How to Use Paper Padding for Moving

Protect your belongings with paper moving pads  

When shopping for moving supplies, don’t forget to add paper padding to your cart. It’s a great way to keep your items safe, and it’s recyclable, which means less waste after you move! 

Let’s review what it is and how it can help protect your things.  

What are paper moving pads, and how do they work? 

Paper moving pads are multi-layer sheets of heavy-duty kraft or recycled paper that are designed to cushion and wrap furniture and fragile items. The pads are typically sold in sets of 3 or more, and common sizes are 48” x 72” (4’ x 6’) and 60” x 72” (5’ x 6’). 

You can use paper moving pads to wrap and protect furniture and breakables. Cut the pads to size or use packing tape to connect multiple pads to cover larger things. 

How do paper pads compare to moving blankets? 

Padded moving paper is a lightweight and smaller alternative to traditional cloth moving blankets. Paper moving pads are typically cheaper per piece and easier to recycle than cloth.  

Unlike cloth moving blankets, paper pads are easy to cut to size or wrap around smaller items.  

Are paper moving pads the same thing as packing paper? 

No. Packing paper, also called newsprint, is only a thin, single-layer material, while paper pads have extra cushioning with multiple layers. Paper padding provides greater protection against scratches and gouges when wrapping fragile belongings.  

How many paper moving pads should I get? 

If you plan to wrap all of your furniture with paper padding, you’ll typically need 2-3 pads per item, depending on the pad size. Smaller belongings usually take 1-2 pads. Oversized things, such as sectionals, might require 5-6 pads, which can be taped together. 

Need more packing tips? U-Pack can help 

At U-Pack®, our moving experts are here to help, from providing a quote for your out-of-state move to offering packing tips to help you keep everything safe in transit.  

Let us know in the comments if you have questions about using packing paper, safely loading your stuff or moving long distance.