Stretch wrap, Mover’s Wrap, plastic wrap, cellophane wrap, etc. Plastic stretch wrap has plenty of nicknames. More importantly, it has even more uses. From bundling and binding, to protecting and sealing, there are countless ways to use plastic moving wrap around the home or office that go well beyond moving and storage. If you’re on the fence about whether you need a roll of plastic stretch wrap to help with your packing needs, this guide shows all the unique ways you can use it to make packing and moving easier.
Plastic stretch wrap is a flexible cast film used primarily to bind and bundle household items during the packing process. This versatile tool is essential in the world of packing and moving because it makes loads more manageable, more compact, and better protected from dust, dirt, and scratches.
Unlike tape, plastic stretch wrap only sticks to itself, so it doesn’t leave behind any sticky residue on wood finishes and other surfaces you want to keep protected. It’s available in different gauges of plastic and sizes to accommodate a wide variety of items and use cases.
Not all plastic wraps are created equal, however. It’s important to note that some plastic wraps, like kitchen wrap, use a lighter gauge that’s not suitable for bulkier items. Other wraps use a heavier gauge intended for wrapping and securing everything from furniture to commercial pallets.
We designed Mover’s Wrap with the do-it-yourself mover in mind. Our plastic stretch wrap is made with heavy-duty 75-gauge cast film, ideal for protecting bulky furniture during moving and storage. It’s available in 5-, 10-, 15-, and 20-inch wide rolls. The smaller rolls are great bundling and binding, while the larger rolls are ideal for wrapping large pieces of furniture. Unlike many other plastic stretch wraps you’ll find out there, Mover’s Wrap comes with a handle for easy tension control and application.
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Now that you got the crash course on plastic stretch wrap, you can picture how to put it to use. There are plenty more, but here are seven of our favorite ways to use Mover’s Wrap.
Wrapping furniture and appliances is the number one use for plastic stretch wrap, and for good reason. Since these items can’t fit in a moving box, covering them entirely in a protective material is the next best solution. Some tips for wrapping your furniture and appliances:
Securing your furniture in plastic wrap alone is a solid way to protect against dust and debris, but for best protection, we recommend draping your item in a Furniture Pad/moving blanket first, then securing the pad using Mover’s Wrap. This tactic is also helpful if you’re wrapping a leather or wooden surface, as it will keep potential trapped moisture from damaging your belongings. Learn more about using moving blankets.
When it’s time to pack the garage or shed, you may be wondering if there's an easy way to get those rakes, shovels, brooms, and other long, awkward items packed. Have we mentioned Mover’s Wrap yet? Use a 5” roll to bundle these items together at the top and bottom of the handles. When bundled, they can be carried to the moving truck in one easy trip and won’t shift in the truck once you’re on the road. This doesn’t apply only to lawn equipment. Any awkward non-fragile items, like curtain rods, couch cushions, stuffed animals, and electric cords can be bundled together using plastic stretch wrap.
Silverware is another item that commonly gives movers trouble during the packing phase. You don’t want your silverware set loosely cluttering the moving box, but you also don’t want to waste time individually wrapping or bundling them together. Avoid the issue altogether and use a 5” roll of Mover’s Wrap to wrap the silverware organizer so that everything stays where it should. It only takes minutes, so you’ll have more time to pack glassware and dishware.
Quickly bundling large, awkwardly shaped items to make them easier to manage is a key benefit of using Mover's Wrap. Rugs and mats are another example of how this works. Roll your rug tight like a sleeping bag, then use a 5” or 10” roll of Mover’s Wrap to secure it on both ends. Not only is it easier to carry a rug in a compact package, but it also helps you avoid creases.
If you’ve built up a vast collection of cleaning supplies, shampoos, and other bottled liquids, you might be wondering how to move them without spilling. You can close the lid as tightly as you want, but extreme temperatures and altitude changes can affect the viscousness of the liquid and allow it leak out if the bottle topples. The solution? Tear off a small piece of Mover’s Wrap and place it over the top of the bottle underneath the lid to seal in liquids for the journey ahead.
There’s a lot of movement in the back of a moving truck once it gets going. If you load a dresser or cabinet without securing the drawers, you risk them flying open when you come to a stop or take a tight turn. Many people use tape to keep them shut, but that's tough to peel off later and it leaves behind a sticky mess on your furniture. Mover’s Wrap not only doesn’t leave any residue behind, but it’s simple to use. Just wrap around the item entirely to keep drawers and doors closed.
Although we recommend going the extra mile when packing artwork for moving and using a proper box and packing kit, Mover’s Wrap can be helpful here as well. Since the wrap is tear-resistant and residue-free, it makes a great cover for valuable artwork and framed wall décor. Use it to keep glass frames from cracking or shattering. Or use it as an extra layer of protection before placing the frame in a box.
When you’re ready to start your packing journey, U-Haul is here to help. We have all the moving and packing supplies you need to efficiently and safely pack for moving and storage, all in one place. Order your supplies online and choose from Same Day delivery or FREE in-store pickup from a U-Haul location near you.
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