Void Fill Packaging Methods: A Complete Guide
When many people picture how to protect items packed in boxes, they assume the box is the most important part. While it’s true that a sturdy cardboard box plays a key role in protecting items being shipped or loaded on a moving truck, there’s another aspect that’s just as crucial. It’s called void fill, and it can be the difference between a happy unboxing or a disastrous one. If you’re getting ready to pack boxes for shipping, moving, or storage, use this guide to learn more about the best void fill packaging materials and how to use them.
What Is Void Fill Packaging?
Void fill packaging is the “stuff” that’s strategically placed inside a moving box or package to keep your items from shifting or colliding during transportation. When a package is on the back of a moving truck or delivery vehicle, it experiences a lot of movement. It can even be dropped, crushed by other boxes, or tip over after a tight turn. If the empty space in the box isn’t filled, the items are more likely to be damaged as a result. That’s why experienced shippers always make sure extra space is filled.
Types of Void Fill Packaging Material
Void fill packaging is essentially another name for padding, cushioning, or any protective material used for immobilizing items in a box. You can use a wide variety of materials to fill void space in your boxes/packages (for example, DIY movers often use blankets or towels). But not all materials are created equal. Below are some of the materials we recommend using as packing filler.
- Bubble Packaging
- Packing/Wrapping Paper
- Paper Pads
- Packing Peanuts
- Moving Blankets
Popular Void Fill Methods
Blocking
Blocking involves using a thick, sturdy material, such as folded Triple Layer Paper Moving Pads, to firmly hold items in place. Rather than simply providing cushion, blocking stabilizes the item almost entirely while providing shock absorption as well. You can also use polystyrene foam or cardboard dunnage for blocking. This method is best used with items that are already boxed or not awkwardly shaped.
Individual Protection
When you’re packing something fragile, like dishware, glassware, figurines, or fine china, individual protection is the box filler method of choice. As the name implies, this method involves individually wrapping each item in a protective material, such as Enviro-Bubble® wrap, before packing the items in the box and filling the void around them with packing paper, packing peanuts, or more bubble packaging. This protects your items from colliding in the box and provides an extra layer of padding.
Loose Fill
Loose fill is ideal for irregularly shaped items and fragile items. Loose fill materials come in several varieties, but packing peanuts are the most common. In addition to filling void space for shipping, packing peanuts are lightweight and do a better job of conforming to the packed object than paper does, hence why they’re preferred for irregularly shaped items that would be difficult to wrap otherwise. Other loose fill options include shredded or crinkled paper/cardboard.
Box Cushioning
Cushioning is the most straightforward void fill method, and it can be done using several different materials. To cushion, simply fill the hollow space with a soft and flexible material so your item is immobilized, and the box is protected from edge crushing. It’s ideal for items that aren’t particularly fragile or awkwardly shaped. We recommend folded or crumbled paper void fill, like Packing Paper, or an air cushioning material, like Enviro-Bubble wrap.
What is the Best Void Fill?
This depends on what kind of item you’re packing. For fragile items, we recommend individually wrapping the item(s), then using cushioning or using a loose fill for a mix of impact protection and immobilization. For not-so-fragile items, cushioning and blocking without individual wrapping will likely work fine, just so long as the item is effectively immobilized and protected.
Also consider how much space you have to work with. If you only have a few centimeters of void space around the edges of your box, you may want to use a few layers of bubble packaging instead of a bulkier paper pad or packing peanuts. Conversely, if you have a lot of space to fill, using plenty of loose fill or blocking with a heavy-duty packaging filler might be the best way to go.
How Much Void Fill To Use When Packaging
How do you know if you’ve used enough box filling material? Simple. Give your package (assuming it’s light enough) a gentle shake. If the movement is limited, you’re probably good. If the item(s) rattles around, even slightly, consider adding more box filler. If giving your box a gentle shake was enough to rattle the item inside, imagine what might happen on the back of a delivery vehicle!
You can also use measurements. In general, we recommend there be at least two inches of padding/cushioning on all sides of your item for maximum impact protection. Be sure you have 1) a box large enough to accommodate that extra space, and 2) enough void fill packaging to fill the extra space.
Is Void Fill Recyclable?
Most U-Haul packing supplies are 100% recyclable and reusable. Even our packing peanuts are a 100% eco-friendly void filling material, while other packing supply manufacturers use harmful polystyrene peanuts or single-use plastics. Enviro-Bubble® is also an environmentally friendly box filler material. Recycle it or reuse it after you’re done. It’s even made from recycled materials so you can pack your items for the journey ahead 100% guilt-free.
Find Void Fill Packaging Near You
Looking to get the best void fill packaging for shipping, moving, or storage? We carriy all the best void fill materials at our U-Haul locations across the U.S. and Canada. Order your packing supplies online and choose from same-day delivery or FREE in-store pickup from a neighborhood U-Haul location closest to you.