Moving Packing Materials Guide: What You Actually Need

One of the most common mistakes people make when moving from Turkey to Europe is underestimating how much the right packing materials matter. On long international routes, vibration, humidity changes, and handling pressure can damage items that were packed carelessly. This guide walks you through every material you need and exactly what it should be used for.

Box Types and Sizes

Packing boxes come in three main sizes. Small boxes (roughly 30×30×30 cm) are for books, kitchen items, and anything heavy — a large box stuffed with heavy items is hard to carry and the bottom will likely give out. Medium boxes (around 40×40×50 cm) are the workhorse of any move, suitable for clothes, toys, and small appliances. Large boxes (60×60×60 cm and up) should only be used for light, bulky items like pillows, duvets, or plastic containers. For international shipping, always choose double-wall corrugated boxes — they are significantly stronger than single-wall supermarket boxes.

Bubble Wrap, Packing Paper, and Foam

Bubble wrap is your best friend for glass, ceramics, and screens. The key detail most people get wrong: wrap with the bubbles facing outward, not against the item. This distributes impact across a larger surface area. Acid-free packing paper is ideal for china, silverware, and anything with a delicate finish since it leaves no ink marks. Foam sheets and foam corner protectors are essential for framed art, mirrors, and furniture edges.

• Always use small, double-wall boxes for heavy items — and double-tape the bottom seam before loading anything.
• Wrap bubble wrap with bubbles facing out, using multiple layers with no gaps between them.
• Fill box gaps with packing paper or foam, not newspaper — printer ink can transfer onto surfaces and cause staining.
• Stretch wrap (stretch film) keeps drawers shut, protects furniture from scratches, and can bundle multiple boxes together.
• Apply tape in an H-pattern: one strip down the center seam and one along each edge, both top and bottom.

Stretch Film and Tape

Stretch film is not just for furniture. Use it to seal box lids during transport and to bundle groups of boxes securely. When it comes to tape, avoid cheap transparent tape — use proper packing tape at least 48 mm wide. Masking tape and painter's tape are not strong enough for boxes: they fail under humidity and pressure.

At Avrupaya, our professional packing service includes all materials. Your belongings are fully insured and shipped door-to-door across Europe. If you prefer to pack yourself, we can advise you on exactly which materials to source before moving day.