How to Choose the Right Packing Materials for Your European Move

Choosing the right packing materials for moving is essential for protecting your belongings during a move to Europe. With so many different materials available, it can be hard to know where to start. In this article, we’ll guide you through how to choose the right packing materials for moving house to Europe, ensuring that your items arrive at their destination in the same condition as when they left.

How to Choose the Right Moving Boxes

When packing up your belongings for a European move, choosing the right moving boxes is crucial. First, take an inventory of everything you plan to move and estimate how many boxes you’ll need of various sizes. 

Be sure to pick box sizes appropriately – heavy items should go in small boxes, while light items can be packed more loosely in large boxes. Don’t overpack boxes as this can cause them to break.

Invest in new, high quality moving boxes designed specifically for transporting household goods. Look for boxes with burst strength ratings of 200 lbs or higher to withstand the strain of moving. Speciality boxes like wardrobe boxes, mirror boxes, and dish pack boxes can help protect fragile and oddly shaped items. 

Avoid used grocery store boxes as these won’t be sturdy enough. Buy about 50% more boxes than you anticipate needing in case you have to repack boxes that become damaged. Properly labelling your boxes will help movers know where to place them in your new home.

Where to use Packing Paper and Bubble Wrap

Packing paper and bubble wrap are essential for protecting your fragile belongings during a move. Use packing paper for lighter items that won’t damage easily, such as clothes, linens, towels, and lightweight décor items. 

Wrap each item individually in a layer of packing paper before placing it in a moving box. Crumpled packing paper can also cushion the bottom and sides of boxes that contain breakable items.

Reserve bubble wrap for your most fragile possessions. Wrap each plate, bowl, glass, vase, mirror, artwork, lamp, and other delicate items completely in a single layer of bubbles. Make sure the bubbles face inward to provide cushioning. 

For extra protection, wrap bubble-wrapped items with a layer of packing paper before putting them in a box. When packing electronics, wrap cables with bubble wrap and use wads of paper to prevent rattling. Bubble wrap also comes in sheets that you can use to line the bottom of boxes or create protective barriers between items.

What Type of Packing Tape to use?

When sealing up boxes for a move, don’t skimp on the tape quality. Use sturdy packing tape designed specifically for shipping and moving boxes. The tape should be at least 2 inches wide for maximum holding power. Look for tape that has an adhesive rating of at least 350lbs/inch—this denotes how much weight the tape can hold per inch when secured correctly.

Avoid using masking tape, duct tape, or cellophane tape which can easily tear and cause boxes to open. Similarly, stay away from refills rolls of tape as these lose adhesiveness over time. For important boxes, reinforce seams by sealing the top and bottom completely with 2-3 strips of tape. 

Tape all box openings securely but don’t tape over box flaps as this makes boxes harder to open. Use clear tape so you can see the box contents. Having a tape dispenser helps apply tape neatly and efficiently.

What Type Of Speciality Packaging Is There For Fragile Items?

When considering how to pack fragile items there are a few options for various breakable items you’d need to move with you. 

• Dish pack boxes – These sturdy boxes have internal dividers and padding to securely separate and cushion glassware, plates, bowls, cups, and other fragile kitchen items.
• Mirror boxes or crates – Specially designed to protect framed mirrors, artwork, and pictures by suspending them away from the sides of the box.
• Wardrobe boxes – Allows clothing to be transported on hangers inside a tall box with a clothing rod.
• Mattress boxes – Designed to protect mattresses by fully enclosing them in plastic or other protective material.
• Crate rental – Wooden shipping crates can be rented to protect large or oddly-shaped fragile items like antiques, pianos, and sculptures.
• Blanket wraps – Individual pieces of furniture, lamps, vases etc can be wrapped with thick protective blankets or padded quilts.
• Bubble wrap pouches – Fragile electronics like TVs can be protected in boxes filled with bubble wrap.
• Custom foam cutouts – For extremely fragile items, custom foam padding with cutouts for the item can be ordered.

While not all moving companies or packing suppliers stock each of these speciality packing options, it might be helpful for you to reach out to your removal company and check what they can provide. 

Cotswold Carriers are able to create bespoke-made crates for valuable items including artwork. To learn more about what Cotswold Carriers can do, contact us today. 

Are Packing Materials Recyclable? 

When preparing for a big move, it’s common to end up with a lot of discarded packing supplies like bubble wrap, tissue paper, and cardboard boxes. Fortunately, many standard packing materials can be recycled, reducing waste and your environmental footprint.

Cardboard boxes, including moving boxes, can be broken down flat and recycled with other cardboard items. Verify if tape and labels need to be removed first in your local recycling program. 

Packing paper, newspaper, and tissue paper can also be recycled with mixed paper. Bubble wrap and other plastic packing materials like air pillows need to go in a plastic bag recycling bin. If your movers provide furniture blankets or mats, these are typically reusable. 

However, foam peanuts need to be taken to special recycling centres and can’t go in curbside bins. When selecting packing materials, look for recyclable and sustainably sourced options.

What Packing Materials Does Cotswold Carriers Supply? 

Protecting your belongings during a move requires using the right packing materials. At Cotswold Carriers, we provide premium quality supplies designed to keep your items safe. 

For standard packing needs, we offer sturdy packing cases, book boxes for heavy items, wrapping paper, bubble wrap, tape, garment carriers, mattress covers, and sofa covers. For speciality items, we can provide custom-made crates for artwork, bubble blankets, paper blankets, archive boxes, and shrink wrap. 

All of our materials are chosen for maximum durability and protection. With our high-quality packing supplies, you can rest assured knowing your possessions are guarded for their journey. 

Contact Cotswold Carriers today to get all the packing materials you need for a smooth, stress-free move.