Has the time come for another move? Or maybe this will be your first instance of switching places?

Regardless, everyone has one thing in common when it comes to moving – you would like all your belongings to be safe at the end of it.

To achieve that, it is crucial to choose the right packing materials. With the large variety available nowadays, this may seem overwhelming at first for some people. This article will show you how to choose the right packing materials for your belongings so you can make your move smoother.

Consider what you need to pack

Before choosing the materials you will be using, you must ask yourself whether you need to pack everything you own. How much of all those items can you declutter, donate or sell?

The second question is what you will be packing.

Unfortunately, packing is not a simple task–we can’t just put everything in a box and just hope for the best. Based on what you would like to store, you will need different packing materials to ensure all items are safe and protected.

Packing materials you will always need

And while there isn’t a unique formula that will absolutely get you covered regardless of the circumstances, there are certain packing materials that you will always need.

Whether you decide to use a packing company or just do it yourself, you should know that no packing can go without the following materials listed below.

Boxes

This is obvious, but it will be hard to pack anything without cardboard boxes. Of course, there is a wide variety that you can choose from, so when getting your packing boxes, pick various sizes to make sure you can store everything properly.

Another thing to check is how sturdy the boxes are. If you are moving light items, it may not be an issue to go with a standard one. On the other hand, you should get double-walled boxes that hold much better to extra weight if it is something heavier.

Bubble Wrap

Any removal packing service will recommend the use of bubble wrap. Unlike the packing boxes, bubble wrap does not come with great variety, as you pretty much have to choose between two options – bigger or smaller bubbles.

If you need to pack and move larger items, such as furniture, consider getting yourself a wrap with large bubbles.

The smaller ones are used for more fragile items such as mugs and cups.

Tape and labels

Of course, once you are done putting everything in boxes or wrapping up your items, you need a trusty friend to seal everything. Every house packing service recommends using tape to shut boxes. Wide plastic tape, such as shipping tape, ensures everything stays inside the box.

You should also consider getting painter’s tape, which will be useful when labelling your stuff.

And yes, you should get enough labels to put on everything. After all, no one to deal with the chaos of unlabeled boxes. Also, never forget to mark all the boxes containing fragile items clearly.

Linen paper

Linen paper is a necessity when it comes to moving kitchenware. Any plate or porcelain items wrapped in it will be safely protected during packing and transportation.

It can also fill in any air left in the boxes once you are done packing. It is an eco-friendly alternative to pretty much anything else that is being used for the same purpose.

In what situations will you need bubble wrap

Bubble wrap is a plastic packaging material consisting of rows of air-filled pockets between two layers of plastic film. While we can agree that there are more sustainable options out there, it is hard to find a replacement for wrapping paper when it comes to security.

When you wrap your belongings in bubble wrap, the bubbles compress and conform to their shape.

If the item is hit or dropped, the air pockets absorb the full impact of the damage, leaving what is wrapped unscathed. If you have a very expensive but fragile item that you want to make sure is securely packed, then you won’t be able to find a better option than bubble wrap.

It is important to note that bubble wrap can be recycled and reused despite being made of plastic.

Why you might need packing peanuts

We discussed the value of linen paper and its effectiveness when filling the air in cardboard boxes.

Packing peanuts is an inexpensive alternative that can provide a similar effect. The two downsides are that they are not sustainable and can be messy. 

So then, why use them?

Apart from their price, they are exceptional at absorbing humidity. If you have items that will be packed or stored for a longer period of time that are susceptible to moisture or may get mouldy, then you should use packing peanuts to protect them.

Why should you pack with paper

Talking about wrapping items, using paper will guarantee the necessary protection if they bump into each other. It does not leave a mess and is a very cost-effective option. In addition, it is reusable and can be easily recycled if you no longer need it.

Apart from wrapping your items, you can safely use paper to fill the empty spaces in your boxes.

Regardless of whether you choose shredded paper, newspaper, or linen paper to cushion your items, you will significantly reduce the need for synthetic materials while providing sufficient protection for your belongings.

Choose the right type of moving box

You have plenty of options when it comes to picking the most suitable type of box.

However, to find the best one for you, consider these two things:

• Size – When it comes to cardboard boxes, you simply can not put everything in a large one and call it a day. Smaller items should go into smaller containers, whereas the large ones are usually used for clothes, pillows, and blankets.

• Weight – another essential factor is the weight of the items you will store. Using sturdy boxes for light items will make the move a lot more expensive than you would like it to be. On the other hand, if the package fails to hold the contents, there is a high chance you end up dropping or damaging what is in the box.

Apart from the obvious, you also have dish packs. A type of box with cell dividers so you can easily transport stemware, dishes, bowls, and other kitchenware.

For any other purpose, you also have custom crates. While generally used for transporting expensive or scarce items that are hard to repair or replace, they can be customised to fit any need.

How to pack sustainably and on a budget

Need to move mirrors? That’s an excellent opportunity to use all those soft blankets you have accumulated throughout the years. Cups, mugs, and other small porcelain items? A chunky sweater will get the job done.

With the number of people constantly moving, packing, and unpacking, using the most sustainable options is more important than ever.

Undoubtedly, using reusable and recyclable materials for your needs is crucial, but you may not even know you have some great alternatives at your disposal.

Conclusion

You have plenty of options when choosing suitable packing materials for your belongings and a few things to consider.

Ensure you have enough protection for your fragile items, a sufficient amount of cardboard boxes for all your needs, tape to shut them close, and of course, enough labels to put on everything.

Regardless of which options you choose when selecting your materials, consider the sustainability and how much each move affects our nature. 

Last but not least, remember that choosing a professional packing service can save time, which you can spend better with your family or even planning home improvements.