Different types of packing materials and their use

Every experienced mover can tell you that without proper packing you cannot expect to have a successful relocation. Both the safety of your move and it’s efficiency are dependant on how good your packing is. And, once you start preparing, you will see just how many different types of packing materials there are. How are you supposed to use them? What to do with them after relocation? Both of those are important questions, and we are here to help answer them.

Moving boxes

If there was a universal logo for moving, it would definitely include moving boxes. From big ones that you use for pillows and blankets to small ones that you use for books. No relocation is possible without moving boxes. But, people still get surprised when they go out to buy moving boxes. What they don’t realize is that there are many different types you can use. Their difference is not only in size but also in material and utility. So, in order to use them to their highest potential, you need to know more about them.

Cardboard

Cardboard boxes are your go-to boxes. They are the most commonly used type of containers when it comes to moving. The reason for that is two-fold. First, they are very versatile. You can use cardboard for many different situations as it is cheap and it usually does its job. The second is that we are simply used to them. Over the years people have been using containers for moving made out of different materials. And, even though some of them are sturdier and made out of eco-friendly materials, people still go back to cardboard boxes. Don’t get us wrong, there is nothing wrong with cardboard. But, there are some situations in which different containers are much more suited to do the job.

Plastic

One types of packing materials that you can use instead of cardboard boxes are plastic containers. Plastic containers are much sturdier and resilient then cardboard. This makes them excellent for moving fragile objects and for multiple uses. Once you’ve used a cardboard box a couple of time, it loses its sturdiness. This, of course, depends on the quality of cardboard. But, no matter how good the cardboard is, it can never come close to plastic. Furthermore, since you can use plastic boxes time and time again, they tend to be much more eco-friendly. Sure, you can recycle cardboard. But, people seem to forget that recycling is not always the best solution when it comes to the environment and energy consumption.

Padding and wrapping

Whether you use cardboard or plastic, one thing remains the same. And that is that you cannot simply pack a fragile item without using padding and wrapping. When it comes to different types of packing materials, people most often make mistakes with padding and wrapping. They spend a lot of money on needless supplies and don’t even properly use them when packing. So, in order to avoid such situations, you better learn what padding and wrapping are all about. And, how to get the biggest bang for your buck, when it comes to it.

Household packing materials

Before you go out to get padding and wrapping materials, you need to realize that you have many types of packing materials right in your home. Clothes make excellent packing materials as they are easy to wrap around items and they offer multiple types of protections. Thinner clothes made out of cotton, like t-shirts, are excellent for wrapping. They will protect your possessions from moisture, which can sometimes cause more damage than physical harm. Therefore, if you have any items that are sensitive to moisture, like precious artwork, you need to wrap them up. Ideally, you should first place the paper wrap over them, and then wrap them in cotton. This will pretty much guarantee that no moisture will hurt them.

Thicker items made out of wool, like winter sweaters, are best suited for padding. Wrapping them around items will provide protection from the physical impact. This is especially important for fragile items that can get easily damaged. You need to properly pad these items, no matter how careful or safe you plan to be. Even the small vibrations caused by the moving truck can damage them, so be sure to place enough padding.

Professional padding and wrapping

If after using your spare clothes you still need more padding and wrapping materials, you can always buy them. Simply visit your local movers or a DIY store. There you will find numerous types of packing materials that you can utilize in your next relocation. Make sure to both study up online on what you need and to find a more experienced person working there to help you out.

How to use different types of packing materials after moving

Besides preparing your items for moving, there are other uses for packing materials that people don’t seem to be aware of. By knowing more about them you will not only get more out of them, but you will also avoid wasting money by throwing them away.

Repurpose

One of the main reasons why you should get good quality packing supplies is repurposing. You can only safely reuse packing supplies that are good quality. If you get low-quality ones, you’ll only be able to use them properly once, at best. But, if you get some that are really good quality, you’ll not only make your relocation safer and easier, but you will make future relocations cheaper.

Furthermore, you can repurpose packing materials in many different ways that have nothing to do with moving. From item containers to kids’ toys. When it comes to reusing different types of packing materials, your imagination is your only limit.