The Best Protective Packing Materials for Moving

Author: Steve

May. 06, 2024

The Best Protective Packing Materials for Moving

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Whether your next move is big or small, there’s probably some packing to do on the horizon. But what packing materials do you need for moving? You likely know you need moving boxes. However, when it comes to protecting the stuff that goes inside your boxes, it can be a little less clear.

To give you a head start, we put together this guide that outlines the best packing supplies for moving, and more specifically, the best packing material for fragile items. That way, when you box up your fine china, antique décor, pricey gadgets, and everything in between, you can pack with confidence knowing you have the best materials for the job at hand, as recommended by the packing experts.

Need packing materials for shipping?

 

Use our helpful guide on How to Pack Boxes for Shipping to view essential packing tips and learn which packing materials we recommend you use for shipping.

Best Packing Material for Packing Fragile Items

1. Enviro-Bubble® Cushion

Bubble cushion, bubble wrap, etc. Whatever you want to call it – those air-filled bubbles that you loved popping as a kid (and maybe still do) are a must-have when it comes to protecting items in moving boxes. The reason bubble cushion is so effective is because the plastic air-filled bubbles are lightweight and easy to use yet they provide effective cushion to keep your items in one piece. Our Enviro-Bubble is available is large and small bubble sizes to accommodate different sized items and different needs.

How to Use Bubble Cushion to Protect Your Items

Bubble cushion is one of the best materials for wrapping and protecting fragile items like electronics, glassware, artwork, home décor, and more. We recommend you use large bubbles for impact protection and small bubbles for abrasion protection. When wrapping your items, be sure to keep the bubble-side on the inside facing toward your item for maximum cushioning. Keep in mind that bubble cushion doesn’t secure itself. Pair it with packing tape or mover’s wrap to keep it in place.

Other ways to use bubble cushion:

  • Fill voice space in boxes to prevent shifting
  • Line bottoms of moving boxes to provide shock absorption
  • Fill the inside of cups, glasses, vases, and mugs

Want more information on Bubble Cushion?

 

Check out our Bubble Packaging 101: A Complete User's Guide to learn more!

2. Packing Paper

Packing Paper also carries several monikers, including wrapping paper, moving paper, and packaging paper. But no matter the nickname, this type of material is a staple in the world of packing, and for good reason. For starters, it’s one of the more affordable protective materials out there. It’s also available in bulk and extremely versatile. Most packing paper is made from recycled newsprint paper, so it can be recycled after you’re move is finished for a more sustainable move (be sure the tape is removed). It’s also acid-free so it’s safe to use on a variety of surfaces.

How to Use Packing Paper

Packing paper - also known as paper moving pads is best suited for filling open spaces in moving boxes and storage containers to keep your items from shifting or colliding during transport. The sheets of paper easily crumple and fold so they can be stuffed into tight spaces and keep your items safely immobilized and scratch-free. Packing paper is also useful for wrapping items and providing protection, like bubble cushion. Just know that it doesn’t provide the same level of cushioning as bubble cushion.

Other ways to use packing paper:

  • Fill the inside of cups, glasses, vases, and mugs
  • Classroom art and drawing projects
  • Line pet cages (birds, hamsters, etc.)

3. Biodegradable Packing Peanuts

Biodegradable Packing Peanuts are like the traditional Styrofoam peanuts that have been used for packing and shipping for decades, only they’re 100% biodegradable and environmentally friendly, making them a guilt-free choice. They’re also anti-static, so they’re a natural solution for packing electronics. Made with natural materials, biodegradable packing peanuts are dust-free and abrasion resistant so you can safely use them alongside your most fragile items. You can even flush them down your toilet when you’re finished!

How to Use Packing Peanuts

Packing peanuts are hands down the best void fill material, great for moving or shipping. Use packing peanuts when packing electronics, large crystal vases, collectibles, glass figurines, and other fragile items. Packing peanuts are so effective because the unique size and shape allows them to fill empty spaces better than packing paper and other larger, more rigid materials typically used for void fill. Use packing peanuts for moving, shipping, or storage.

Note that we don’t recommend using packing peanuts alone when packing for moving. It’s always best to use a material like bubble cushion to provide some level of impact protection, then fill the box with packing peanuts for immobilization as the last step in the process.

4. Dish Foam

When it comes to packing dishes and glasses, you have options. You can get away with using packing paper or bubble cushion (or both), but those aren’t the most effective materials. Those also take longer to apply and use up materials that would be better served elsewhere. That’s where dish foam comes in. This soft, compact material is designed specifically to cushion and protect fragile kitchen.

