The best packing materials (and how to use them) for your next pass
When to apply bubble wrap
According to some experts, your packaging materials will depend mostly on the container that you are using, not the items that you are packing. But if you are looking to add some extra cushioning to your fragile belongings, bubble wrap is a consistent crowd-pleaser.
Bubble wrap works just fine for a vase, it all depends on which box you place it in. You can fill the gaps with packing peanuts if you throw it into a cardboard box which is a bit big for the job. Even covering the vase in bubble wrap is always a smart idea.
In addition to cocooning your valuables in a bubble wrap sheet (or two), a lot of professionals recommend adding a few layers to your shipping container.
It is best to line the bottoms and sides with bubble wrap on the inside of boxes. The bubble wrap lets you build a buffer zone inside box confines.
Bubble wrap is not the most durable wrapping material out there, however. Try to preserve used bubble wrap for your next big move, and reuse one sheet of wrap a couple of times before tossing it.
When to use peanuts
Anyone who's ever unpacked a box of candles only to get their hands coated in tiny pieces of styrofoam knows how disgusting peanuts can be. But if you want to make sure your belongings get in one piece from point A to point B, packing peanuts is a necessary evil. This bulky packaging material is probably your packing strategy's unspoken hero: in addition to filling up uncomfortable nooks and crannies effectively, packing peanuts will secure your valuables in a few ways.
They shield products from humidity by absorbing a portion of it, which is why they are also used in metal objects and electronics packaging. Packing the amount of the peanuts in size makes them a top candidate for packaging heavier products like car parts.
When Using Paper
Ever wonder why this vase or set of glasses of wine came wrapped in brown paper? Packaging paper (or unprinted newsprint) is, it turns out, a favourite among the professionals.
Skilled packers use unprinted newsprint, which is environmentally friendly and biodegradable. This is not only an environmentally friendly option, it also gets the job done.
Not only is the packaging paper form-fitting to the packed contents, but the paper can be coated, offering more protection for the packed contents.
At first glance it doesn't seem as secure to fill your cardboard boxes with a bunch of paper as, say, a roll of bubble wrap or peanuts. So how do you use paper for the packaging? The goal is click here to downpat the plan.
A generous amount of newsprint goes a long way and the best tip to use this paper is to wrap in layers and ensure that there is no dead space in your boxes. Pack up newsprint to fill up your box with empty spaces. The less items they are able to shake around, the more secure they become.
How to render reusable packaging
Just because you're packing up and moving something new does not mean that you're going to have to wreak havoc on Mother Nature. If you're on the market for environmentally friendly alternatives to packaging materials, there's a good chance you might already own some of your essential packaging materials.
It's highly recommended that you move your items using reusable plastic containers. They are robust and waterproof, can act as containers for storage and they are environmentally friendly too.
Wraping dainty mirrors in some spare blankets, too, is a smart idea. Looking for some smaller image frames or coffee mugs to protect? Also, a chunky sweater or pair of sweatpants get the job done.
Now that you know all the packaging materials you need to use, the only thing left is to take out the packaging tape and reusable containers. Happy move!