The Best Protective Packing Materials for Moving (2024)

Whether your next move is big or small, there’s probably some packing to do on the horizon. But what packing materials do you need for moving? You likely know you need moving boxes. However, when it comes to protecting the stuff that goes inside your boxes, it can be a little less clear.

To give you a head start, we put together this guide that outlines the best packing supplies for moving, and more specifically, the best packing material for fragile items. That way, when you box up your fine china, antique décor, pricey gadgets, and everything in between, you can pack with confidence knowing you have the best materials for the job at hand, as recommended by the packing experts.

Best Packing Material for Packing Fragile Items

1. Enviro-Bubble® Cushion

Bubble cushion, bubble wrap, etc. Whatever you want to call it – those air-filled bubbles that you loved popping as a kid (and maybe still do) are a must-have when it comes to protecting items in moving boxes. The reason bubble cushion is so effective is because the plastic air-filled bubbles are lightweight and easy to use yet they provide effective cushion to keep your items in one piece. Our Enviro-Bubble is available is large and small bubble sizes to accommodate different sized items and different needs.

How to Use Bubble Cushion to Protect Your Items

Bubble cushion is one of the best materials for wrapping and protecting fragile items like electronics, glassware, artwork, home décor, and more. We recommend you use large bubbles for impact protection and small bubbles for abrasion protection. When wrapping your items, be sure to keep the bubble-side on the inside facing toward your item for maximum cushioning. Keep in mind that bubble cushion doesn’t secure itself. Pair it with packing tape or mover’s wrap to keep it in place.

Other ways to use bubble cushion:

• Fill voice space in boxes to prevent shifting
• Line bottoms of moving boxes to provide shock absorption
• Fill the inside of cups, glasses, vases, and mugs

2. Packing Paper

Packing Paper also carries several monikers, including wrapping paper, moving paper, and packaging paper. But no matter the nickname, this type of material is a staple in the world of packing, and for good reason. For starters, it’s one of the more affordable protective materials out there. It’s also available in bulk and extremely versatile. Most packing paper is made from recycled newsprint paper, so it can be recycled after you’re move is finished for a more sustainable move (be sure the tape is removed). It’s also acid-free so it’s safe to use on a variety of surfaces.

How to Use Packing Paper

Packing paper - also known as paper moving pads is best suited for filling open spaces in moving boxes and storage containers to keep your items from shifting or colliding during transport. The sheets of paper easily crumple and fold so they can be stuffed into tight spaces and keep your items safely immobilized and scratch-free. Packing paper is also useful for wrapping items and providing protection, like bubble cushion. Just know that it doesn’t provide the same level of cushioning as bubble cushion.

Other ways to use packing paper:

• Fill the inside of cups, glasses, vases, and mugs
• Classroom art and drawing projects
• Line pet cages (birds, hamsters, etc.)

3. Biodegradable Packing Peanuts

Biodegradable Packing Peanuts are like the traditional Styrofoam peanuts that have been used for packing and shipping for decades, only they’re 100% biodegradable and environmentally friendly, making them a guilt-free choice. They’re also anti-static, so they’re a natural solution for packing electronics. Made with natural materials, biodegradable packing peanuts are dust-free and abrasion resistant so you can safely use them alongside your most fragile items. You can even flush them down your toilet when you’re finished!

How to Use Packing Peanuts

Packing peanuts are hands down the best void fill material, great for moving or shipping. Use packing peanuts when packing electronics, large crystal vases, collectibles, glass figurines, and other fragile items. Packing peanuts are so effective because the unique size and shape allows them to fill empty spaces better than packing paper and other larger, more rigid materials typically used for void fill. Use packing peanuts for moving, shipping, or storage.

Note that we don’t recommend using packing peanuts alone when packing for moving. It’s always best to use a material like bubble cushion to provide some level of impact protection, then fill the box with packing peanuts for immobilization as the last step in the process.

4. Dish Foam

When it comes to packing dishes and glasses, you have options. You can get away with using packing paper or bubble cushion (or both), but those aren’t the most effective materials. Those also take longer to apply and use up materials that would be better served elsewhere. That’s where dish foam comes in. This soft, compact material is designed specifically to cushion and protect fragile kitchen.

How to Use Dish Foam

Dish foam was designed to make packing dishware more efficient. It’s the perfect size for safely stacking plates or wrapping glasses before placing them in a box. You can also use it with collectibles, silver, stemware, and other fragile items around the home. Dish foam also comes in pre-formed pouches that make packing plates, bowls, and other serving dishes as simple as sliding them in the pouch.

Other ways to use dish foam:

• Fill the inside of cups, glasses, vases, and mugs
• Wrap antiques, collectibles, and other valuables
• Fill void space in boxes (if other materials aren’t available)

5. Corrugated Dunnage

If you’re not familiar with corrugated dunnage, think of it as cardboard pieces that are placed strategically in a box to protect the items inside. It’s more commonly used in industrial or commercial shipping, but the same concept can be applied to packing for a move as well. Corrugated dunnage isn’t the best choice when it comes to protection. However, its rigid nature makes it useful for immobilization. It’s also an economical packing choice if you’re moving on a budget.

How to Use Corrugated Dunnage

Using corrugated dunnage to protect items in a moving box mostly entails using spare boxes to fill gaps and keep items from colliding. For example, you can cut up a box and using the strips to create protective cells between rows of plates or glasses to keep things isolated. Or you can place a small piece of cardboard between plates as you stack them, so they stay isolated and immobilized.

Get Your Packing Materials for Moving in One Place

When you’re ready to get your move underway, be sure to stop by your local U-Haul location or visit uhaul.com to stock up on packing essentials for moving. U-Haul carries a wide variety of moving boxes, packing supplies, and other products designed to Make Moving Easier. When you order online, choose from Same-Day Delivery or FREE in-store pickup for added convenience.

More Articles About Packing:

• Different Types of Tape
• How to Pack Moving Boxes
• How to Pack Boxes for Shipping