How to Use Dish Foam

Dish foam was designed to make packing dishware more efficient. It’s the perfect size for safely stacking plates or wrapping glasses before placing them in a box. You can also use it with collectibles, silver, stemware, and other fragile items around the home. Dish foam also comes in pre-formed pouches that make packing plates, bowls, and other serving dishes as simple as sliding them in the pouch.

Other ways to use dish foam:

  • Fill the inside of cups, glasses, vases, and mugs
  • Wrap antiques, collectibles, and other valuables
  • Fill void space in boxes (if other materials aren’t available)

5. Corrugated Dunnage

If you’re not familiar with corrugated dunnage, think of it as cardboard pieces that are placed strategically in a box to protect the items inside. It’s more commonly used in industrial or commercial shipping, but the same concept can be applied to packing for a move as well. Corrugated dunnage isn’t the best choice when it comes to protection. However, its rigid nature makes it useful for immobilization. It’s also an economical packing choice if you’re moving on a budget.

How to Use Corrugated Dunnage

Using corrugated dunnage to protect items in a moving box mostly entails using spare boxes to fill gaps and keep items from colliding. For example, you can cut up a box and using the strips to create protective cells between rows of plates or glasses to keep things isolated. Or you can place a small piece of cardboard between plates as you stack them, so they stay isolated and immobilized.

Pro Tip!

 

The company is the world’s best Shock-Resistant Packaging Solutions supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

If you’re looking for cheap packing materials, you may be able to find free boxes at your local U-Haul center at the Take a Box, Leave a Box bin to use as corrugated dunnage.

Get Your Packing Materials for Moving in One Place

When you’re ready to get your move underway, be sure to stop by your local U-Haul location or visit uhaul.com to stock up on packing essentials for moving. U-Haul carries a wide variety of moving boxes, packing supplies, and other products designed to Make Moving Easier. When you order online, choose from Same-Day Delivery or FREE in-store pickup for added convenience.

More Articles About Packing:

Bubble Wrap or Foam Wrap – Which is Best for Packaging?

Here at Springpack we know the importance of protecting your goods during transit. So we’ve decided to explore the benefits of two of the most commonly used packaging materials; Bubble wrap and Foam. Both are great for protecting products and holding them in place. Both do their job without adding unnecessary weight to the package. But which is better?

 

Making the right selection can have a significant impact on the efficiency of your operation. Here’s our guide on how to select the right material for your needs!

 

 

 

How it works:

Bubble Wrap contains hundreds of air filled pockets which are encased within layers of polyethylene. These bubbles of air suspend the product in the box, acting as a soft cushion barrier that absorbs shock in the event of unexpected movement and therefore prevents damage.

 

Main benefits:

It’s extremely lightweight which means it’s easy to use in the warehouse and can reduce shipping costs. Providing excellent all-round protection, the highly versatile Bubble Wrap is available in several different types, most commonly in rolls which are easily cut to length and prevents excess material being wasted. Also available in an anti-static version, which is ideal for packaging electronics as it won’t produce electrostatic charges.

 

What it’s best for:

This material can be used for a number of applications depending on the thickness, for example, standard Bubble Wrap is great for protecting light to medium products and premium Bubble Wrap for packing fragile or very heavy items. Bubble Wrap is especially effective in the wrapping of fragile items, providing the soft cushioning that’s needed.

 

What it doesn’t work well for:

Bubble Wrap isn’t necessarily suitable for wrapping polished. There is a risk of it leaving small cell marks that are difficult to remove. Items constructed using polished metal, glass or wood are all susceptible to this. It might be best to select an alternative protective material for products made of these materials.

 

 

How it works:

Foam consists of tiny air cells packed tightly together, which provide excellent cushioning and give the material bounce. It is both lighter and thinner than Bubble Wrap and also takes up less space on site and within cartons.

 

Main benefits:

For such a lightweight and thin material, foam offers astounding protection. In particular against rubbing and scuffing. It is also lint and dust free.

Packaging foam can be reused time and time again too. It also retains its ‘bounce’ and protective qualities throughout several uses, which could save you money!

As well as foam sheets, you can use foam corners and edge protectors. They all act as a buffer between the product and the box. Foam is easy to cut to size too. It is easily handled and is available in a variety of thicknesses.

 

What it’s best for:

Foam is entirely non-abrasive. This means it will not scratch or leave any marks. It’s perfect for wrapping polished and shiny items like metal, glass or polished wood.

It also provides thermal insulation to protect items that are temperature sensitive. It’s less likely to build static electricity than Bubble Wrap, which means it’s better suited to packing electrical equipment.

 

Why not combine them?

For the ultimate product protection, you could combine these two materials. Imagine the shock-absorbing cushion of bubble with the non-abrasive properties of foam!

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