How to Use Packing Materials to Protect Your Items

How to Use Each Type of Packing Material Effectively

Stretch Film

Stretch film bundles and stabilizes items on pallets or secures loose lids and parts on individual products. Start at the base of your stack and wrap in overlapping layers upward, pulling the film taut with each pass. Finish by wrapping the top layer back toward the base to lock everything in place. Stretch film keeps grouped boxes together during transit and prevents shifting.

Bubble Wrap

Bubble wrap protects against shock and vibration. Place your item in the center of a sheet and fold the wrap over it with the bubble side facing inward. This puts the air cushions directly against the surface that needs protection. Secure with tape and add a second layer for fragile or high-value pieces. Wrap corners and edges first before covering the full surface.

Packing Paper

Packing paper wraps individual pieces, fills void space, and separates items that might scratch each other. To wrap a single item, place it in the center of a sheet, fold the sides inward, and roll toward the far edge. For void fill, crumple sheets loosely around packed items so nothing shifts. Packing paper works especially well for dishes, glassware, and anything with a polished finish.

Packing Peanuts

Packing peanuts fill empty space so contents cannot move during transit. Pour a layer into the bottom of the box, set your wrapped item on top, then pour peanuts around and over it until no gaps remain. Shake the box gently before sealing. If contents shift, add more peanuts. This material is particularly effective for irregularly shaped items that are hard to cushion with flat materials.

Carton Sealing Tape

Carton sealing tape reinforces the bottom seam, which takes the most stress during stacking and transport. Apply tape in an H-pattern on both the top and bottom of the box: one strip down the center seam and one strip across each end where the flaps meet. This distributes pressure across the entire flap area. For heavier boxes, two passes along the center seam add useful reinforcement.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Protective Materials

Start with the right box size. Even the best packing materials cannot compensate for a box that is too large, since excessive void space allows contents to migrate. Fill gaps thoroughly with peanuts or crumpled packing paper to keep items centered. Combine materials when needed: bubble wrap around fragile items paired with packing peanuts for void fill tends to outperform either material used alone. Always seal all seams with carton sealing tape before shipping, not just the top opening.

Where to Find Quality Packing Materials Serving Lee's Summit, MO

Kansas City-based Reliance Paper Company serves Lee's Summit, MO, with a practical range of packing materials including stretch film, bubble wrap, packing paper, packing peanuts, and carton sealing tape. Browse the full selection on the packaging materials page or call (816) 471-8338 to place an order. You can also request an estimate online to get started. Find Reliance Paper Company on Google to check hours and directions before your visit.