{"id":26971,"date":"2024-01-08T08:30:00","date_gmt":"2024-01-08T12:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mymovingreviews.com\/move\/?p=26971"},"modified":"2025-03-04T05:30:01","modified_gmt":"2025-03-04T09:30:01","slug":"alternative-packing-materials","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/alternative-packing-materials\/","title":{"rendered":"Alternative Packing Materials: How to Pack Without Boxes and Bubble Wrap\u00ae"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-aspectratio=\"690\/445\" width=\"690\" height=\"445\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mymovingreviews.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/alternative-packing-supplies.jpg\" alt=\"Alternative Packing Supplies\" class=\"wp-image-41644 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/alternative-packing-supplies.jpg 690w, https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/alternative-packing-supplies-300x193.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 690px) 100vw, 690px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group hl-block\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Highlights\">Highlights<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Specialized packing materials provide the best protection for your things when moving from one home to another.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>And yet, sometimes you may choose to use alternative packing materials instead, often for financial reasons.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>When used properly, alternative packing supplies can work out great during a move.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Read on to learn how to pack without boxes and how to pack without bubble wrap\u00ae.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-table-of-content ultp-block-157b74\"><div class=\"ultp-block-wrapper\"><div class=\"ultp-block-toc\"><div class=\"ultp-toc-header\"><div class=\"ultp-toc-heading\">Table of Contents<\/div><div class=\"ultp-collapsible-toggle  ultp-collapsible-right\"><a class=\"ultp-collapsible-text ultp-collapsible-open\" href=\";\">[Open]<\/a><a class=\"ultp-collapsible-text ultp-collapsible-hide\" href=\";\">[Close]<\/a><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ultp-block-toc-style1 ultp-block-toc-body\"><ul class=\"ultp-toc-lists\"><li><a href=\"#How_to_Pack_for_a_Move_Without_Boxes\">How to Pack for a Move Without Boxes<\/a><ul class=\"ultp-toc-lists\"><li><a href=\"#_Suitcases\">1. Suitcases<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#_Briefcases\">2. Briefcases<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#_Backpacks\">3. Backpacks<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#_Tote_Bags\">4. Tote Bags<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#_Garbage_Bags\">5. Garbage Bags<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#_Vacuum_Bags\">6. Vacuum Bags<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#_Ziploc_Bags\">7. Ziploc Bags<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#_Baskets_and_Hampers\">8. Baskets and Hampers<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#_Crates_and_Beer_Boxes\">9. Crates and Beer Boxes<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#_Buckets_and_Trash_Cans\">10. Buckets and Trash Cans<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#_Furniture_drawers\">11. Furniture Drawers<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Bonus_Tip_for_Moving_Without_Using_Cardboard_Boxes\">Bonus Tip for Moving Without Using Cardboard Boxes<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#How_to_Pack_Without_Bubble_Wrap\">How to Pack Without Bubble Wrap\u00ae<\/a><ul class=\"ultp-toc-lists\"><li><a href=\"#_Packing_paper\">1. Packing paper<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#_Newspapers_and_Magazines\">2. Newspapers and Magazines<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#_Shredded_Office_Paper\">3. Shredded Office Paper<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#_Towels\">4. Towels<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#_Old_Clothes\">5. Old Clothes<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#_Linens\">6. Linens<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#_Yarn\">7. Yarn<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#_Sealable_Plastic_Bags\">8. Sealable Plastic Bags<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#Other_Alternative_Packing_Materials\">Other Alternative Packing Materials<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>There is no arguing that specialized packing materials provide the best possible protection for household items and personal belongings during a move. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There is no arguing that these quality packing supplies can get very pricey either. While you\u2019ll certainly want to ensure the safety of your belongings when moving house, you\u2019ll probably wish to save on packing expenses as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Difficult to believe as that may be, there is a way to achieve both your wishes \u2013 you can pack your items for moving safely and efficiently, without paying for professional packing supplies. To accomplish this, you need to find alternative packing materials for moving that can provide appropriate protection to your belongings during transit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Oddly enough, it is very easy to find suitable substitutes for professional packing materials \u2013 all you need to do is look around your home and think out of the box. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll quickly discover a good substitute for bubble wrap\u00ae (<em>such as linens and towels<\/em>), a proper alternative to packing peanuts (<em>like crumpled paper and skeins of yarn<\/em>), and a number of household containers you can use instead of moving boxes (<em>such as suitcases and baskets<\/em>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll be surprised at how many packing supplies you already own!