Bubble Wrap or Packing Paper for Moving?
When it comes to packing, there are so many options available. You may easily get confused wondering how to choose between so many different materials. You can choose between cardboard boxes, plastic boxes, recyclable and reusable bins and moving boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, dollies, etc. When you’re packing your household items, you’ll first have to get the necessary supplies. The most usual are packing paper and bubble wrap. If you’re wondering which material is more beneficial, we’ve got you covered. Read on to find out what’s better – bubble wrap or packing paper for moving.
Better for space
Deciding whether to go for bubble wrap or packing paper can be affected by how much space you have. If you want to avoid multiple rounds and move everything in one trip, you’ll want to hire a moving company with a big van. In that case, it will be necessary to save space and pack as efficiently as possible. When it comes to saving space, packing paper is usually a better choice. It’s thinner and it will take up less space. On the other hand, bubble wrap may protect some items better than paper. So, you should decide depending on your specific situation.
Better for size
If space is no concern and your primary goal is to pack a specific item the best way possible. Keep in mind the sizes and the shapes. If you’re packing a large or oddly-shaped item, it will be better to go for bubble wrap. The reason for this is because bubble wrap is extremely sturdy and flexible. It also comes in all sorts of shapes and sizes, so you’ll easily find the most suitable one. In this case, packing paper would not be enough. You would have to use way too much in order to create a sufficient layer of protection.
Better for environment
Nowadays, people are more focused on eco-friendly alternatives. Finding a way to keep the move as gentle as possible to nature is the right choice. If you’re one of those people who prefer environmentally friendly options, then packing paper will probably be a better choice for you. That’s not to say that bubble wrap is completely bad. Remember that it can be reused plenty of times. But, it is made of plastic so it will always lose against clean white paper.
Better for breakables
Another thing to consider when choosing between packing paper and bubble wrap is how easy it is to break or scratch the item you’re packing. If a surface is easy to be scratched or scuffed, you’ll want to go with paper – for example when you’re packing dishes. It will be better if you’re separating items like china, mirrors, plates, mirrors, and similar items from each other. On the other hand, the paper will not protect these items from breaking, only from scratches. If you’re packing breakables, it’s better to choose bubble wrap. It’s filled with air and will protect even sensitive items. In some cases, you’ll want to combine both for the best result, for example, electronics are most protected if you wrap them with paper and then follow by bubble wrap.
Better for budget
Eventually, you may also want to consider the cost of both packing materials to choose a better fit. Even though the paper is generally cheaper and may seem better, that’s not necessarily true. While bubble wrap is more expensive, it may pay off more in the long run. The best way to see what’s more cost-effective is to access your belongings and work from there – if items can be scratched then use packing paper, but if something is valuable and replacing it would cost a lot, then buying bubble wrap is a better choice because it will save you money for buying a new item in case it breaks.
What’s packing paper for?
Packing paper clearly wins in some categories, so you can benefit from using it in those cases. It will be the best tool for separating dishes, like when you’re stacking plates and have to avoid them from scratching each other. Next, most small kitchen objects like glasses, china, or anything fragile will be protected from scratches if you wrap them with packing paper. Also, after you pack items inside the box, you can use crumpled paper to fill empty spaces and prevent things from shifting and jiggling during transit.
What’s bubble wrap for?
While paper will do well against scratches, bubble wrap should be used as the second layer of protection that will help you avoid breaking and damaging things. It will also serve you great for soft cushioning, so place it at the bottom of the box before you pack things inside. If you have bulky or oddly-shaped items, bubble wrap will be very useful because it’s sturdy and flexible, and it also comes in various shapes and sizes. You can also use it for filling empty spaces if you don’t want to use paper for this purpose.
Bubble Wrap or Packing Paper for Moving?
Both bubble wrap and packing paper have some pros and cons. Deciding which to use depends on your specific move and the items you want to pack. In most cases, combining both materials gives optimum results. You can use paper as the first layer of protection and then add bubble wrap for extra protection and prevent it from breaking. You can always hire professional movers and storage NYC and let them bring their own supplies and pack everything for you. If you’re planning on moving something extremely fragile or valuable, Rabbit Movers can help by providing packing and unpacking services. Whether you’re moving electronics, family heirlooms, artworks, china, or anything else that requires special handling, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today to chat about your move and receive a free moving quote.