with a thorough assessment of the collection. This includes determining the volume and weight of the entire collection, identifying different materials (books, periodicals, audiovisual materials, archival documents, etc.), and assessing the condition of items to determine if any require special handling or protective measures (e.g., acid-free boxes for archival materials). We will then begin packing by using high-quality packing materials specifically designed for library collections. We carefully pack books vertically in sturdy boxes, alternating the direction of the spines to prevent shifting. We bundle periodicals in groups and wrap them securely. Any audiovisual materials are carefully packed in individual containers and then placed in larger boxes. Items with unique value (rare books, manuscripts, etc.) are handled with extreme care and may require specialized packing techniques. When it comes to destination, we will deliver the items to the designated location and place them in the appropriate areas. We carefully unpack items and place them on shelves or in designated storage areas according to the library’s instructions. We also conduct a final inspection to ensure that all items have been delivered.

We conduct a thorough inventory of every single box of books in the collection, including unique identification numbers, detailed descriptions (authors, genre, type of material, etc.), photographs, and condition reports. These lists are kept digitally so that they can be accessed at any time during the move. There is also a check-off process during delivery to ensure that each item made it safely to destination.

For moves such as this, we will send out our most experienced movers as well as a project manager to oversee the services. This will typically be the person that has been the main communicator with you throughout this process.