The 5 Most Protective Packing Materials to Use When Moving

You’re moving soon and need to start packing, but don’t overlook the importance of choosing the right protective packing materials! Using the wrong ones could lead to damage or breakage of your belongings during the move.

These materials offer superior protection for fragile items like stemware, dishes, antiques, and electronics. Best of all, you can easily find these packing materials at many retailers near you. So, read on to discover which packing materials you need to ensure a smooth and successful move!

1. Packing Paper

If you’re on a budget, packing paper is an affordable and easy-to-use option for protecting your items during a move. Wrap kitchen items, small electronics, and delicate items like paintings and picture frames in it. Packing paper can also fill gaps in the box to prevent shifting. However, for extra fragile items, consider adding bubble cushioning or foam on top of the paper. Keep in mind that using newsprint paper instead of packing paper could lead to ink stains on your belongings.

How to use packing paper for moving

• To use packing paper for moving, start by determining the amount needed to protect your item adequately.
• Cut or tear the paper accordingly from the roll. Wrap the item in one or several layers of paper, depending on its fragility.
• For items like cups and glasses, stuff them with paper to protect the entire item.
• Secure the paper with tape to keep it in place.
• As you pack items into boxes, fill any empty gaps with additional paper to prevent movement during transit.

2. Bubble Cushioning

Don’t forget to include bubble cushioning in your list of packing materials. Bubble cushioning is ideal for protecting fragile items like glassware, china, crystal, and antiques during a move. While it may not be as economical as packing paper, it offers top-notch protection.  Fill any gaps with packing paper for added protection.

How to use bubble cushioning for moving

• Start by wrapping the item in a layer of packing paper to prevent any scratches or scuffs. Then, add an additional layer of bubble cushioning on top of the packing paper to absorb any impact and protect against any potential drops or jostles during transit.
• For items such as glasses, cups, and mugs, be sure to fill the inside with either bubble cushioning or another suitable packing material. This not only protects the contents of the item, but also prevents them from shifting around and potentially breaking during the move.
• When placing the item in the moving box, be sure to fill any empty space with additional packing materials such as packing paper, foam peanuts, or more bubble cushioning. This will prevent the item from shifting around in the box and provide extra cushioning in case of any bumps or drops during the move.

3. Styrofoam Packing Peanuts

While packing peanuts made of Styrofoam are a popular option for filling empty spaces in moving boxes, they may not be the best choice for delicate or fragile items. However, packing peanuts can still be useful for filling in any gaps in the boxes. If you want a cleaner alternative, you can opt for larger Styrofoam blocks.

How to use packing peanuts for moving

• Before beginning to pack your belongings, it’s important to assess how many bags of packing peanuts you’ll need to fill in your boxes. It’s crucial to ensure that you have the right amount of loose-fill packing materials for your packing needs to guarantee the safety of your items during transit.
• Once you have determined the amount of packing peanuts needed, wrap and protect your item in a suitable packing material. This will provide an extra layer of protection against any impact during transport.
•  Be sure to secure the wrapped item in place to prevent it from moving around during transport.
• Finally, fill the rest of the box and surrounding empty spaces with the remaining packing peanuts.

4. Packing foam

Packing foam provides versatility and efficacy in safeguarding items during a move. Foam rolls and sheets offer added protection for larger objects, while foam pouches are ideal for smaller items. Though more costly than other materials, the dependability and ease of use of packing foam often justify the investment for the peace of mind it offers.

How to use packing foam for moving

• Before packing fragile items, determine the quantity of foam rolls and pouches needed.
  Wrap the items with foam wrap or insert them into foam pouches.
• For added protection, consider using packing paper or bubble cushioning in conjunction with foam wrap.
• Close foam pouches securely with tape.
• Place the wrapped items inside the moving box and fill any remaining space with other packing materials to prevent shifting during transit.

5. Specialty packing kits

Specialty packing kits are a reliable and efficient option for safeguarding delicate and fragile items during a move, albeit at a higher cost. Of all household items requiring utmost protection, kitchenware takes the lead, making dish packing kits and glass divider kits highly sought after for packing individual dishes, stemware, and glasses.

How to use packing kits for moving

• A dish packing kit or glass divider kit, which typically includes a cardboard box and divider set, can help keep items separated and protected in transit.
• Wrap and secure each item in foam pouches or bubble cushioning before placing them inside the individual compartments.
• Fill any remaining space with additional packing materials, then securely close and tape the box.

For a list of additional moving supplies that we recommend having on-hand, check here.

Ready to move?

So, you’ve gathered moving supplies and are ready to start packing. Now, all you need to do is find the best moving company to move your belongings. Good luck and happy moving!

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