The Best Protective Materials to Cushion Your Items for a Move

May 15, 2023

Kitchen filled with open cardboard moving boxes on counters and floor

You need a variety of packing materials when moving, such as boxes, markers, packing tape, and rope. Most importantly, you must have cushioning materials that absorb moving shocks and protect your items from damage. Discover the must-have protective materials below.

Bubble Wrap

Bubble wrap is a plastic material featuring small air pockets that cushion items during transit. The material's light weight ensures it doesn't weigh down your moving boxes, while its versatility makes it capable of protecting all kinds of items.

Bubble wrap is effective for cushioning breakables like dishes, glasses, china, antiques, vases, glass decorations, mirrors, and electronics. The air pockets should face the item for optimal protection.

In addition to wrapping items with bubble wrap, use it to pad moving boxes or fill empty spaces in a box. The material can also form a cushioning layer between two layers of items.

The major drawback with bubble wrap is that it gets expensive because you must use several layers to protect fragile items. Therefore, you should use bubble wrap with other packing materials to tame your moving expenses.

Packing Paper

Packing paper is softer and thicker than traditional paper and crumples to fit into tight spaces, making it great for packing household items. Additionally, the material is clean and ink-free and won't stain glasses, dishes, bowls, pans, pots, artwork, and other fragile possessions. Packing paper wraps tightly around any item, providing excellent protection from scratches.

You can use packing paper in many ways when moving for a move. For instance, line moving boxes with the material before stacking your items. Once you have packed a box, fill the empty areas with packing paper to immobilize items during transit. Also, fill the hollow spaces of glasses, bowls, mugs, and other breakables with packing paper for maximum cushioning.

You can use packing paper and bubble wrap together for extra protection. First, wrap sensitive items in packing paper, followed by a layer of bubble wrap to absorb shocks during transport.

Packing Peanuts

Packing peanuts are commonly used to protect electronics and other sensitive items for shipping. The major role of this material is to prevent items from moving inside the box and breaking in transit.

Once you place your wrapped item in the box, fill the empty areas with the material and shake the box to allow the peanuts to settle. Lastly, top the box with more peanuts and secure it with packing tape.

Keep in mind that packing peanuts alone do not cushion your items. You must first protect your belongings with wrapping paper and bubble wrap before placing them in a box with packing peanuts.

Plastic Wrap

Plastic or stretch wrap is quite versatile, as it keeps dirt and moisture away, bundles awkwardly shaped items together, and keeps drawers and furniture doors in place. While plastic wrap wraps tightly around an item, it doesn't leave stains or scratches, making it practical for your move.

Use a couple of layers of this material on chairs, artwork, couches, dressers, desks, and other large belongings. Wrap the plastic wrap both vertically and horizontally, and use it in conjunction with other packing materials to enhance its effectiveness.

Clothes and Towels

If you run out of cushioning materials, your closet may save the day. Sweatshirts, hoodies, and other thicker clothing can protect breakables from damage, while towels can be used to line moving boxes. T-shirts and other thinner items are excellent for filling empty spaces in a box and preventing fragile items from shifting.

However, clothing is not the best cushioning material as it takes up a lot of space, weighing down your boxes. Your clothes may also get ruined due to crumpling or possible staining. Professional protective materials perform better while taking up little space.

Stressed about an upcoming move? We can help. Our relocation experts at Redondo Van & Storage can pack, load, unload, and unpack your items so you can relax and focus on organizing and decorating your new home. Contact us today to get started.

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How to Pack and Wrap Specialty Items: A Guide from Your Local Moving Company

September 18, 2026

Some belongings just can't be tossed in a box with a handful of newspaper and called "packed." Grand pianos, fine art, antique furniture, wine collections, aquariums, and other specialty items need a different level of care — the kind that comes from decades of hands-on experience, not a YouTube tutorial the night before your move. At Redondo Van & Storage , we've been the trusted local moving company for Redondo Beach and the South Bay since 1919. Over more than a century in business, our team has packed, wrapped, and safely transported just about everything a home or business can own. Below, we're sharing our best tips for protecting specialty items — along with a reminder that when it's time to move, our residential moving company is only a phone call away. Why Specialty Items Need Special Attention Standard moving boxes and bubble wrap are great for dishes and books, but they fall short when it comes to items that are: Fragile or delicate — glassware, china, mirrors, and artwork Oddly shaped — chandeliers, lamps, sculptures, and musical instruments Heavy and awkward — pianos, safes, pool tables, and marble tabletops Sentimental or irreplaceable — family heirlooms, antiques, and collectibles High-value — jewelry, fine art, and electronics A single scratch, dent, or crack can turn an exciting move into a heartbreaking one. That's why our team treats every specialty item like it's the only one that matters — because to you, it is. Tips for Packing Specialty Items the Right Way 1. Use the Right Materials Cardboard and old towels won't cut it for your grandmother's china cabinet. Specialty items call for specialty supplies: foam padding, corner protectors, custom crates, moving blankets, and acid-free packing paper for artwork and photographs. These materials cushion against shock and prevent scratches, moisture damage, and shifting during transport. 2. Disassemble When Possible Large or complex items — think bed frames, dining tables, or electronics with detachable cords — travel much more safely when broken down into smaller pieces. Keep hardware bagged and labeled so reassembly at your new home is quick and painless. 3. Wrap in Layers Fragile and valuable items benefit from a layered approach: a soft inner layer (packing paper or foam) to prevent surface scratches, followed by a cushioning layer (bubble wrap or blankets) to absorb shock, and finally a sturdy outer layer (a well-built box or crate) to protect against pressure and impact. 4. Label Everything Clearly "Fragile" isn't enough on its own. Note which side is up, whether an item is climate-sensitive, and which room it belongs in at your new home. Clear labeling helps movers handle each piece appropriately from the truck to your front door. 5. Consider Custom Crating for High-Value Pieces Some items — fine art, marble statues, antique mirrors, and musical instruments — deserve custom-built wooden crates designed to their exact dimensions. This is where an experienced residential moving company makes all the difference. Our team can build and fit crates specifically for your most valuable belongings before moving day even begins. 6. Don't Forget Climate and Timing Certain specialty items, like wine collections, electronics, and wood furniture, are sensitive to temperature and humidity. If your move involves a stop in storage , make sure the facility can accommodate any special climate needs before your items arrive. Leave It to the Professionals Packing specialty items is one of those tasks that looks simple until you're staring down a 500-pound safe or a chandelier with more crystal pieces than you can count. Our full-service packing team has spent generations perfecting the art of wrapping, crating, loading, and unloading items of every shape, size, and value. Whether you're a homeowner in Redondo Beach or searching for a trusted moving company Rolling Hills Estates CA families rely on, our movers Rolling Hills Estates CA and throughout the South Bay bring the same white-glove care to every job — from a single antique dresser to a full estate. Why Choose Redondo Van & Storage Over 100 years of experience serving the Redondo Beach and South Bay community Voted South Bay's Best Moving Company six years running Recognized by USA Today as one of America's Best Moving Companies Full-service packing, wrapping, crating, and storage solutions Locally owned and operated — we treat your belongings like our own As a trusted local moving company and residential moving services provider, we know that specialty items deserve specialty care. Don't risk damaging your most valuable belongings with a rushed packing job — let our experienced team handle it from start to finish. Ready to move? Call Redondo Van & Storage today at (310) 376-7919 or request a free quote online for expert packing, wrapping, and moving services in Redondo Beach, Rolling Hills Estates, and throughout the South Bay.