The Power of Plastic Wrap for Moving: Unlocking Its Benefits and Drawbacks

If you're preparing for a relocation, it's worth considering the benefits of using plastic wrap. This versatile material proves to be an extremely useful tool during the moving process, effectively expediting and streamlining your endeavors, particularly if you opt for a do-it-yourself approach. This thin film can help to protect your precious goods (e.g., artwork, furniture) against damage during transportation, and it can effectively condense larger things such as rugs and furniture so that you can maximize the space in the moving truck. To address any questions you may have about the advantages and application of plastic wrap, we have compiled the following information for your perusal. 

Here's a short guide on how to utilize plastic wrap when you're changing locations. Continue reading to gain further insights!

The Pros and Cons of Plastic Wrap

While plastic wrap, also known as stretch wrap, may appear challenging to handle, there is no need to be intimidated by it. Despite its clinginess that can sometimes drive you crazy, it stands as one of the finest and most efficient materials for securely packing heavy items during a move. Plastic wrap, with its stretchy nature, possesses tear-resistant properties and is capable of effectively holding even the bulkiest items intact throughout the entire moving process. Despite its thin appearance, stretch wrap, particularly professional-grade moving plastic wrap, exhibits impressive strength and tear resistance. This resilience enables it to endure significant tension, ensuring the protection of your items throughout the entirety of the moving process, even when dealing with large and heavy objects.

When relocating, it is common to utilize plastic wrap on furniture pieces containing drawers and doors, such as dressers, desks, hutches, chests, and sideboards. Moreover, plastic wrap serves as an additional protective layer for artwork, couches, chairs, and items with cushions. It is also valuable for keeping disassembled furniture components, like tables or beds, securely grouped together during transportation.

On the one hand, stretch wrap can be beneficial when it comes to protecting your furniture. It serves as an extra layer of security for the upholstery. Additionally, it can be used to wrap different pieces of furniture, such as drawers, and disassemble pieces along with their screws. While plastic wrap is often used for protection, it is not the best option for padding, which is why bubble wrap is commonly used. However, the two are great together; you can first pad the required item and then use the stretch wrap over that. Plastic wrap is also great for holding things in place if you are moving an item.

On the other hand, we should always remember about the environment – it's very important. There is a lot of damage that plastic can do, so using less is a must. It is not always possible to steer away from plastic altogether, but when you can, you probably should. Moving is a situation to consider – it's not always necessary to go for plastic wrap. Instead, why not use packing paper to wrap smaller items such as dishes or china? A lot of people tend to choose plastic wrap, but stretch wrap doesn't actually provide much cushioning unless you use it a lot, and the protection it gives isn't that helpful, either. Bubble wrap is the plastic choice for protection and cushioning. However, consider using paper instead of plastic for a lot of the same things.

How to Use Stretch Wrap: Tips

Prior to enveloping your possessions with plastic wrap, it is crucial to ensure that they have undergone thorough cleaning and disassembly. If the object possesses drawers, it is essential to empty them as well in order to facilitate easier lifting. If you plan to encase the item in padding, we strongly advise doing so prior to applying the plastic wrap. This approach ensures that the plastic wrap serves as a means of keeping the protective materials securely in place. When you are prepared to commence wrapping, it is advisable to have another individual stabilize the item while you apply the plastic wrap around it. Consider wrapping your belongings both horizontally and vertically to guarantee the comprehensive security of each component. The most advantageous aspect is that you will not require packing tape since the plastic wrap adheres to itself.

Now that you have gained an understanding of when to utilize plastic wrap during the moving process let's explore how to effectively use this material. Plastic wrap proves to be incredibly convenient for various aspects of packing and moving. We have previously discussed its application on furniture as a demonstration of how easily you can protect your belongings.

Here is a step-by-step guide on using plastic wrap for furniture protection:

1. Begin by emptying and cleaning your furniture thoroughly. It is crucial to ensure that the furniture is completely dry to prevent any trapped moisture that could cause stains or damage when covered with plastic wrap.
2. Remove all detachable items from the furniture, such as glass doors, shelving, and furniture legs. This step will make it easier for you to wrap the furniture securely with plastic wrap.
3. Proceed to cover the corners of the furniture with bubble wrap or foam padding. If you have wooden furniture, it is recommended to use paper padding or moving blankets specifically designed to protect corners.
4. Once the corner padding is in place, select a plastic wrap product that is at least 15 inches wide. Start wrapping the furniture, ensuring that you also cover the protective corner padding as you go along.
5. To wrap the furniture, hold the plastic wrap roll with your fingers on the inside and walk around the furniture slowly, unwrapping the plastic wrap in a horizontal fashion from the bottom up. It is advisable to have someone hold the plastic wrap against the furniture until you have completed one full wrap around the item.
6. After completing one full wrap, continue wrapping the furniture, creating multiple layers until you feel confident that it provides sufficient protection. Once you are satisfied with the layering, cut the plastic wrap, and it will cling to itself securely without the need for tape.

