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Tips for Using Bubble Wrap when Moving

Bubble wrap is a wonderful product used when moving. It can protect valuable items such as electronics, dish and glassware, mirrors and other breakable items. Bubble wrap is really flexible plastic sheets infused with air bubbles that act as cushions. When moving it is necessary to know how to pack your breakable items with bubble wrap.

Wrap from Bottom Up

Bubble wrap is used to cushion items from the rough treatment that may occur in the moving process. Set items on top of the bubble wrap and then cover from the bottom up. Often people will try to drape the bubble wrap over the item, but this causes a loose fit that can lead to damage.

Do Not Use too Much

Yes, you can use too much bubble wrap. Wrapping your items in a large piece of bubble wrap makes it difficult to get a tight fit. The excess will gradually work its way loose and ultimately cause the item to move within the wrap itself.

Secure with Strong Tape

Use a strong commercial tape like Duct Tape to secure the bubble wrapping. Overlap the sides along the edges lengthwise instead of using long strips. This provides a more secure attachment as it is covering a greater area.

Packing Right

The less you bring along, these days, the more time and trouble you save getting into and out of airports and the like. Fortunately, packing light doesn’t have to mean looking awful.

Travel expert JoAnn Cordary scoffs at the idea of checking bags, even on a week-long international business trip. Traveling over 250,000 miles a year, most of those international trips, Cordary has mastered the art of dressing stylishly while bringing only a wheeled carry-on suitcase and a personal bag.

Her top 10 tips for packing light are:

1. Pack low-maintenance clothes that will make you feel well dressed and confident. Cordary suggests finding a “collection” that will allow you to mix and match pieces so you don’t feel like you are wearing the same look every day. “I find clothes that work for the season and work them hard” says Cordary.
2. Maximize your wardrobe with black knit pieces. “I have black slacks, skirts and jackets and then use brightly colored blouses and jewelry to brighten them up.” Knits work very well because they can be taken out of the suitcase and are ready to wear.
3. Always leave a little room in your suitcase to bring home something special.
4. Put makeup and skincare products in clear, plastic, resealable bags, so you can see what’s inside without scrambling around for it. Underwear and pantyhose should also be packed in clear bags.
5. Roll work-out clothes and place them on the bottom of the suitcase. “I try to roll as much as I can,” says Cordary.
6. Put socks in gym shoes.
7. Cosmetics should go on the top of the suitcase between a jacket and pants for protection.
8. On long trips, pack a pair of slippers with leather bottoms. They protect the feet and are comfortable.
9. Always pack a copy of the photo page of your passport in a separate bag from the one in which you carry your real passport. If you keep your passport in your briefcase, pack a copy of your passport in your suitcase.
10. Attach a couple of safety pins to the inside of your suitcase. You never know when you are going to need a safety pin.