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Any improvised packing materials you can find around the house will save you plenty of time and money when preparing your items for shipping. And you\u2019ll even be able to move without boxes and protect your breakables without bubble wrap\u00ae!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Read on to find out how to achieve this feat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"How_to_Pack_for_a_Move_Without_Boxes\">How to Pack for a Move Without Boxes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The first thing that comes to mind when thinking of moving house is a stack of boxes \u2013 convenient and efficient, <a href=\"\/move\/history-of-cardboard-boxes\/\">cardboard boxes<\/a> have become an integral part of the relocation process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Moving without boxes seems like a ridiculous idea. And yet, there may be times when you need (or wish) to pack without boxes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list ul_ol_padding\">\n<li>You may not want to spend hundreds of dollars on brand-new packing boxes;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You may not have the time to go looking for <a href=\"\/move\/get-boxes-for-moving\/\">free moving boxes<\/a>;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You may not want to use second-hand boxes as they may not be clean enough or sturdy enough for your packing needs;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You may have a lot of oddly-shaped items that will waste plenty of space if packed in boxes (once you place an awkwardly-shaped article into a box, nothing else can fit in the remaining space &#8211; except for soft padding materials) or won\u2019t fit into a standard box at all;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You may want to <a href=\"\/move\/tips-for-an-eco-friendly-move\/\">make your move greener<\/a> by reusing packing materials you already own.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In all these cases, packing without boxes will be the perfect solution for you. But how can you do that? How to pack without boxes? Is it even possible?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, it is &#8211; with the help of alternative packing materials. You can move without using boxes if you substitute them with other appropriate containers \u2013 ones that you already have lying around your home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some ideas on what to use instead of moving boxes when packing for a move:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"_Suitcases\">1. Suitcases<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-26976\">\n<figure class=\"alignright\"><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-aspectratio=\"425\/500\" width=\"425\" height=\"500\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mymovingreviews.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/moving-suitcases.jpg\" alt=\"Suitcases are the best substitute for moving boxes.\" class=\"wp-image-26976 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/moving-suitcases.jpg 425w, https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/moving-suitcases-255x300.jpg 255w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 425px) 100vw, 425px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Suitcases are specially designed for packing.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>While suitcases will certainly be your number one choice when it comes to <a href=\"\/move\/pack-clothes-for-moving\/\">packing clothes for moving<\/a>, they can be used to transport a variety of other household items as well \u2013 documents, books, office supplies, hobby materials, games, toys, shoes, linens, kitchen items, small appliances and electronics, and many more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even fragile items like plates and figurines (properly wrapped in soft protective materials) can be safely moved in structured suitcases as they provide a sturdy layer of protection to the objects inside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What\u2019s more, most suitcases have pockets that allow you to organize and keep safe easy-to-lose items like chargers, batteries, clothing and hair accessories, etc. And suitcases can even be stacked on top of one another in the moving truck!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Good to know:<\/strong> Wheeled suitcases, in particular, are extremely convenient for moving small but heavy items like books and electrical devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"\/move\/pack-books-for-moving\/\">How to Pack Books for Moving<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"_Briefcases\">2. Briefcases<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Just like suitcases, briefcases can hold documents, books, laptops, CDs, DVDs, and other similar items during a house move. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yet, you can\u2019t pack any bulky or oddly shaped articles in a briefcase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"\/move\/important-documents-when-moving\/\">Important Documents to Take When Moving House<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"_Backpacks\">3. Backpacks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Backpacks are extremely versatile and convenient:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list ul_ol_padding\">\n<li>They can fit any shape and provide any piece with the protection it needs to survive the move intact;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Both hiking and city backpacks have plenty of pockets that allow for good organization of your items;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Backpacks are light, strong, and easy to carry.