Moving: Plastic Wrap Requirements And Recommendations

Plastic wrap, also known as stretch wrap or shrink wrap, is an essential tool for anyone moving house. It is a versatile, inexpensive, and readily available resource that can protect your furniture and other belongings from scratches, scuffs, and breaks during the moving process. The amount of plastic wrap you will need depends on the size and number of items you are moving, with standard rolls of 1,000' or 1,500' in length being sufficient for most homes. In this article, we will explore the various uses of plastic wrap for moving and provide tips on choosing the right type and amount of plastic wrap for your needs.

Plastic wrap is versatile, inexpensive, and available in various sizes

Plastic wrap is an essential item when packing for a move. It is versatile, inexpensive, and available in various sizes, making it a highly important supply to have on hand when preparing your items for transit.

Also referred to as stretch wrap and shrink wrap, plastic wrap is an invaluable product to buy when moving. It is one of the most versatile tools a mover can have in their packing arsenal. It can be used to protect furniture from scratches and scuffs, bundle hard-to-pack items like bed rails, keep moving blankets in place, and prevent liquids from spilling. It is also useful for securing drawers and cabinet doors, keeping them closed during the move.

The size of the plastic wrap you need will depend on the size and number of items you need to move. Standard stretch wrap rolls are 1,000’ or 1,500’ in length and 5 to 22 inches in width, and these are sufficient to move most homes. Rolls of 2,000’ are recommended for those moving from a large property or relocating office space. The most common size for hand stretch wrap is 18 inches, and smaller widths should be avoided as they may not offer the same level of protection.

When choosing the right size, it is important to consider the length, width, and gauge (thickness) of the wrap. The higher the gauge number, the thicker the wrap, and the better the protection it will offer. Thin film is easier to stretch and apply, making it suitable for light loads, while thicker film is better for protecting heavier objects without tearing.

Plastic wrap is readily available in various sizes, so you can easily find the most appropriate type for your packing needs and get as much as you need. It is also inexpensive and recyclable, so you don’t need to worry about the environmental impact of your move.

It can protect furniture from scratches and keep items bundled together

Plastic wrap is a versatile and inexpensive material that can protect your furniture and keep items bundled together during a move. It is available in various sizes, and you can easily find the most appropriate type of cling wrap for your packing needs.

To determine how much plastic wrap you need, consider the size and number of items you plan to move. For large items of furniture, large plastic wrap is recommended, with a width of 20 inches typically being the best option. Smaller widths of 16 inches or less may not offer the same level of protection and can leave gaps that allow dust and dirt to enter. The length of the wrap is also important, with standard rolls measuring 1,000 feet or 1,500 feet, which is usually sufficient for most homes. However, if you are moving from a large property or relocating office space, a 2,000-foot roll may be more suitable.

Plastic wrap can protect your furniture from scratches, scuffs, and stains by creating a seal around your items. It is particularly useful for keeping drawers and cabinets closed during transportation, making bulky and heavy pieces easier and safer to carry. It is also effective at preventing dust, dirt, and moisture from reaching your belongings, although you should ensure they are completely dry before wrapping to avoid the risk of mould growth.

In addition to protecting furniture, plastic wrap can also be used to bundle items together, such as silverware, kitchen items, and hanging clothes. It can also be used to secure loose cords and wires, preventing tangles and tripping hazards.

It is easy to apply and can be used to secure drawers and doors

Plastic wrap is a versatile tool for packing and moving. It is inexpensive, recyclable, and readily available in various sizes. It is also easy to apply by hand and can secure drawers and doors, keeping them closed during transit.

To secure drawers and doors with plastic wrap, start by removing the handles and placing them inside the drawers to create a flat surface. Then, make a simple drawer pull with a piece of tape so you can easily open the drawer later. Next, wrap a few layers of plastic wrap around the drawer, ensuring it is secure and tight. This will keep the contents safely contained inside and prevent them from spilling out during the move.

