The Worst Thing You Can Reach for When Packing Up Dishes

published May 25, 2018
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(Image credit: Lauren Volo)

The other week, we ran a post with instructions detailing how to pack up dishes and glassware for a move. To do it, we teamed up with Lior Rachmany, the CEO and founder of Brooklyn-based Dumbo Moving + Storage. He’s moved more than 6,000 apartments throughout his career, so he had a ton of smart tips and points.

One really stuck with us more than the others, though. Turns out, there’s one thing people reach for again and again when packing up their dishes — but they really shouldn’t.

Any guesses as to what it is?

Bubble wrap! Apparently bubble wrap should not be invited to make your next move with you. “Bubble wrap is bulky and takes up too much room in the box,” Rachmany says. Plus, it will actually slow you down, as it’s harder to wrap around objects and typically requires some taping, he points out.

(Image credit: Lauren Volo)

Instead, Rachmany suggests packing paper. “Packing paper is more flexible than bubble wrap and it’s faster to use.” The paper not only protects your dishes, but it also creates little pockets of air when you crumble it, which adds another layer of defense. It’ll also be less cumbersome as you’re unpacking in the new place, and it’s much easier to recycle when you’re done. (Bubble wrap is not usually recyclable with your curbside stuff, but it can be recycled with your plastic bags at the front of section of most grocery stores.)

Buy: Packing Paper, $22 for 175 sheets

(Image credit: Lauren Volo)

To prove his point, he packed up an entire cabinet of plates, bowls, and glasses — into one tall box. That simply couldn’t have been done if he was using bubble wrap (it would have taken more boxes, which means more trips and a more annoying move!).

More Moving Tips

What did you use the last time you moved? Bubble wrap or packing paper?