Moving Tips: 12 Uses for Stretch Wrap
Stretch Wrap Roll with Dispenser Handle
If you’ll be moving soon, don’t forget the stretch wrap when purchasing packing supplies. Once used primarily by only professional movers, this handy plastic wrap for moving is now available in various sizes and gauges and perfect for any DIY move. With no sticky residue like tape, it’s easy to apply and even easier to remove. It’s also recyclable so it’s environmentally-friendly too.
When choosing stretch wrap, there are a few choices to keep in mind: 65 Gauge vs 75 Gauge The higher the number, the better the protection, so pick up 75 gauge wrap for securing and protecting larger items. For smaller, lighter jobs, keep 65 gauge stretch wrap on hand.
Blown or Pre-Stretched?
Pre-Stretched Wrap
Pre-stretched wrap is a newer product and is lighter weight than regular stretch wrap. Because it’s pre-stretched, it doesn’t require quite as much pull as traditional blown stretch wrap when wrapping larger items like furniture. If you’ll be moving multiple large items, pre-stretched may be the way to go. If you have few large items, regular blown wrap will work just fine.
Handle or No Handle?
While handles make it easier to apply the wrap, the design does limit the width of wrap available. Our handled stretch wrap is 3" wide so it’s good for smaller items, but pick up a larger non-handled roll which, at 17" and 18" will offer more than five times the width for wrapping large pieces of furniture, appliances, etc. Click over to see all of our stretch wrap options:
- HandFilm Pre-Stretched Wrap
- HandFilm Pre-Stretched Wrap: 4-Pack
- Blown Stretch Wrap (65 gauge)
- Blow Stretch Wrap (65 gauge): 4-Pack
- Blown Stretch Wrap (75 gauge)
- Blown Stretch Wrap (75 gauge): 4-Pack
- Stretch Wrap w/Dispenser Handle
1. Wrap jewelry displays.
Have one of those pretty wall displays for your jewelry? No need to pack your necklaces and bracelets away, simply wrap the entire piece with wrap to keep jewelry safe inside and ready to hang once you’re in your new home.
2. Cover drawers.
No need to unload dresser drawers. Simply pull the drawer out and wrap with an 80 gauge wrap to create an instant “box” that keeps contents inside.
3. Wrap cabinet doors closed.
Have a wardrobe, media center, or other piece of furniture with doors? Place a piece of wrap around the entire cabinet to keep doors from opening during transit.
4. Bundle long awkward items together.
Curtain rods, brooms, and more can be placed and secured together to make them easier and faster to carry.
5. Keep it rolled.
Once rugs, mats, etc. are rolled, wrap with stretch wrap to keep them that way.
6. Bubble wrap buddy.
Bubble wrap is great for small fragile items, but not when the bubble wrap comes off during unpacking. Add a length of stretch wrap to keep bubble wrap in place until you’re ready to remove it.
7. No spills allowed.
In the kitchen and bathroom, remove the caps or tops on bottles or jars, place a large piece of stretch wrap over the opening and put the cap or top back on.
8. Keep ‘em stacked.
Bundle forks, spoons, etc. and other items that can be stacked and secured; it will take up less space in the moving box.
9. Handle the large but light.
Toss pillows, stuffed animals, etc. are easier to tote when bundled together into one easy piece.
10. Lid insurance.
Stretch wrap around plastic storage tubs ensures the lids stay on, even during the jumble of a move.
11. Cord keeper.
Wrangle all those electric cords, electronics accessories, phone chargers, etc. easily with a quick wrap.
12. Furniture saver.
Wrap pillow-back sofas to keep all of the pieces in place. Secure moving pads with stretch wrap to keep the layer of protection in place (the ultimate protection for leather furniture!).
Learn more with our handy guide to moving blankets and furniture pads.