When using plastic wrap to secure drawers and doors, it is important to consider the size and number of items you need to move. Standard stretch wrap rolls come in lengths of 1,000 feet or 1,500 feet, which are typically sufficient for moving most homes. However, if you are moving from a large property or relocating office space, you may need rolls up to 2,000 feet long. Widths can range from 5 to 22 inches, with 18 inches being the most common size for hand stretch wrap. Avoid using rolls with widths less than 16 inches, as they may not provide adequate protection.

Additionally, consider the thickness of the plastic wrap, also known as the gauge. A higher gauge number indicates better protection. For example, an 80-gauge wrap will offer more protection than a 65-gauge wrap when packing for a house move. Thin film is easier to stretch and apply, making it suitable for light loads, while thick film protects heavier objects without tearing but may be more challenging to apply.

Plastic wrap is recyclable and does not leave a sticky residue

Plastic wrap is an inexpensive, versatile, and readily available tool for packing when moving house. It is easy to apply by hand and can be used to protect your furniture, keep loose items bundled together, and prevent liquids from spilling. It is also useful for securing doors and drawers, keeping them closed during the move and making furniture safer and easier to handle.

When measuring the amount of plastic wrap you need for your move, you need to consider the length, width, and gauge (thickness). Standard stretch wrap rolls are 1,000' or 1,500' in length and sufficient to move most homes, while 2,000' rolls are recommended for large properties or office spaces. Width size standards range from 5 to 22 inches, and the most common size for hand stretch wrap is 18 inches. Smaller stretch wrap widths may not offer the same level of protection and can leave gaps where dust and dirt can enter. The gauge is a measurement of the sheet's thickness, with lower numbers indicating a thinner film. Thin film is easier to stretch and apply, making it suitable for light loads, while thick film protects heavier objects without tearing but may be more challenging to apply.

While plastic wrap is recyclable, it is important to note that it should be clean and dry before recycling. Wet or food-soiled plastic wrap can cause costly contamination during the recycling process. Plastic wrap is generally made using #2 and #4 plastic resins, which are recyclable. However, it is more costly to recycle plastic wrap than to use virgin materials, and without specialized equipment, plastic wrap can clog recycling machines. When plastic wrap ends up in landfills or incinerators, it can release toxic chemicals, contributing to the plastic pollution crisis. Therefore, it is essential to properly recycle plastic wrap and explore alternative options, such as reusable food wraps made with bee's wax, jojoba oil, and tree resin.

The amount needed depends on the size and number of items to be moved

The amount of plastic wrap you need for your move depends on the size and number of items to be moved. Plastic wrap, also known as stretch wrap, is available in various sizes, making it easy to find the right type for your packing needs. It is also inexpensive, so you can get as much as you need without breaking the bank.

When determining how much plastic wrap to get, consider the length, width, and gauge (thickness) of the wrap. Standard stretch wrap rolls come in lengths of 1,000 feet or 1,500 feet, which is typically enough to move most homes. If you're moving from a large property or relocating office space, you might need 2,000-foot rolls. Widths can range from 5 to 22 inches, with 18 inches being the most common size for hand stretch wrap. For furniture and other bulky items, opt for large plastic wrap, with 20 inches usually being the best option.

The gauge of the plastic wrap is also important. This refers to the thickness of the sheet, with lower numbers indicating a thinner film. Thin film is easier to stretch and apply, making it ideal for light loads such as small furnishings and kitchen appliances. On the other hand, thick film provides better protection for heavier objects like sofas, bed frames, fridges, and laundry appliances, but it may be more challenging to apply.

In addition to the size of the items, the number of items you need to move will also impact the amount of plastic wrap required. If you have a large number of items to wrap, you will naturally need more plastic wrap than if you only have a few items. Keep in mind that for items with non-standard shapes or many corners, you may want to use foam padding in conjunction with plastic wrap to provide extra protection.

Frequently asked questions