Plastic Wrap: Efficiently Covering Your Dresser

Plastic wrap is a versatile and affordable tool for protecting furniture during a move. It is important to consider the size and number of items to determine how much plastic wrap is needed. For a small or medium-sized home, a single 80-gauge 18-inch by 1500-foot stretch wrap roll or two 80-gauge 18-inch by 1000-foot rolls should suffice. For larger homes or more furniture, an additional roll may be necessary. Plastic wrap is particularly useful for items with drawers and doors, such as dressers, to prevent accidental openings and secure the contents. It can also be used to wrap individual drawers and disassembled pieces. While plastic wrap is great for protection, it may not provide much cushioning, so it is often used in combination with bubble wrap or furniture pads.

Plastic wrap is cheaper and available in different sizes

Plastic wrap is a versatile, inexpensive, and readily available tool for packing furniture during a move. It is available in various sizes, making it suitable for different packing requirements. When packing a dresser, it is essential to consider its size and unique features, such as drawers and doors, to determine the appropriate amount of plastic wrap needed.

The standard sizes of plastic wrap are length, width, and gauge (thickness). The gauge thickness of plastic wrap commonly used for moving ranges from 75 to 80. A higher gauge thickness provides more strength and coverage. For example, an 80-gauge 18-inch by 1500-foot roll is sufficient for a small or medium-sized home with a limited number of furniture pieces. For larger homes or a greater quantity of furniture, an additional roll may be necessary.

The versatility of plastic wrap lies in its ability to protect various items during transportation. It can be used to secure drawers and doors on dressers, preventing them from opening and spilling their contents. Additionally, it serves as an extra layer of protection for artwork, furniture, and items with cushions. Plastic wrap is also useful for bundling smaller items, such as silverware and utensils, and for wrapping wires to keep them secure and protected from dust and moisture.

When using plastic wrap, it is important to ensure that the items being wrapped are clean and dry. This helps prevent stains and scratches that may occur due to dirt or debris. Plastic wrap is easy to apply by hand and only sticks to itself, making it convenient to remove without leaving any sticky residue. Its flexibility and waterproof features make it ideal for safeguarding items from the elements during an offseason move.

It's used to protect furniture from damage

Plastic wrap is a versatile and inexpensive tool that can be used to protect furniture from damage during transportation or storage. It is important to note that the amount of plastic wrap required depends on the size and number of items being moved. For a small or medium-sized home, a single 80-gauge 18-inch by 1,500-foot stretch wrap roll or two 80-gauge 18-inch by 1,000-foot rolls should suffice.

When using plastic wrap to protect furniture, it is crucial to ensure that the items are properly clean and dry before wrapping. This helps to prevent stains and scratches that may occur due to wrapping debris or dirt on the furniture. Additionally, it is recommended to use a layer of protective material, such as foam padding, cardboard pieces, or furniture pads, between the furniture and the plastic wrap for added protection. This is especially important for items with delicate finishes, as the plastic could stick to them.

One of the main advantages of using plastic wrap for furniture protection is its ability to secure loose components, such as drawers or doors, reducing the risk of breakage. It also helps keep upholstery, wood, or delicate surfaces intact, preventing wear and tear during the moving process. Plastic wrap can also be used to secure moving blankets or packing materials in place, providing an extra layer of protection without leaving sticky adhesive residue on the furniture.

However, it is important to note that plastic wrap does not provide padding, so it is recommended to put a layer of blankets, towels, or other soft materials between the furniture and the wrap to protect against bumps and jiggles during transportation. Additionally, natural and porous materials, such as wood or leather, should be covered with breathable fabric to prevent moisture damage from condensation. Overall, plastic wrap is a useful tool for protecting furniture from damage during transportation or storage, but it should be used in conjunction with other protective measures to ensure the safety of your belongings.

