How to Use Plastic Wrap When Moving

Packing up your house for a move? Make plastic wrap your new best friend. This simple, clingy material is one of the most important packing supplies to have on-hand when prepping your belongings for a move. Not only will it protect your furniture, artwork and other items from damage during transport, but it will also help condense large items such as rugs and furniture, so that you have more space in the moving truck for other belongings. Here’s a quick rundown on how to use plastic wrap for moving.

What is plastic wrap used for when moving?

While plastic wrap (also called stretch wrap) can certainly be tricky to use, don’t let it intimidate you. Despite its clingy, drive-you-crazy ways, it’s one of the best and most efficient materials for packing heavy items when moving. Plastic, stretchy wrap tends to be tear-resistant and can hold even the largest of items together for the duration of the move. Plastic wrap is commonly used on furniture with drawers and doors, such as dressers, desks, hutches, chests, and sideboards, when moving. In addition, plastic wrap can add an extra layer of protection for artwork, couches, chairs and anything with cushions when moving. It can also be used to keep furniture parts together such as a table or bed that have been disassembled for the move.

How do I use plastic wrap for moving?

Before wrapping your belongings in plastic wrap, make sure the items have been properly cleaned and disassembled. If the item has drawers, be sure to empty these as well to make the lifting less strenuous. Planning to wrap the item in padding? I recommend doing so before wrapping the plastic wrap around the item. The plastic wrap will only help keep protective materials in place. Once you’re ready to get wrapping, have another person hold the item still while you wrap the plastic wrap around the item. You may want to wrap belongings both horizontally and vertically to ensure that every part of your item is secured. The best part? You won’t need packing tape, as plastic wrap sticks to itself.

Where can I find plastic wrap?

Fortunately, plastic wrap isn’t hard to come by. You can find rolls of wrap at your local Home Depot, Office Depot, Lowes and Walmart. You can also find plastic wrap on Uline.com and UHaul.com. Of course, you can always get great discounts on moving supplies from Moving.com’s box center . We’ve partnered with two different providers, UBoxes.com and UsedCardboardBoxes.com, to help you buy the necessary moving boxes and packing supplies at great prices.

Other useful packing materials

• Cardboard boxes – When moving, you’re going to need lots of cardboard boxes to hold your belongings. Just make sure to place heavy items inside small cardboard boxes and light items inside large cardboard boxes.
• Plastic bins – Clear plastic bins are an excellent, waterproof way to pack electronics. Given that they are see-through, you’ll also be able to find your belongings without having to dig through a pile of boxes.
• Peanuts – While messy to deal with, peanuts provide plenty of cushioning inside moving boxes and can be especially helpful in protecting items while in transport.
• Moving blankets – When moving appliances, musical instruments and furniture, moving blankets are key. Not only do they provide protection from rain and outside elements, but they also prevent your house and belongings from getting scratched or banged up while moving.
• Dolly – Planning to move a heavy piece of furniture or a bulky appliance? You’ll need to rent a dolly or hand truck to help you get the item out the door. You can find dolly rentals at UHaul.com or you can rent them at Home Depot’s moving equipment rental service. If you decide to purchase a dolly, you can find them at Walmart, Home Depot and Lowes.
• Towels – Don’t have moving blankets? Use old beach or bath towels instead. Towels are an easy and cheap way to provide an extra layer of protection to your belongings when moving.
• Foam – Foam is perfect for protecting delicate china and fragile glassware during the moving process. It also serves as an excellent alternative to other protective materials. You can find foam in the shape of foam pouches tailor-made to fit specific items, or you can purchase them in sheets from Uline.com and Amazon.

Hiring professional movers

Of course, you can always find professionals to wrap and prepare your things for moving. Fortunately, there are many movers and shipping companies who specialize in packing and handling these very things. To find them, you don’t have to look any further than Moving.com. All relocation companies in our network are also licensed and insured, which means your move is sure to be in good hands. Best of luck and happy moving!