Part of a series on types of materials to use for packing your belongings.
In the process of packing one of the more client-favored materials for wrapping is bubble wrap. There is much more to those incredible tiny bubbles than meets the eye. Today we’re going to describe some different types of bubble wrap and how to use it effectively to pack household items. Your moving company will not pack your belongings unless you hire them specifically to do so.
Plastic strengths and types vary
As any bright ten-year-old can tell you, bubble wrap can be made from different gauges of plastic. Some bubble wrap is made with thicker plastic; those are harder to pop! There is also ‘food grade’ (FDA) bubble wrap, anti-static bubble wrap, temperature control bubble wrap. Bubble wrap can come in 12” or 24” rolls. These usually have perforations every 12 inches.
Adhesive or cohesive?
Some bubble wrap is adhesive, that is, it sticks to the wrapped item. Another bubble wrap is cohesive; it sticks to itself. Or, you can use a bit of tape, but don't forget to secure all sides!
Wrapping
Here are some suggestions for wrapping items in bubble wrap:
- Wrap items with the bubble side in. The flat part should face outward. If you notice, when you pack something this way, it provides thicker cushioning all around, which is the goal.
- Wrap especially fragile or valuable items in more than one layer of bubble wrap
- Wrap items completely. Don’t allow corners, arms, etc. to poke out and hope for the best, and remember to secure all sides. No one wants to see something slip out of a bubble wrap ‘sleeve’ and get damaged.
- Wrap items in multiple sizes if necessary for extra protection against rattling around. Possessions which rattle around can get damaged
- The large-sized bubble wrap is more effective than styrofoam peanuts, and you’ll be grateful afterward that you didn’t use them.
All plastic, including bubble wrap, can be affected by heat. Don’t plan on storing items packed in bubble wrap for a significant time period in our Valley heat, as the temperatures can affect the bubbles and they can leave plastic bits on your treasured items. While the plastic can be wiped away with a damp cloth, if it’s something which can’t be wiped clean, such as a tv screen, consider wrapping the object in packing paper before packing it in bubble wrap to prevent the ‘bubble effect.’
It's not necessary to use bubble wrap for packing everything. The most effective use of bubble wrap is to use it when wrapping more delicate things like crystal, china, electronics, and fragile items. In addition to using several sizes of bubble wrap as needed, having the pieces wrapped in crumpled packing paper gives it a final layer of protection at a better value. While some people use bubble wrap for everything, it isn’t always necessary. Use good judgment!
This is the end of our first blog on wrapping materials for use in packing. We Ho hope you enjoyed it. If you need help with your next move, give us a call: we are your moving vompany and can help you pack or move or both.
Aardvark Movers Inc., a Phoenix Arizona moving company, has the most experienced movers for all your residential, office or apartment relocation needs, serving Phoenix, Scottsdale, Chandler, Tempe, Mesa, Gilbert, Glendale, Cave Creek, Carefree, Surprise, Sun City, Paradise Valley, Apache Junction, Maricopa County and all of Arizona. 602-716-5555.
