The Importance of Quality Packing Materials

For many fretful movers, the idea of items breaking in transit feels inevitable. From shattered television screens to cracked vinyl records, the feeling of unpacking a box to find a treasured item in pieces is awful. So, what can be done about it? For the most part, breakages in transit are caused by two main factors; human error and inadequate packing materials.

The former can be fixed by simply working with a trusted removalist, such as Kent Removals. However, the latter can be a little more difficult. At Kent, we have been helping families throughout the moving process for over 75 years; managing to maintain a fantastic track record for safe, professional handling and transport. So, let’s take a look at the importance of quality packing materials, and how to ensure that your possessions are safe and secure.

1. Preparing Your Padding

Your padding materials are the first line of defence in your packing arsenal. This is the packing material that will protect the contents of your box from shifting and moving around within its box. When choosing your packing material for packing, it’s important to consider the items you’re trying to protect.

For example, newspaper has been a popular padding material for decades. However, while it will provide a layer of defence, it can also be surprisingly abrasive at times. So, if you’re looking to avoid damage on items that are easily scratched and scuffed, it’s best to use a softer material, such as foam. Whilst it may be a more expensive choice, it is going to provide you with the most protection. Other high-quality packing materials include:

• Styrofoam packing peanuts

• Bubble wrap

• Air packing pillows 

2. Quality Boxes

Have you ever been carrying a cardboard box, only for the bottom to fall out? This is an issue that we’ve seen many a DIY mover experience, and it’s one that is easily avoidable with the right preparation. As the main barrier between your possessions and the outside world, your moving boxes need to be of the utmost quality.

If possible, avoid using the same boxes from one move to the next. Moving boxes can easily degrade over time, especially considering that they aren’t generally kept in the most pristine locations. Plus, dirt and dust can quickly build up inside your box, which can be abrasive when rubbing against your packed items.

By using new boxes that have been specifically designed to withstand the moving process, you are giving yourself the best chance of avoiding unnecessary damage during transit. 

3. Moving Fragile Items

While most items can make it through being dropped or scuffed with minimal cosmetic damage, this isn’t the case for everything. Fragile items, especially ones made primarily from glass, are at the most risk for damage.

Wine Glasses

From material to design, wine glasses seem to be the antithesis of durability. So, simply placing them in an old box with other items is likely to end in chips, cracks, or even shattering. This is one instance where high-quality packing supplies are vital, and if possible, you should try to find purpose-designed boxes. Aside from a box made for fragile items, soft tissue, tape, and bubble wrap will also be required to ensure safe passage for your crystal.

Mirrors

Unlike most items that can simply be boxed away or slid into the van, a large mirror is always going to be a struggle when trying to move one yourself. Due to being thin and highly fragile, special precautions need to be put in place to ensure their safe passage to your new home. To achieve this, you’ll need packing tape, corner protectors, a fitted box, and some form of padding (preferably moving blankets).

So, why is it important that these packing materials are of high quality? While it may seem like things like packing tape are the same regardless of cost or quality, the durability of these materials can vary greatly. Packing tape is an excellent example of this, given that tape unsticking at an inopportune time can quickly spell disaster when moving. Remember to test the stickiness and durability of your tape prior to using it for packing, as this will potentially save you a lot of heartache later down the line.

For more information on moving mirrors, click here.

To learn more about the moving process, feel free to explore our Moving Tips and Tools for a range of helpful moving advice! Or, if you’re looking to hire a trusted moving specialist to assist in your next transition, contact Kent Removals today!