How to use bubble wrap for packing
Popping bubble wrap is something that many of us loved doing as a child and maybe even as an adult (no one is judging!). However, this versatile product has plenty more uses than just being entertaining.
Before we dive into the What’s and How’s of using bubble wrap to package an item, let’s look at the advantages and why you should be using bubble wrap in the first place.
Advantages of bubble wrap
There are many different types of bubble wrap out there so don’t feel limited to just one specific brand. Bubble wrap is an all-rounder for the following reasons:
- It’s cost effective, it’s one of the cheapest alternative packaging there is to offer.
- It’s budget friendly and some are environmentally friendly which is great for the planet. When disposed of, it simply degrades once discarded.
- If handled correctly, it can be used again multiple times which saves you from having to purchase any unless absolutely necessary.
- It doesn’t add any extra weight to your packaged goods as it is mostly comprised of air and plastic. If your packaged goods needs to be shipped you won’t be paying extra when the times comes for weighing.
- Bubble wrap is versatile when it comes to wrapping a unique item. It can be folded, cut and wrapped any way the product is designed so it makes for the perfect medium.
- It is fun and entertaining. When purchasing goods, usually those that are fragile often comes with bubble wrap. It’s totally up to the person as to whether they would like to reuse it or pop it. Many a time, people cannot help but pop those air bubbles, there is just something relaxing and satisfying about doing it.
Now that all the advantages of bubble wrap are listed, we will move onto how you should wrap up your goods to avoid any damage and to ensure your goods are protected.
Lay the bubble wrap on a clean and flat surface
It becomes so much easier to wrap an item once it is laid out of a flat and clean surface. This way you are able to judge accordingly, just how much bubble wrap is needed for the item. It also saves you the time and effort of moving any objects around that might be in the way.
Just think about how difficult and irritating it would be to constantly keep moving things around while trying to successfully wrap up them up. As if the stress of moving it in the first place is not enough.
Knowing which side of the bubble wrap to use
When covering the item, make sure that the air bubbles are facing it. This is to ensure that the item does not get damaged in any way as the air pockets, act as a ‘cushion’ that minimizes any damage that may occur during shipment.
Similarly, if the air pockets are facing away from the item, it could potentially pop and it would not be able to protect said item from damage during shipment. So make absolutely sure that you get this step correct, or all that careful cutting, wrapping and planning might be for nothing.
Do not be afraid to wrap it up more than once
This all depends on the item, how it is designed and how fragile it is. There are times when an item needs to be wrapped up more than once and this is common in bigger items such as a television, fridge, drawers, long mirrors etc.
The same can be said for smaller items as well such as snow globes, fragile antique or valuable items. To reiterate, by judging how fragile your goods are, you can estimate how many times they need to be wrapped. If you are having doubts, wrap it again.
Example of wrapping up an item
Let’s take a ceramic bowl as an example. Firstly, make sure you have enough surface area and that there is nothing in your way. Secondly, double check that the air pockets are facing towards the bowl and not away from it.
Remember, the air pockets act as a cushion and needs to soften the blow should it come to that. Thirdly, cut and shape your bubble wrap to cover the bowl and lastly, secure it with tape. Here is a link as to where you can find more information on how to use bubble wrap for your goods.
