The Most Protective Packing Materials To Use When Moving

Prevent Damage During Transport With Quality Packing Supplies

A successful move starts with the right preparation, and that includes choosing the best materials to protect your belongings. Every item, especially those that are fragile or valuable, needs proper care to prevent damage during transport. The quality of your packing supplies can make a real difference in how smoothly the move goes.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the most protective packing materials you can use, how to pack with confidence, and how working with a trusted moving company can simplify every stage of your move.

Why Choosing The Right Packing Materials Matters

The moving process includes constant handling as boxes are stacked, carried, transported, and unpacked. Without proper protection, fragile items can easily suffer chips, cracks, or even complete breakage. Choosing the right materials in advance helps prevent avoidable damage and reduces stress throughout the move, especially when it comes to commercial moving.

If you’re working with local movers or planning to pack everything yourself, knowing how to safeguard your items is key. High-quality packing supplies protect everything from heirloom china to high-end electronics, and even everyday kitchenware.

Here are just a few types of belongings that benefit most from quality packing materials:

• Dishes, glasses, and fine china.
• Laptops, monitors, and other electronics.
• Picture frames, mirrors, and wall décor.
• Antiques and collectibles.
• Jewelry and ornaments.
• Kitchen appliances and cookware.
• Lamps and light fixtures.

Using the right materials for each of these items helps avoid costly and heartbreaking damage during the move.

Best Packing Materials To Protect Your Belongings During a Move

Below are the most reliable options to consider when preparing for your next move.

1. Packing Paper: Affordable & Versatile

Packing paper is a staple for any move. It’s clean, recyclable, and perfect for wrapping around a variety of household goods. Use it for kitchen items like mugs, plates, and glassware, as well as small appliances, picture frames, and decorative objects.

When wrapping fragile items, be generous. Add layers as needed and always stuff the inside of cups or bowls with paper to reduce the risk of breakage. You can also crumple paper to fill empty space in boxes, preventing items from shifting during transport.

While packing paper is cost-effective and lightweight, it may not offer enough cushioning for extra-delicate items. In those cases, consider adding a second layer of protection, such as foam or bubble cushioning.

2. Bubble Cushioning: Trusted Shock Absorption

There’s a reason bubble wrap remains one of the most popular moving materials. It’s incredibly effective at absorbing shocks and preventing breakage! It works especially well for delicate glassware, electronics, ceramics, and anything breakable.

Bubble cushioning is lightweight and easy to wrap around items. For the best results, use it as a top layer over packing paper, then secure everything with packing tape. Don’t forget to fill any remaining space inside boxes with crumpled paper to prevent movement.

For example, if you’re coordinating your move through a moving company in Gilbert, you may be able to purchase bubble rolls directly from them or even have them pack for you using professional-grade materials.

3. Foam Rolls & Pouches: Easy & Efficient

Packing foam is another excellent material, especially for fragile items. Foam comes in sheets, rolls, pouches, and even corner guards for protecting the edges of frames or TVs. Foam pouches are especially convenient because you just slide the item inside, seal the pouch, and then place it in the box.

Foam is ideal for items like dishes, jewelry, ornaments, and photo frames. Larger items like laptops or kitchen appliances can be wrapped in foam sheets or rolls for thorough coverage.

Though foam is slightly more expensive than paper or bubble wrap, its ease of use and level of protection often make it worth the investment

4. Specialty Packing Kits: Designed For Protection

Sometimes, general packing materials just won’t cut it, especially for specific categories like dishware and stemware. That’s where specialty kits come in. These usually include a heavy-duty box and a system of dividers that isolate each item, preventing direct contact and potential damage.

Dish kits and glass divider sets are perfect for protecting fragile kitchen items. Simply wrap each item in paper or foam, place them into the individual compartments, and fill any remaining space to minimize movement. 

For those preparing for local moves, these kits are often available through local supply stores or can be provided by professional movers as part of their packing services.

5. Packing Peanuts & Styrofoam Blocks: Gap Fillers, Not Primary Protection

While not the most protective material on their own, packing peanuts and Styrofoam blocks are great for filling empty spaces inside boxes. This helps keep already-wrapped items from shifting during transport.

Use a base layer of peanuts at the bottom of the box, place the wrapped item on top, and then fill around the sides and top before sealing. Keep in mind, though, that peanuts should always be used in combination with wrapping materials like paper, bubble wrap, or foam.

6. Heavy-Duty Moving Blankets: Ideal For Large Or Irregular Items

Heavy-duty moving blankets provide thick, cushioned protection for larger items that can’t be boxed, like furniture, appliances, and musical instruments. The dense material helps absorb impact and prevents scratches, dents, or scuffs during loading, transport, and unloading. They’re especially helpful when moving through narrow doorways, hallways, or staircases where bumps are more likely.

These blankets can be wrapped around the item and secured with stretch wrap, straps, or tape to keep everything in place. To clarify, many movers bring their own blankets as part of their full-service equipment, but if you’re handling the move yourself, they’re easy to rent or buy from moving supply retailers.

Additional Tips To Protect Your Belongings

Even with the best packing materials, how you pack and organize your boxes plays a big role in protecting your items. A few small decisions can significantly reduce the chance of accidents or damage during the move. Keep these extra tips in mind as you prepare:

• Label boxes clearly: Write directly on the box with a bold, waterproof marker, identifying not only what’s inside but whether it’s fragile or should be kept upright.
• Use “Fragile” tape: This not only reinforces the box but also provides a clear visual warning for anyone carrying it, ensuring extra caution during handling.
• Don’t overpack boxes: Cramming too many items in a single box makes it heavy, hard to lift, and more prone to collapsing. Spread weight evenly and stick to manageable loads.
• Seal boxes properly: Use strong packing tape on all seams, especially on the bottom. Reinforce corners and edges to avoid splitting under pressure.

If you’re not sure how to safely pack certain items—or just want to skip the stress entirely—working with an affordable moving company that provides storage moving services is a smart way to protect your belongings and save time.

Protect What Matters with Trusted Gilbert Moving Experts

Whether you’re handling the packing yourself or relying on professional help, having strong, reliable materials on hand makes a big difference.

Let the professionals at A to Z Valleywide Movers, an affordable moving company in Arizona, help you protect what matters most. We’re here to make your move seamless from start to finish. Contact us today!