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>You can take your backpacks with you on the trip to your new home, so it\u2019s a good idea to pack your essentials and small valuables (including jewelry and smaller electronic items) in them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All kinds of <strong>travel bags<\/strong> can be used in much the same way when packing for a house move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"\/move\/things-not-to-entrust-to-movers\/\">Things You Should Not Entrust to Movers<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"_Tote_Bags\">4. Tote Bags<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Large totes bags are perfect for holding all kinds of small and medium-sized not easily breakable items \u2013 kitchen utensils, games and toys, hobby materials, linens, and various knick-knacks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Just be sure to seal the tote bags well on the top so that nothing spills out during transit. The same applies to gym bags, beach bags, and other types of fabric bags as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Heavy-duty <strong>shopping bags<\/strong> made of synthetic materials can also come in handy when moving without using boxes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"_Garbage_Bags\">5. Garbage Bags<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-26980\">\n<figure class=\"alignright\"><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-aspectratio=\"402\/450\" width=\"402\" height=\"450\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mymovingreviews.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/clothes-in-plastic.jpg\" alt=\"Bags are your best solution when moving without boxes.\" class=\"wp-image-26980 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/clothes-in-plastic.jpg 402w, https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/clothes-in-plastic-268x300.jpg 268w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 402px) 100vw, 402px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">It can&#8217;t be that simple, can it?<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Trash bags are super cheap and extremely convenient for packing lightweight unbreakable items, even if they\u2019re quite bulky (like pillows and curtains, for example). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All you need to do is throw the pieces inside and seal the bag \u2013 no organizing or special packing skills are required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Clean garbage bags are especially useful for <a href=\"\/move\/how-to-pack-hangers-and-hanging-clothes-for-moving\/\">moving hanging clothes<\/a> \u2013 you can pack your garments in trash bags directly from the closet together with their hangers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This clever packing trick will save you not only time and effort, but space as well &#8211; unlike moving boxes and other packing containers, garbage bags do not take any extra space in the moving truck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep in mind though that trash bags offer very limited protection against damage:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list ul_ol_padding\">\n<li>They tear easily and may expose your items to dust and dirt;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Plastic bags trap moisture and may cause mold to develop on your belongings;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They may melt due to the extreme heat in the back of the moving truck and damage your items.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Besides, all plastic bags are very slippery and difficult to secure in place in the moving truck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"\/move\/how-to-use-trash-bags-when-moving\/\">How to Use Trash Bags When Moving<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"_Vacuum_Bags\">6. Vacuum Bags<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Vacuum bags are great for packing voluminous soft goods like bedding (pillows, comforters, blankets, etc.) and winter clothes (jackets, coats, sweaters, etc.) that would take up too much space otherwise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Just put several of these items in a large vacuum bag and suck the air out of it \u2013 the bag will shrink down, so it won\u2019t waste space in the moving truck. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your soft, bulky belongings will be efficiently packed in a couple of vacuum bags instead of in several big cardboard boxes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"_Ziploc_Bags\">7. Ziploc Bags<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Sealable plastic bags are your best bet for keeping smaller items safe and organized during a house move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They come in very handy when disassembling furniture &#8211; you can put all the screws, bolts, nuts, and other small hardware elements into a zip-top bag and attach it to the furniture piece which the parts came from to prevent them from getting lost or misplaced during the relocation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sealable plastic bags are also indispensable for <a href=\"\/move\/how-to-pack-a-bathroom-for-moving\/\">packing bathroom items<\/a> and any containers holding liquids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"_Baskets_and_Hampers\">8. Baskets and Hampers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>From picnic baskets to laundry hampers, all kinds of baskets in your home will easily fit clothes, shoes, pillows, bed sheets, kitchen utensils, children&#8217;s toys, and any other not-too-large items. