The 5 Most Protective Packing Materials to Use When Moving

You’ve found a new home, planned out your move and are now (finally) ready to start packing. With so much on that moving to-do list, ordering the right packing materials may have fallen by the wayside. Unfortunately, these packing materials can make or break your move (and your belongings – literally), so it’s important that you invest in the right ones. Below, we’ve listed five packing materials that every move should consider having on-hand. These items provide (in our opinion) the best protection for everything from fragile stemware and dishes to delicate antiques and electronics. All of these packing materials can also be found at a number of easy-to-find retailers.

The 5 most protective packing materials

Packing Paper

  • Assess how much packing paper you’ll need to properly protect the item. Tear or cut the amount you need from the packing paper roll.
  • Wrap your belonging in packing paper until it is property protected. This could mean wrapping the item in one layer of packing paper or several – depending on the fragility of the item.
  • Stuff the inside of items (think: cups, mugs and glasses) with packing paper. This will protect the entire item and prevent objects from breaking.
  • Secure the packing paper with tape to keep it in place.
  • As you place items inside moving boxes, be sure to fill in empty gaps with extra paper. This will prevent items from shifting while in transit.

Bubble Cushioning

  • Wrap the fragile item you wish to pack in bubble cushioning to assess how much you need. Cut or tear the amount of bubble cushioning you need.
  • Roll the item in a protective layer of packing paper first, Then, top with a layer of bubble cushioning for added protection.
  • Secure the item with packing tape. Make sure the insides of glasses, cups and mugs have been filled with either bubble cushioning or another packing material.
  • Place item inside moving box and fill empty space with additional protection.

Styrofoam Packing Peanuts

  • Assess how many bags of packing peanuts it’s going to take to fill in your boxes. Make sure to purchase the right amount of loose-fill packing materials for your packing needs.
  • Wrap and protect your item in a proper packing material. Before placing the wrapped item inside a box, dump a layer of packing peanuts inside so that the bottom of the box is properly cushioned.
  • Place the protected item inside the box on top of the layer of packing peanuts.
  • Follow up by filling the rest of the box and surrounding empty space with the remaining packing peanuts.

Packing foam

  • Decide how many foam rolls and pouches you’ll need. For reference, when packing glasses, mugs and plates, you’ll likely need a separate foam pouch for every individual item. We don’t recommend packing multiple items inside a foam pouch.
  • Either wrap items in foam wrap or place inside a foam pouch. If using corner guards, place the foam corner guards on items (think: TVs, picture frames and artwork).
  • Close foam pouches and secure foam wrap with packing tape to keep items properly protected. If the foam wrap doesn’t provide enough protection, you may need to add a layer of packing paper or bubble cushioning as well.
  • Place item inside the moving box and fill empty space with other packing materials.

Specialty packing kits

  • First, decide how many dish and glass packing kits you’ll need. Chances are you’ll need at least two of each for packing dishes and stemware.
  • Assemble the cardboard box that comes with the kit. Make sure the bottom is secured with packing tape but the leave the top flap open.
  • Place the cardboard dividers inside per the packing kit’s instructions.
  • Once the dividers are in place, wrap and protect dishes and glasses in foam pouches, bubble cushioning or packing paper. Place protected items inside the individual compartments.
  • Fill empty space with remaining packing materials. Close and secure the moving box with packing tape.

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. Fortunately, we can help. Check Moving.com’s extensive network of reputable and reliable movers to find the best moving company for your needs. All relocation companies in our network are licensed and insured, so you can rest assured that your move will be in good hands. Good luck and happy moving!