5 Packing Materials You Should Avoid (and What to Use Instead)

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When you’re preparing for a move, it’s tempting to grab whatever packing supplies are cheap and easy. But some of the most common materials aren’t just wasteful — they can actually put your belongings at risk. The result? A stressful move, broken items, and bags of trash you feel guilty about tossing.

Here’s the truth: not all packing materials are created equal. Some are messy, some don’t work, and some stick around in landfills for hundreds of years. The good news is that there are smarter, greener, and more effective alternatives available today.

In this guide, we’ll cover five packing materials you should skip, explain why they fail, and share better replacements that keep your stuff safe while reducing waste. You’ll also see how INO Armor® Protective Wrap — a patented bubble wrap replacement — delivers stronger protection with none of the plastic guilt.

1) Bubble Wrap

Bubble wrap is the most recognizable packing material on the planet. It’s also one of the worst offenders.

Why to Avoid It

• Short-lived protection: Once bubbles pop, cushioning power disappears.
• Long-term storage fail: Air slowly leaks out over time, leaving items vulnerable.
• Plastic problem: Bubble wrap is made from polyethylene, which isn’t recyclable in most curbside programs.

Better Alternative: INO Armor® Protective Wrap

• 7× stronger impact absorption
• Drop-tested from 7 feet with fragile glassware and bottles
• Perforated tear-off sheets — use exactly what you need
• Reusable and compostable at end of life

Learn more about why INO Armor beats bubble wrap → INO Armor

2) Styrofoam Peanuts

They’re lightweight, they’re cheap, and they’re a nightmare.

Why to Avoid Them

• Mess everywhere: Static cling makes them stick to clothing, pets, and everything else.
• Poor protection: They stop shifting but don’t cushion against impact.
• Environmental hazard: Styrofoam breaks down into micro-particles that pollute water and soil.

Better Alternatives

• Crumpled kraft paper: Affordable, recyclable, and compostable.
• Shredded paper: Great for filling voids if you have old mail or documents.
• Compostable peanuts: Made from cornstarch or other plant-based materials.

3) Plastic Grocery Bags

We all have that drawer full of plastic bags. But they shouldn’t go near your moving boxes.

Why to Avoid Them

• Moisture magnets: Trap condensation and encourage mold.
• Weakness: Tear easily, especially with sharp items.
• No structure: Provide no cushioning, just surface cover.

Better Alternatives

• Towels, linens, or blankets: Free, reusable, and effective as void fill.
• Reusable fabric bags or totes: Durable and multifunctional.
• INO Armor strips: Wrap corners and edges before covering furniture with cloth.

4) Newspaper

Newspaper feels thrifty, but it causes more problems than it solves.

Why to Avoid It

• Ink transfer: Leaves stains on ceramics, glassware, fabrics, and collectibles.
• Weakness: Shreds easily and flattens under weight.
• Acidic paper: Can discolor items over time in long-term storage.

Better Alternatives

• Packing paper or kraft sheets: Stronger, cleaner, recyclable.
• Acid-free tissue: Perfect for photos, heirlooms, and textiles.
• INO Armor: Safe for direct wrapping around fragile surfaces.

5) Low-Quality Tape

Tape seems like a small decision, but it determines whether your boxes actually stay sealed.

Why to Avoid It

• Splits and peels: Adhesive fails under pressure or humidity.
• Sticky residue: Leaves gunk on furniture, bins, or hands.
• Wasteful: You’ll use 2–3 strips where one good strip would do.

Better Alternatives

• High-quality packing tape: Strong adhesion, works with fewer strips.
• Water-activated tape (WAT): Reinforced, tamper-proof bonds.
• Reusable straps or bungees: Ideal for bins, totes, or furniture.

For more guidance, see Best Tape for Moving Boxes

Other Materials to Rethink

While the “big five” are the worst, here are more worth replacing:

• Plastic stretch wrap → Switch to moving blankets or fitted covers.
• Single-wall boxes → Use double-wall for fragile or heavy items.
• Non-breathable garment bags → Use cloth bags or old sheets instead.

Why INO Armor Changes the Game

INO Armor isn’t just another wrap. It’s designed to be a direct replacement for bubble wrap — one of the most wasteful packing products out there. By using INO Armor instead, you get:

• Better protection for glassware, electronics, art, and collectibles
• Reusable sheets that don’t collapse after one use
• A compostable product that returns to the earth, not the landfill

It’s the cornerstone of a smarter, greener moving kit.

FAQs: Smarter Packing Choices

Here are answers to the questions people ask most when planning moves:

What’s the worst packing material for moving?

Styrofoam peanuts. They’re messy, don’t absorb shock, and pollute the environment.

What can I use instead of bubble wrap?

INO Armor is the best alternative. It’s stronger, compostable, and drop-tested.

Can I compost INO Armor?

Yes. Shred into smaller pieces, remove tape, and add to your backyard compost.

Is newspaper safe for wrapping dishes?

No. Ink can stain plates and bowls. Use kraft or INO Armor instead.

Does cheap tape really matter?

Yes. Weak tape fails under pressure, forcing you to use more and risking box collapse.

How do I pack fragile items without waste?

Wrap directly in INO Armor, stack plates vertically, use towels or paper for void fill, and label boxes clearly.
See: How to Pack Fragile Items Like a Pro

What’s the most eco-friendly void fill?

Reuse what you have: towels, linens, shredded paper. Compostable kraft paper is a solid second option.

Are reusable bins worth it?

Absolutely. They prevent box crush, reduce tape use, and serve long after your move.

Conclusion: Pack Smarter, Stress Less

Moving doesn’t have to be messy, expensive, or wasteful. By avoiding bubble wrap, Styrofoam peanuts, plastic bags, newspaper, and cheap tape, you’ll save yourself cleanup headaches, protect your belongings better, and reduce your environmental impact.

Switch to smarter alternatives — especially INO Armor Protective Wrap — and you’ll find moving day becomes simpler, greener, and a whole lot less stressful.

• Upgrade to INO Armor → INO Armor
• Need secure storage space? → Find Storage