When it comes to moving, plenty of people believe that cutting corners on packing supplies is a good way to reduce the moving costs, it is really easy to get free moving boxes, and you can always replace professional wrapping materials with newspapers and old clothes. If you want to make sure that all of your things arrive in one piece to your new house, however, you should prepare the best packing strategies for moving and use the best possible protection when wrapping your things and you can’t do that with old moving boxes or substitute packing materials.
Bubble Wrap vs. Packing Paper – Which One Is Better to Use?
This is the same type of question as if you were asking if cardboard boxes are better than corrugated boxes. The answer is the same: it depends on the purpose. Both cushioning and sheet materials are necessary for protecting various items and both are commonly used.
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Advantages of using bubble wrap:
- Extremely protective. Air-filled bubbles absorb vibrations, shocks, and hits during transport. Any possibility of damage is almost unthinkable with this material.
- Adequate for items of any shape. If you are worried about how to pack some objects of irregular shapes or with sharp edges, bubbles are your friends. There isn’t a single item that cannot be protected by them.
- Lightweight. Thanks to this, it will save youadditional moving expenses.
- Affordable. Comparedto foam sheets and other similar materials, it is much
- Fun. We all know how satisfyingit feels to popping air-filled bubbles.
On the other hand, using paper has its advantages as well:
● Soft. That’s why it is suitable for packing the most delicate belongings such
as glasses, mirrors, stemware, fine china or artwork pieces. It is perfect as
the initial layer of protection. It won’t scratch surfaces and it’s great for
sensitive electronics too.
● Good protection. When wrapped tightly, it protects from dust, dirt,
scratching, and moisture.
● Strong. In case you need a firm bundle around something, a few sheets will
give you maximum protection.
● Clean. Compared to newspaper, which is a frequent and low-cost alternative,
this material is acid-free and ink-free. Because of that, you can cover
fragile and sensitive objects in several sheets and be sure it won’t leave
blots all over them.
● Takes less space. It will save space inside your box.
● Affordable. The price of one high-quality pack is around $10.
Think About the Environment
It is good to know that paper is eco-friendly. It can be easily recycled and is biodegradable. During its production, this material requires a minimum of energy.
On the other hand, cushioning wrap is handy for its durability and can be reused again and again. With it, you won’t just save your money but will help in reducing waste.
Different Sizes of Bubble Wrap for Different Uses
Bubble wrap sizes vary depending on their purpose. While small bubbles prevent scratches, larger ones cushion objects from impact damage. Small ones are commonly used to protect screens for smartphones, tablets and other lightweight electronic devices. Larger bubbles protect a device in case someone drops the box it is in.
Using Bubble Wrap and Packing Paper for Different Purposes
When it comes to protecting lightweight and delicate items with a fine surface, packing paper is irreplaceable. These objects include:
- Plates and dishes
- Expensive china
- Pictures and artwork pieces
- Hardcover books
- Glassware
- Polished furniture pieces
- Fine wood finishes
- Delicate figurines
- Vases and lamps
- Necklaces and jewelry
Before placing objects in a box, you should create a soft layer of protection with crumpled paper on the bottom and sides.
When it comes to bubbles, you can pack whatever you want with them, but here are the objects that require this kind of protection:
- Very fragile and sensitive objects. Before wrapping them, put the material inside those objects for some extra support.
- Irregularly-shaped objects. Bubble lining is flexible and can fit any shape. It’s also suitable for bulky pieces to prevent damage and hits during transport.
- Electronics. For these devices, you shouldn’t use the regular bubbles but those with anti-static features.
Using Bubbles and Packing Paper at the Same Time
In several situations, you can even use both materials to provide a higher level of protection:
- Breakables will be much safer withthe first layer of sheets and another layer of cushioning over it
- When storing glass objects, consider using bubbles as the second layer, over the paper. The plastic film can stick to the glass surface and leave spots and stains.
How to Fill the Void in a Moving Box Between the Items?
Whether you’re moving to a new home or planning on leaving your boxes in a storage unit for a while, you need to secure the contents inside a box and prevent them from shifting or banging against other objects. These protective materials will definitely come in handy. Use them to fill voids and empty spaces between objects.
What Kind of Bubble Wrap is Best for Electronics?
Electronic devices, as the most sensitive objects, require appropriate protection. Instead of using regular materials, consider buying anti-static cushioning bags. They protect electronics from static electricity. For example, pink bubbles are designed to gradually and safely dissolve electrostatic charge which could otherwise damage your belongings.
In short, both of these materials are vital for protecting things when moving. If you’re not sure where to find them, you’ll be happy to learn that movers with professional moving services can provide you with high-quality boxes and moving supplies. In fact, most movers offer packing services as well, so you won’t have to worry about protecting your items. Don’t hesitate to contact your movers for any kind of help you might need related to your move.
