Tip: Kraft Paper for Padding

[simplicio]

For a long time, I was quite dependent on big-bubble bubble wrap for the items I ship, which tend to be quite heavy.

I still use bubble wrap for really heavy/expensive stuff, but of late I find that for light to medium items, the cheapest and least time consuming way to pad is to get a roll of kraft paper (example) and just rip pieces off and crumple them. 900′ gives you a huge amount of padding for only $70-80, whereas I might pay $18 for a 75′ roll of good 1/2″ bubble wrap.

I think it’s a bit heavier than the equivalent volume of bubble wrap but your material cost will make that a wash, and it’s very very easy to store on the roll, versus the huge rolls of bubble wrap.

Any thoughts?

• This topic was modified 7 years, 5 months ago by simplicio.

[So Cal Joe]

That’s great advice. However I just use newspaper in the same fashion. I make sure the item is securely wrapped, generally with stretch wrap. This ensures that none of the newsprint can inadvertently get transferred to the item.

I agree, the craft paper gives a better presentation, but the newspaper is usually free.

[Inglewood]

I’ve been using kraft paper for years for this purpose – not only is it great filler/padding, it’s great to wrap boxes that were previously used, covered with labels, or combined for a cleaner presentation.

I have a roll of kraft paper hanging from the ceiling above my shipping station – I bought two eye hooks and put them in the ceiling, and put a metal rod through them to hold the roll – it’s very convenient to cut a piece for fill, or to wrap a box.

I usually stock up on kraft paper when it I get promo coupons that I can stack at Staples – I bought 4 900′ rolls for under $100 in September when I stacked a couple back to school coupons and other discounts. There are a few different “weights” of the paper – I find the thinner paper works just fine. The thicker paper is a little too hard to wrap a box with as it is too stiff.

[Retro Treasures WV]

I use kraft paper when I have plenty of ounces to play with on weight until the next pound. I use bubble wrap or large bubbles if I have a chance to keep the package from hitting the next pound and save a couple bucks.

[Antique Frog]

I use corrugated paper- can be loosely rolled up to do the job of bubble wrap. It’s also good for packing books- a wrap round the book with a slight overlap, and a roll tucked in at each end, and then wrapped in kraft paper.

One item I’ve thought of using, but haven’t yet, is Veroboard for things like postcards. Impossible to bend!

[Terri]

I keep my eye out on craigslist for free packing paper from people who have recently moved. Last time, I filled my car with 8 garbage bags full of it. It’s a bit of a task taking the somewhat crumpled pieces and making them flat again, but I like both the free and green aspect of reusing perfectly good paper.

I used to always use newspaper, but this is SO much cleaner.

[Jay]

I still vote for bubble wrap and/or peanuts for super delicate items. We also pack with crumpled Kraft paper, but have lately gotten a couple broken items because I dont think it gives enough cushion.

[bcfol440]

Sometimes it’s just a psychological wrap – you know the item is fine, but the buyer may like seeing more padding. But they don’t really need expensive bubble wrap. As for breakables, different story.

[Antique Frog]

For some items I use high density foam, cut to shape with a knife. Offcuts can be combined with peanuts.

I worked for the post office at Christmas for a number of years, so I got to see close-up what happens to parcels! Five-foot drop off a conveyor belt etc. Also how small some house’s letter boxes can be- the one on a 1880s house I lived in was about 4 inches by 2 inches. The days when the butler or maid answered the door are long gone!

[aperture]

Thanks for the tips on inexpensive padding materials. I have been using bubble wrap and reused materials exclusively. I will get some kraft paper and corrugated paper to reduce my bubble habit.

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