Updated on June 5, 2024
While working through your moving timeline, packing will be an ongoing endeavor starting about two months out up to your moving day. Before you begin packing, stocking up on supplies is a good idea. You don’t want to run out of bubble wrap, packing paper, boxes, or moving tape while packing, especially if you have people over to help. Check below to see which moving supplies might be the most beneficial based on your specific circumstances and how to wrap them with bubble wrap to protect your belongings during your upcoming move.
How to Use Bubble Wrap
Bubble wrap is suitable for wrapping fragile or breakable objects before placing them in a box. It can be used for picture frames, wall art, dishes, glassware, etc. You can even use bubble wrap for furniture to add further protection during your move. Wrap the item at least three times to ensure proper protection of your stuff - although you can always do more layers if you feel like you need more protection.
Pro Tip: Should bubble wrap face in or out when using it? When using bubble wrap, make sure you wrap your stuff with the bubbles facing inward for the best protection and the flat side of the bubble wrap facing outwards. That way, it is braced by the little pockets all over the wrapping if the item is jostled, dropped, or hit against something.
Other Packing Materials You Can Use
Bubble wrap is a terrific tool for keeping your stuff and delicate items safe during a move. If you cannot find or don’t have the time to get yet another round of moving supplies, there are other things you can use to protect your items that you can probably find lying around your house! Below are some common packaging material alternatives to bubble wrap that can still provide protection to your fragile items.
Packing peanuts
While you may not have some lying around, packing peanuts are best used for filling gaps in a box. You want to prevent any dead space in boxes. Extra space in boxes can cause them to collapse, damaging the contents. You can also fill leftover space with lightweight items such as packing paper, extra towels, or blankets. However, as a bonus, packing peanuts can absorb some humidity, which protects metal items and electronics in transit.
If you are planning a move soon and purchase anything that comes with these packing peanuts, be sure to hang onto them!
Newspaper
One of the benefits of unprinted newspaper or packing paper is that it is biodegradable and eco-friendly. It can also be layered for extra protection. The ink on standard newspapers can bleed onto your belongings, causing discoloration, so be sure to choose the unprinted variety. If you can’t get any undyed newspaper, you can wrap your stuff in a light cloth first, then use the paper for added protection.
Plastic wrap
Plastic stretch wrap comes in different widths that look and feel like saran wrap. It is used to hold items together like drawers in a dresser. You can also use it to wrap soft furniture or wooden furniture to protect the surface from dirt, water, and the dings of moving. Typically, stretch wrap comes in very large rolls but can be used to hold items together with flat and uneven surfaces.
If you are unable to get or find large plastic wrap, saran wrap can also be a cheap alternative on a smaller scale. If you buy the generic version at your local grocery store, it can hold items together or protect them from harm.
Moving blankets or towels
Moving blankets can be purchased or sometimes rented. They are often referred to as furniture pads. You can also substitute large blankets or large beach towels you already have. These items are best suited for wrapping furniture to keep it from getting scratched in transit. You can use moving blankets with plastic stretch wrap to hold the blankets in place.
Tape gun dispenser
The most time-saving tool for packing is probably a tape gun dispenser. It allows you to quickly seal the bottom and tops of all your boxes without having the tape roll over itself or lose the edge of it off the roll.
Double-tape the bottom of each box before packing with strong tape to minimize the risk of the box breaking down in transit.
Make Your Next Move Simpler with 1-800-PACK-RAT
To simplify moving and storage, 1-800-PACK-RAT has partnered with Lowe’s Home Improvement to offer moving supplies that can be purchased or shipped to you (please visit Lowe’s website to confirm availability). You can purchase boxes, moving blankets, mattress bags, locks, and much more alongside any other home improvement needs you might have.
Another valuable tool on our website is the space calculator, which can easily help you estimate the number of portable storage containers you might need to move or store your belongings.
If you still have questions, call us and let us know what you need. Our portable storage containers are perfect for any local or long-distance move you might be making, as we handle all of the driving and give you as much time as you need to pack. If you need on-site storage or storage at one of our nationwide facilities, we can provide that for you as well - no driving to an off-site storage area is required on your part. No matter your needs, 1-800-PACK-RAT makes moving and storage simple for you!