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Just make sure you wrap any breakables in several layers of protective materials first and wrap some plastic wrap around the packed baskets to keep the items inside safely contained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"_Crates_and_Beer_Boxes\">9. Crates and Beer Boxes<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-26983\">\n<figure class=\"alignright\"><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-aspectratio=\"414\/474\" width=\"414\" height=\"474\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mymovingreviews.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/moving-crate.jpg\" alt=\"Crates and baskets provide efficient ways to pack without boxes.\" class=\"wp-image-26983 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/moving-crate.jpg 414w, https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/moving-crate-262x300.jpg 262w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 414px) 100vw, 414px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">All packed and ready to go.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Wood crates and beer boxes make perfect packing containers (as long as they\u2019re clean and in good condition, of course):<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list ul_ol_padding\">\n<li>They are very sturdy and provide good protection to the items inside \u2013 you can safely pack even your most fragile items, such as cups and glasses, in beer boxes and crates (provided that they\u2019re properly wrapped for moving);<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They usually have handles, so they can be safely and easily lifted and carried around;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They can be stacked on top of one another.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Just don\u2019t forget to seal the packing containers \u2013 cover them with plastic wrap, place a large piece of cardboard over them, and tape it securely in place, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"_Buckets_and_Trash_Cans\">10. Buckets and Trash Cans<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether plastic or metal, buckets are very suitable for transporting bathroom items, cleaning supplies, detergents, and other household goods that can be easily spilled. The same applies to garbage cans as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Clean trash cans (like those you use for recycling paper) can hold all kinds of knick-knacks and lightweight medium-sized household items as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"_Furniture_drawers\">11. Furniture Drawers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There is nothing easier than leaving your dresser drawers and desk drawers full of the things they already hold and transporting them to your new home as they are. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Just make sure you take the drawers out of the corresponding furniture (otherwise the furniture item will be too heavy to carry) and cover them with plastic wrap to keep their contents secured during the move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>You can come up with many other resourceful ways to pack without boxes as well:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list ul_ol_padding\">\n<li>Pack bags of spices and other pantry items in large pots;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wrap clothing items in sheets;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pack pajamas, towels, and underwear in pillowcases;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Transport jewels in their jewelry boxes, tools in their tool boxes, toys in their toys storage baskets, etc.;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pack cosmetics and toiletries in bathroom bags, etc.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Bonus_Tip_for_Moving_Without_Using_Cardboard_Boxes\">Bonus Tip for Moving Without Using Cardboard Boxes<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-26987\">\n<figure class=\"alignright\"><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-aspectratio=\"500\/347\" width=\"500\" height=\"347\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mymovingreviews.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/bubble-wrap-and-packing-paper.jpg\" alt=\"Bubble wrap or packing paper?\" class=\"wp-image-26987 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/bubble-wrap-and-packing-paper.jpg 500w, https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/bubble-wrap-and-packing-paper-300x208.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">It&#8217;s time to solve the ultimate dilemma &#8211; packing paper vs. bubble wrap.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>When it comes to packing for moving or storage, the best alternative to cardboard boxes are plastic bins \u2013 they\u2019re lightweight, yet very strong and sturdy, waterproof and weather-resistant, and very easy to stack and carry:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list ul_ol_padding\">\n<li><strong>Plastic moving containers do not rip, collapse, or crush.<\/strong> They do not fall apart when fully loaded and do not break under their own weight either. Their construction is very sturdy and the inherent characteristics of the material make them strong and impact-resistant, so they provide excellent protection to the items inside;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The plastic material is impervious to moisture and holds its shape in any weather conditions.