How to Use Packing Paper and Padding to Protect Valuables

Americans are moving in droves. Around 40 million Americans move at least once every year.

That can mean stress, heavy lifting, and broken valuables. However, damaged items don't have to be a part of the moving chaos.

We've nailed down the top moving necessities and best tips for packing protection. Here are the top ways to use packing paper and padding to protect valuables

Gather Supplies

Make sure you have the appropriate boxes for your fragile items as well as plenty of bubble wrap and packing paper. Your own ordinary, everyday things like towels and blankets that you are packing anyway will also come in handy to fill in extra space.

Check with your movers for specialty boxes that make packing plates and glassware a snap.

Packing Breakable Items

When packing delicate items, be sure to pack heavier things on the bottom of the box.

Place several layers of bubble wrap or crumpled packing paper on the bottom of the box. After your items are packed, fill space in the box with additional crumpled paper. This will prevent the items from shifting around and getting damaged.

Reinforce the bottom of the box with extra tape.

Plates

Since plates and dishes tend to be heavy, use small to medium-sized boxes to pack these items for your move. A dish pack box is ideal, but if you don’t have this kind of specialty box, use a sturdy box of thick cardboard.

Wrap each plate in several layers of packing paper or bubble wrap and secure it with tape. Place each plate vertically in the box with bubble wrap in between each plate. Packing plates vertically will help eliminate the pressure of stacking and prevent breakage.

Glasses

Wrap each glass with bubble wrap or packing paper. For stemware, wrap the stem with bubble wrap for added protection, then wrap the rest of the glass. Stuff paper inside each glass to prevent crushing. Wrap it in several more sheets of paper for protection.

If you have a specialty glass pack, place each glass into its own compartment in the box. If you are using a standard box, make sure it is sturdy and use lots of paper for shock absorption.

Picture Frames

To protect the glass on the frame, place an X of painter’s tape from corner to corner of the glass. This will help protect the glass, but in case the glass does break the tape will keep the pieces in one place and prevent additional shattering.

Wrap the frames in bubble wrap and tape the bubble wrap to keep it in place. Put the crumpled paper on the bottom of the box and set the frames inside. If the frames are more than eight inches tall, stand them up inside the box. Use paper to fill in the gaps.

Pack for Efficiency

Set aside various towels and blankets and use them as additional packing material. Use them to pad boxes and fill in space so that items don’t shift around.

.Add throw pillows to the bottom of boxes to provide an extra layer of support beneath delicate items. Use blankets and towels to fill in the gaps.

Use Stretch Wrap on Furniture

When it comes to protecting items during a move, furniture is often overlooked. However, it's easy for furniture to get dinged or damaged during a move.

An excellent solution to prevent this kind of damage is to use a large roll of stretch wrap to protect the furniture and its vulnerable edges. This will help cut down the friction that causes scrapes.

Wrap Lamp Shades

Lamp shades can be awkward and tough to pack. However, packing them the wrong way may lead to rips or dents.

Protect lampshades by wrapping them in bubble wrap. Use packing paper to fill up the interior space of the lamp shade. Make sure to add packing paper to the box's edges to keep the shade from sliding around.

Also, try not to use newspaper to pack the inside of the shade because ink could tarnish the shade.

Mark the Boxes “Fragile”

Label your boxes “fragile” and “this side up” on the appropriate sides. Set the boxes marked “fragile” in a separate area than your other boxes. Let your movers or helpers know which boxes contain the delicate items so they are treated with care.

More About Moving

These top tips should help you get the most out of packing paper and help protect valuables. And, we have expert tips and tricks for all kinds of moves.

Check out our blog here for ways to avoid mishaps on a long-distance move.

If you are in the planning process for your move, contact us. We can help you pack and move!