The boxes that break more often than others are those filled with heavy items, especially books. You’ll have to prepare them first if you need to pack boxes full of books. With a double layer of packing tape, cover all the seams on the box. Ensure the tape runs at least halfway up the box on the sides when you tape the center flap on the bottom. For extra security, tape crisscrossed across the bottom of the box in addition to placing cut pieces of cardboard at the bottom of the box. Pack hardcovers vs paperback. When packing both paperbacks and hardcover cover books, the each have their own technique to increase safety.