<\/strong> So, once the plastic containers are closed, rain, snow, and dust have no way of getting inside and ruining your belongings; <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Plastic bins are stackable, easy to carry, and don\u2019t slide around<\/strong> &#8211; the sturdy plastic material allows for heavy boxes to be stacked on top of each other without the danger of crushing or caving in, while the design of the lid allows a box to fit snugly on top of another (which reduces the risk of a stack of plastic boxes tipping off the dolly or toppling over in the moving truck). What\u2019s more, plastic boxes are designed with built-in handles on both sides which makes them very convenient to pick up and carry;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Plastic moving containers are not only convenient and efficient but also sustainable and reusable<\/strong> \u2013 they\u2019re made from recycled materials and can be used hundreds of times before they reach the end of their lifespan;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Plastic crates are very cost-effective<\/strong> \u2013 they are available to rent at affordable prices and when you\u2019re done unpacking after the move, they\u2019re picked up from your new location, so you don\u2019t need to pay any disposal fees to have them removed from your home.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Now that you know how to move without boxes, you may be interested to learn how to pack without bubble wrap and other specialized wrapping and cushioning materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"\/move\/how-to-use-plastic-moving-boxes-when-moving\/\">How to Use Plastic Moving Boxes When Moving<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"How_to_Pack_Without_Bubble_Wrap\">How to Pack Without Bubble Wrap\u00ae<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Did you know? Bubble wrap<\/em>\u00ae<em> was invented in 1957 by Marc Chavennes and Alfred W Fielding as a wall covering. However,<\/em> the idea never caught on,<em> and in 1960 they founded Sealed Air Corp with Bubble Wrap<\/em>\u00ae<em> being their signature brand.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Throughout this article, we will refer to Bubble Wrap<\/em>\u00ae<em> (which is the trademark of Sealed Air Corporation) and the name by which most people refer to air-filled plastic packaging.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There is no doubt that bubble wrap\u00ae is one of the best packing materials available &#8211; it is efficient, convenient, and fun. The air-filled material provides perfect cushioning and unrivaled protection to household items during shipment \u2013 it prevents scratching and breaking and absorbs shocks and vibrations during transit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What\u2019s more, bubble wrap\u00ae is very easy to use \u2013 lightweight and flexible, it can fit any shape and size, ensuring the safety of the wrapped item without adding to its weight. These qualities make bubble wrap\u00ae the best choice for packing delicate items and awkwardly shaped pieces during a house move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"\/move\/how-to-pack-with-bubble-wrap\/\">How to Use Bubble Wrap for Packing<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yet, if you\u2019re moving on a tight budget or wish to be more eco-friendly during your relocation, bubble wrap\u00ae may not be right for you \u2013 it is quite expensive and not easily degradable (unless you purchase Enviro-Bubble which is much costlier).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In such cases, you\u2019re going to need a cheaper and greener alternative to bubble wrap\u00ae \u2013 and it won\u2019t be difficult to find one. In fact, you have many good options at your disposal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, what to use instead of bubble wrap when packing for a move?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"_Packing_paper\">1. Packing paper<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Especially designed for protecting delicate items, packing paper is soft and smooth and wraps closely around the article, keeping it safe from scratches, dust, and dirt. It takes up very little space and allows items that have been wrapped in paper sheets to be easily stacked or bundled together. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When crumpled, packing paper becomes extremely resilient and provides excellent cushioning in a box. It is also very cheap and eco-friendly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As beneficial as it may be though, packing paper is much thinner than bubble wrap\u00ae and lacks its air-filled cushioning properties, so you\u2019ll need to use several paper sheets at once to achieve the level of protection that a single bubble wrap\u00ae sheet provides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Good to know:<\/strong> If you have saved some <strong>wrapping paper<\/strong> from larger gifts, you can use it for packing and cushioning your items the same way as professional packing paper. (Just make sure your belongings come in contact only with the non-colored side of the wrapping paper.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"\/move\/pack-fragile-items-for-moving\/\">How to Pack Fragile Items for Moving<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"_Newspapers_and_Magazines\">2. Newspapers and Magazines<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Old newspapers and magazines can provide as good protection to your items as packing paper &#8211; and you probably have them in abundance in your home, so you won\u2019t have to pay a penny for them. <\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-26990\">\n<figure class=\"alignright\"><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-aspectratio=\"500\/375\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mymovingreviews.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/packing-in-newspapers.jpg\" alt=\"Nesprint is a good sunstitute for bubble wrap.\" class=\"wp-image-26990 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/packing-in-newspapers.jpg 500w, https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/packing-in-newspapers-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Who says packing can&#8217;t be fun?