It's ideal for keeping drawers closed

When moving a dresser, it is important to keep the drawers closed to prevent damage to the dresser and its contents, as well as to avoid injuries to people. Plastic wrap is ideal for keeping drawers closed during transit. It is tear-resistant and water-resistant, ensuring that it remains intact and effective throughout the moving process.

Before wrapping the dresser with plastic wrap, it is recommended to empty the drawers to reduce the risk of damage. If the drawers are filled with heavy items, it is better to remove them and wrap and pack each drawer separately. This will also reduce the weight of the dresser, making it easier to move.

To keep the drawers closed, wrap the dresser tightly with plastic stretch wrap. Start by placing a flat piece of cardboard over the drawers, followed by a moving blanket or furniture blanket. Then, use packing tape to secure the blanket to the dresser. Finally, wrap the entire unit in plastic wrap, making sure to cover all surfaces. The plastic wrap will help to keep the dresser clean, protect it from scratches, and make it easier to grip and move.

It is important to note that tape should not be placed directly on the wood of the dresser, as it can damage the finish. Instead, use masking tape or painter's tape on the edges of the drawers under the plastic wrap. Additionally, if the dresser has a mirror, it should be removed, wrapped separately, and labelled as fragile.

It's versatile and can be used to wrap appliances

Plastic wrap is a versatile and inexpensive tool that can be used for various purposes, including wrapping appliances. It is easy to apply by hand and can be found readily in different sizes. When using plastic wrap for appliances, it is important to consider the size and number of items you need to cover.

For larger appliances, such as refrigerators, it is recommended to use a thicker plastic wrap, such as an 80-gauge 18-inch by 1,500-foot stretch wrap roll or two 80-gauge 18-inch by 1,000-foot rolls. This will provide sufficient coverage and protection for the appliance during transport or storage. For smaller appliances, such as mixers or blenders, a thinner plastic wrap can be used, such as a 20-inch by 1,000-foot roll.

When wrapping appliances, it is important to ensure that the appliance is properly clean and dry before applying the plastic wrap. This will help prevent stains and scratches during the wrapping process. Additionally, it is recommended to use a layer of protective material, such as a furniture pad or bubble wrap, between the appliance and the plastic wrap for added protection.

Plastic wrap can also be used for smaller tasks involving appliances. For example, it can be used to cover refrigerator shelves to create a waterproof barrier, making clean-up easier. It can also be used to cover liquid containers to prevent spills and drips during transport or storage. Plastic wrap can also be placed over mixing bowls or stand mixers to prevent batter from splattering and creating a mess.

It can be recycled

Plastic wrap is one of the most versatile tools a DIY mover can have in their packing arsenal. It is also known as stretch wrap and is used to protect and secure furniture during transport. It is inexpensive, easy to apply by hand, and readily available. The only challenge involved in stretch wrapping your furniture and fixtures is knowing how much you’ll need to protect all your household or office items.

The amount of stretch wrap you need depends on the size and number of items you need to move. For objects with nonstandard shapes or numerous corners, consider using foam padding and stretch wrap to protect them from damage. For small or medium-sized homes, a single 80-gauge 18-inch-by-1,500-foot stretch wrap roll or two 80-gauge 18-inch-by-1,000-foot rolls should be sufficient. For larger homes or higher quantities of furniture, you may need to purchase an additional roll.

Now, onto the question of whether it can be recycled. The answer is yes, plastic wrap can be recycled. However, it cannot be recycled at most recycling centres that collect materials from curbside. It needs to be taken to a drop-off location for recycling. Plastic wrap and film packaging are generally made using #2 and #4 plastic resins, both of which are recyclable. To find out if you can recycle your used stretch wrap, contact your local solid waste company and ask if they accept #4 LLDPE plastic in their recycling program. You can also use a recycling locator tool to find a drop-off location near you.

It is important to note that wet or food-soiled plastic wrap and film should not be recycled as it can cause costly contamination during the recycling process. Be sure to clean the plastic and let it dry before dropping it off for recycling.

Frequently asked questions