What packing materials are the best for moving?

When you’re planning a big move, storage boxes and tape aren’t the only moving supplies you’ll need. Protecting your items while they’re in transit is essential if you want them to arrive in one piece. To help you decide which packing materials you need, we’ve compiled a list of essentials, including what they’re good for, their drawbacks and some more cost-effective and eco-friendly alternatives to consider.

Top packing materials and what they’re used for

Bubble wrap

Good for: Bubble wrap is great for packing delicate, fragile items like glassware and mirrors. In addition, it can prevent electronics from being damaged by static build-up. It can also be used to line storage boxes for an added layer of padding.

Drawbacks: Although bubble wrap is recyclable, it is not biodegradable. For this reason you should always try to reuse it – meaning you’ll need to resist the temptation to pop it!

Cheap alternatives: Blankets and clothing are great alternatives for wrapping large, fragile items like TV screens and furniture.

Packing peanuts

Good for: Packing peanuts are ideal for filling dead space in your storage boxes – particularly when the contents are delicate to prevent them from shifting around. Packing peanuts also absorb humidity, which lends them to protecting metal items and electronics.

Drawbacks: When it comes to unpacking, peanuts have a tendency to go everywhere, making them best avoided if you need regular access to your packed items. Styrofoam peanuts are not recyclable, so opt for biodegradable corn starch-based packing peanuts instead.

Cheap alternatives: Shredded paper is one of the most cost-effective packing materials and it makes an environmentally-friendly alternative to packing peanuts. Cushions and clothing can also be used to pad empty spaces.

Packing paper

Good for: Paper is an essential packing material for wrapping breakables like crockery and ornaments, as it can be easily layered for added protection. It can also be scrunched up to fill gaps inside boxes and make your items more secure in transit. It is biodegradable and eco-friendly – especially if recycled paper is used.

Drawbacks: The ink from printed paper can transfer onto wrapped items, so unprinted paper is best. This makes it harder to use recycled paper.

Cheap alternatives: Newspaper can be used if it is not in direct contact with the item being wrapped.

Plastic wrap

Good for: Plastic wrap protects items from dirt, water and surface damage while in transit and storage. It can be used for everything from kitchen appliances to bedding and is also great for keeping doors and drawers closed while on the move or bundling items together so they don’t get lost.

Drawbacks: Plastic wrap is not biodegradable, but it can be recycled at designated places.

Cheap alternatives: Bin liners, plastic bags, bedsheets and cling film can all be used in place of plastic wrap.

Cargo straps

Good for: Cargo or tie down straps can be used to secure boxes and large, heavy items during transit.

Drawbacks: The buckles on cargo straps can cause damage to your items. You should also be careful not to tie them too tight as this, too, can damage less sturdy items.

Cheap alternatives: Rope is a great alternative for cargo scraps – especially if you know your knots!

Ready to put your items in storage?

Once your items are safely wrapped in the perfect packing materials ready for storage, check out Space Next Door for convenient self-storage units located across Singapore.