<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>You can ball them up or rip them into strips and use them to provide extra padding and cushioning inside the moving boxes \u2013 the crushed paper will fill any empty spaces in the moving containers and will prevent your items from shifting around and coming in contact with one another during transit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can also use newspapers and pages from magazines as a second protective layer around breakables \u2013 just be sure never to wrap your items directly in newsprint, as it may leave hard-to-remove ink stains on delicate surfaces and ruin your belongings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Junk mail<\/strong> can also be crunched up and used to fill space in packing boxes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"_Shredded_Office_Paper\">3. Shredded Office Paper<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Shredded paper makes a great filler material \u2013 it is very flexible and provides perfect cushioning to fragile and oddly-shaped items.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, it is not a good idea to use shredded documents that contained sensitive information \u2013 you need to be very careful to <a href=\"\/move\/prevent-identity-theft-when-moving\/\">prevent identity theft when moving house<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, keep in mind that shredded paper can create quite a mess in your new home when you start unpacking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"_Towels\">4. Towels<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Towels are your best friend when packing without bubble wrap\u00ae \u2013 they\u2019re large enough to wrap snugly around an item, soft enough not to mar even the most delicate surfaces, and thick enough to provide good protection against damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What\u2019s more, towels can be used to create a cushioning layer for your breakables at the bottom of a packing container or to provide some extra padding between the items in a box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep in mind, though, that towels aren\u2019t as lightweight as bubble wrap\u00ae and will increase the total weight of the box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"_Old_Clothes\">5. Old Clothes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Similarly to towels, most clothes are also large enough and thick enough to provide sufficient protection to fragile items during a house move \u2013 a single sweater can keep a large vase safe all the way to your new home, for example.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can put ripped and worn-out clothes to good use as well \u2013 just cut them into pieces and use them as filler materials in the moving boxes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Good to know: Socks<\/strong> provide a very efficient way of protecting glasses \u2013 and especially stemware \u2013 during transit. All you need to do is insert a glass inside a thick, clean sock and you can rest assured that the fragile piece will arrive intact at your new home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"\/move\/pack-glassware-for-moving\/\">How to Pack Glasses for Moving<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"_Linens\">6. Linens<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Bed sheets, pillowcases, tablecloths, and any other large, soft fabrics you have at home can be used for wrapping household items during a move. (It is not a good idea to use brand new ones, though, as they may get ruined in the process.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"_Yarn\">7. Yarn<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-26992\">\n<figure class=\"alignright\"><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-aspectratio=\"500\/375\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mymovingreviews.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/yarns.jpg\" alt=\"Yarn is another great alternative to bubble wrap and packing peanuts.\" class=\"wp-image-26992 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/yarns.jpg 500w, https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/yarns-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Believe it or not, balls of yarn make perfect cushioning and filler material.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>If you happen to have some skeins or balls of yarn at home, you can place them around or on top of other items in packing boxes to fill any remaining empty spaces and provide some more padding to your belongings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"_Sealable_Plastic_Bags\">8. Sealable Plastic Bags<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You can seal small zip-top plastic bags full of air and use them as cushioning pads inside the moving boxes to fill space and protect your breakables \u2013 just like professional packaging air pillows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Other_Alternative_Packing_Materials\">Other Alternative Packing Materials<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>So, you already know how to move without using boxes and how to pack fragile items without bubble wrap\u00ae. You can easily find substitutes for all other professional packing materials as well:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list ul_ol_padding\">\n<li><strong>Blankets<\/strong> &#8211; Any regular blankets you own will be just as effective as specialized moving blankets when it comes to packing larger household items for shipping (See also: <a href=\"\/move\/packing-furniture\/\">How to pack furniture for moving<\/a>; <a href=\"\/move\/pack-home-appliances\/\">How to pack household appliances for moving<\/a>);<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pantry goods <\/strong>&#8211; Bagged goods like beans, rice, and lentils can fill small nooks and crannies in moving boxes to prevent your belongings from moving around the packing containers during transit. Small bags of popcorn will also do the trick. You can even use pea straw or peanuts in the shell as a substitute for packing peanuts to make your move cheaper and greener.