Following these steps, you can effectively use plastic wrap to safeguard your furniture during moving.

And few more tips to remember:

• Shrink wrap can be effectively used to safeguard fabric furniture from dirt and stains. It proves particularly beneficial for protecting couches, dining room chairs, recliners, and similar items. 
• To ensure furniture stability during the move, securely fasten moving blankets, also known as furniture pads, to your furniture. This step is crucial in safeguarding your furniture from scratches and other damages. It is especially useful for wood furniture pieces like dressers and table tops. 
• For furniture with doors and/or drawers, employ plastic wrap to secure them tightly, preventing accidental openings or items from falling out during transportation. 
• To prevent loose wires and power cords from dragging and causing potential hazards, use plastic wrap to keep them securely in place. This step is vital as it ensures the safety of your friends, family, and labor, preventing any accidents or tripping incidents while moving heavy furniture.

How To Choose Plastic Wrap?

Shrink wrap is available in different sizes, primarily specified by length and width. The length typically ranges from 1000 to 1500 feet, while the width is a crucial factor, varying between 5 and 22 inches. Opting for a wider roll significantly reduces the effort required to wrap your furniture effectively. Generally, a 5-inch roll is seldom practical, and we strongly advise purchasing a roll with a width of at least 15 inches. Now, which size of plastic wrap is suitable for your move? For most small to medium-sized moves, such as 1-2 bedroom apartments and homes, a single roll of either 15" x 1500' or 20" x 1000' will suffice. 

However, if you have a larger amount of furniture compared to the average home of a similar size, it would be prudent to acquire two rolls for added precaution. In the case of larger homes or moves involving a substantial quantity of furniture, two rolls of either 20" x 1500' or 22" x 1500' are recommended. If you happen to come across a roll with a length of 2000', it is likely that a single roll would be adequate.

How Much Does Plastic Wrap Cost and Where To Buy Plastic Wrap For Moving?

As you would anticipate, the cost of plastic moving wrap can vary depending on the place of purchase. Retailers and prominent stores, such as Lowes and Walmart, typically charge a slightly higher price compared to online retailers like Amazon. Generally, a roll measuring 20" x 1500' will be priced around $20 in most instances.

Luckily, obtaining plastic wrap is a relatively simple task. You can easily locate rolls of cling wrap at various nearby retailers such as Home Depot, Office Depot, Lowes, and Walmart. Online platforms such as Uline.com and UHaul.com also offer moving plastic wraps for purchase. Additionally, if you visit Moving.com's box center, you can take advantage of excellent discounts on moving supplies. We have established partnerships with two distinct providers, namely UBoxes.com and UsedCardboardBoxes.com, to assist you in acquiring the required moving boxes and packing materials at highly affordable rates.

Alternative Useful Packing Materials

If you don't use plastic wrap for moving, there are other items to consider. Be aware these alternatives may cost more and not be as dependable. 

• Cardboard boxes are essential when relocating; be sure to place heavy items in smaller boxes and lighter goods in larger ones. 
• Clear plastic bins are an amazing choice for waterproofing electronics, and you can easily locate what you're looking for inside the container.
• Moving blankets: an alternative to plastic wrap for moving things like furniture or appliances is moving blankets, which provide a layer of protection from outside elements like rain and scratches. They are not as reliable as plastic wrap, but they are still a decent substitute. 
• Peanuts: a messier protective solution is using peanuts as packing material, which offer much cushioning and protection during transit.
• Dolly. If you're planning to move a large piece of furniture or an appliance, you may need to rent or buy a hand truck or dolly. UHaul.com and Home Depot offer rental services for these. Walmart, Home Depot, and Lowes also usually carry them for purchase. 
• Foam is an alternative material often used to safeguard fragile items such as glassware and china. You can usually buy the foam in sheets or bags designed to fit certain shapes and sizes.

Conclusions

When it comes to preparing your belongings for a move, there are compelling reasons to consider hiring professional movers to handle the wrapping process. Fortunately, there are numerous experienced movers and shipping companies available who specialize in expertly packing and handling items for relocation. By entrusting this task to professionals, you can benefit from their expertise and ensure that your possessions are adequately protected during transit. 

Professional movers possess the knowledge and skill to properly wrap delicate and fragile items, reducing the risk of damage during the move. They are well-versed in using high-quality packing materials and techniques, providing an additional layer of security for your valuables. For those residing within the Chicagoland area, we would recommend applying to Move4U, a trusted and reliable moving service known for their exceptional attention to detail and commitment to customer satisfaction. With Move4U's expertise, you can have peace of mind knowing that your items will be carefully wrapped and prepared for a smooth and successful move. Call us, and we will answer all your questions!