Packing Materials to Protect Fragile Items: Use Cellular Boxes & Bubble Wrap

30 years ago you could go down to the store with just one dollar - and walk out with a bunch of packing boxes, bubble wrap, moving pads, and a label maker...

Now, unfortunately, there are cameras everywhere.

Petty crime and my hilarious jokes aside, you still do need all those things - and I don't actually recommend shoplifting. What I do recommend is learning about all the different types of packing materials, why you need them, what you need them for, and how to use them properly. And because this is the internet, you can do that easily. I mean, you're already here, learning. So either stick around, or head straight to the source - an expert packing materials guide written by Movers.com (more about them later).

3 Types of Packing Materials & How They Help You Move

Looking at all the moving supplies online can be confusing - but it all boils down to three types of materials:

• cardboard boxes,
• protective materials, and
• labeling materials.

Special Cardboard Boxes & Why You Need Them

Alright, before you stock up on just any old boxes, you might wanna see what else is out there - because some of it is pretty cool and will make packing so much easier and faster.

So here are the most important cardboard boxes you should know about:

• Kitchen boxes: These cellular packing boxes make it easier to organize china, silverware, glasses - and make sure they don't break.
• File boxes: Have a bunch of important documents you're not sure how to pack? Get small file boxes and keep your stuff organized.
• Wardrobe boxes: Worried about your fancy clothes getting all wrinkled? A wardrobe box is the answer; it has a bar across the top so you can hang your fancy dresses and suits.

And that's just my top 3 - there are also lamp and picture boxes, which you should definitely check out. Oh, and look up box sizes - super useful stuff.

Essential Protective Materials & Which Is the Best (Spoiler Alert: It's Bubble Wrap)

Okay, I may have a secret reason for liking bubble wrap so much - my cat loves to pop it, perhaps even more than I do. But, the fun factor aside, bubble wrap really is one of the best protective materials - you can use it for anything from your fridge to your crystal glasses.

But you don't really need to put everything in bubble wrap; here are some other useful protective materials:

• Newspaper: Have lots of fragile items and small trinkets and not enough bubble wrap? Old newspapers will do the trick.
• Moving pads & blankets: Wrapping a whole table or chair in bubble wrap might be a bit of an overkill; pads and blankets will provide enough protection.
• Plastic covers & stretch wrap: These are perfect for mattresses, pillows, etc. You can also use them to protect electronic devices from moisture.

Different Labeling Materials & How to Stay Organized

Packing is only half of the job, though. The last thing you want is to arrive at your new home, excited to get settled in, only to realize you have no idea where to find... anything.

Which is why it's important to label your boxes. Personally, I just use a permanent marker - but if you wanna get all fancy about it you can get labels and stickers.

Pro tip: If you have heavy boxes, make sure you reinforce them with tape. (I learned the hard way....)

Movers.com & How to Get Moving Quotes, for Free

Have you decided how to do your move - will you DIY the whole thing, hire professional movers, or just hire a truck? All are good options - it all depends on your budget and well, your specific situation.

I imagine driving across the country for days, with all your earthly possessions and kids in tow, isn't the most appealing idea. If that's your situation, then maybe consider hiring professionals. It may cost you more, but it won't cost you your sanity.

You can even get moving quotes for free so you can compare your options. Movers.com - the guys who wrote the