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Any small soft items you have at home \u2013 <strong>sponges<\/strong>,<strong> oven mitts<\/strong>,<strong> fabric napkins and handkerchiefs<\/strong>, etc. &#8211; also make great space fillers. Even <strong>plastic bags<\/strong> can be put to use as padding materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The options are virtually limited &#8211; just use your creativity and you\u2019ll be able to easily, safely, and efficiently move house without boxes, bubble wrap, or other specialized packing materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bear in mind though that these improvised packing materials \u2013 however efficient they may be &#8211; can never provide as good protection to your items as <a href=\"\/move\/packing-supplies-for-moving\/\">professional packing supplies<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, when packing for a move, be sure to use specialized packing materials at least for your most delicate and most valuable possessions \u2013 having them damaged or ruined during the relocation will cost you much more than purchasing quality packing materials, after all. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, consider hiring <a href=\"\/move\/professional-packing-services\/\">professional packers<\/a> to take care of your most prized and most difficult-to-pack items \u2013 the experts will ensure the safety of your cherished possessions and you\u2019ll be glad to find everything intact and unscathed when you start unpacking after the move. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Congratulations on your smooth and successful relocation!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Highlights There is no arguing that specialized packing materials provide the best possible protection for household items and personal belongings during a move. There is no arguing that these quality packing supplies can get very pricey either. While you\u2019ll certainly want to ensure the safety of your belongings when moving house, you\u2019ll probably wish to &hellip; <\/p>\n<p class=\"link-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/alternative-packing-materials\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;Alternative Packing Materials: How to Pack Without Boxes and Bubble Wrap\u00ae&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":41642,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"ub_ctt_via":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[73],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-26971","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-packing-materials","entry"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/alternative-packing-materials.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Jessica Ryan","author_link":"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/author\/jessica-ryan\/"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v24.8.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Alternative Packing Materials: How to Pack Without Boxes and Bubble Wrap<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Alternative packing materials can make your move cheaper, easier, and greener. 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Find out how to pack without boxes, as well as how to pack without bubble wrap\u00ae.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/alternative-packing-materials\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"MoveAdvisor\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2024-01-08T12:30:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-03-04T09:30:01+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/alternative-packing-materials.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"675\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Jessica Ryan\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Jessica Ryan\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"17 minutes\" \/>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Alternative Packing Materials: How to Pack Without Boxes and Bubble Wrap","description":"Alternative packing materials can make your move cheaper, easier, and greener. Find out how to pack without boxes, as well as how to pack without bubble wrap\u00ae.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/alternative-packing-materials\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Alternative Packing Materials: How to Pack Without Boxes and Bubble Wrap","og_description":"Alternative packing materials can make your move cheaper, easier, and greener. 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You can contact Jessica at: jessicaryan@mymovingreviews.com | Linkedin","sameAs":["https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/jessica--ryan\/"],"url":"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/author\/jessica-ryan\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26971"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/17"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=26971"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26971\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":44459,"href":"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26971\/revisions\/44459"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/41642"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=26971"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=26971"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=26971"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}