Bubble wrap in Chicago is one of the most practical things you can have before your move begins. We use it on every job — dishes, mirrors, lamps, electronics, and more. This page covers how much you need, what to wrap first, and how to use it correctly. We’ll also walk you through how we handle it on a professional move.
As a mover operating in Chicago, we know what building types, road conditions, and weather can do to fragile items in transit. Our crews bring bubble wrap on every job. If you’re packing yourself, this page tells you exactly what to do.
If you’re moving in Chicago — whether it’s a studio in River North or a three-bedroom in Lincoln Park — the amount of bubble wrap you need depends on two things: home size and item count. Start by counting your fragile items before you pull a single roll.
A one-bedroom apartment typically needs 50–75 feet of standard wrap. A two-bedroom needs 100–150 feet. A three-bedroom home can require 200 feet or more. Always round up. Running out mid-pack causes rushed decisions and broken items.
Chicago high-rises have long carry distances from unit to loading dock. More wrap means better protection through lobbies, tight corners, and elevator rides. Don’t cut it short on a long-carry move.
Quick count method:
• Dishes and glassware: 2–3 feet per item
• Framed art and mirrors: 4–6 feet per item
• Lamps and electronics: 3–5 feet per item
Not everything needs bubble wrap. Focus your wrap on fragile, breakable, or high-value items. Soft goods, books, and clothing don’t need it — they hold their own in a box.
Chicago renters and homeowners often have more glassware, ceramics, and framed art than they realize. Check your shelves, kitchen cabinets, and walls before you estimate. These are the items that break when boxes shift.
Wrap these first:
• Dishes, bowls, and stemware
• Picture frames and mirrors
• Table lamps and floor lamps
• Monitors, TVs, and small appliances
• Decorative ceramics and collectibles
If you’re unsure whether something needs wrap, hold it by one corner. If it feels fragile, wrap it. If it’s solid and dense, a layer of packing paper is usually enough.
Pre-wrapping your items before our crew arrives saves loading time. It also means your most fragile things are handled by you first — not passed off in a rush. In Wicker Park and Bucktown, where older buildings often have narrow staircases, pre-wrapped items are easier to carry without stopping to adjust.
For dishes, wrap each piece individually. Start at one corner, roll diagonally, and tuck the ends in. Stack wrapped plates vertically — never flat — inside the box.
For mirrors and frames, wrap the edges first, then cover the full surface. Use two layers for anything over 18 inches. A mirror box adds another layer of protection for hallway carries.
For electronics, cover the screen or face first. Wrap the body in a full layer. Secure with tape — but don’t tape directly to the screen or casing.
One rule that applies to all three: roll wrap, don’t fold it. Folding creates flat spots with no cushion. Rolled wrap keeps air in the bubbles where you need it.
Wrapping an item well means nothing if the box isn’t packed correctly. Gaps inside a box let items move. Movement causes impact. Impact breaks things — especially on Chicago streets, where road surfaces in neighborhoods like Pilsen and Bridgeport can be uneven.
Start with a layer of crumpled packing paper on the box bottom. Place the heaviest wrapped items first. Fill all side gaps with paper or extra wrap. Heavier items go on the bottom; lighter items on top.
Before sealing, do the shake test: Close the box and give it a firm shake. If you hear or feel movement, open it and add more fill. A properly packed box feels solid and quiet.
Seal the bottom and top seams with two strips of packing tape each. A single strip on a heavy box isn’t enough.
Before you seal a box, run a quick check on each wrapped item. Press the wrap gently — you should feel firm resistance from the air bubbles. If the wrap feels flat or thin, add another layer. A 30-second check now saves a broken item later.
Chicago winters affect bubble wrap. Cold air can cause plastic to stiffen and lose some give. If you’re moving in January or February, check your pre-packed boxes the morning of the move. Re-wrap anything that feels brittle or flat.
The two-step check:
If a wrapped item passes both, it’s ready to load.
Customer satisfaction is our top priority, and our numerous positive customer reviews reflect our commitment to providing exceptional service. Our clients trust Bernard Movers for their apartment moving Chicago and residential moving Chicago needs. Whether you’re relocating within Chicago or across state lines, we ensure a smooth and successful move every time.
We bring bubble wrap on every move as part of our standard materials. If you want to confirm what’s included before your move date, ask us when you book.
Yes, you can reuse it as long as the bubbles still hold air and push back when pressed. Flat or punctured wrap no longer cushions effectively and should be replaced.
Bubble wrap cushions better; packing paper fills gaps and prevents scratching. For dishes and glassware, using both gives the best protection — wrap first, then fill box gaps with paper.
Wrap the edges first with two layers, then cover the full face. For carries through building hallways or stairwells, use a mirror box to keep the surface protected from wall contact.
Longer carry distances and more loading points increase the chance of impact. Under-wrapped items shift inside boxes and are more likely to crack or chip before they reach the truck.
Hardware stores, moving supply retailers, and some moving companies — including us — carry bubble wrap. Ask when you schedule your move and we can let you know what we provide.
