Moving house can be exciting, but it also comes with one big challenge: protecting your belongings during transit. From glassware and electronics to picture frames and furniture, bubble wrap remains one of the most effective ways to prevent damage while moving.
A common question people ask is:
"How much bubble wrap do I need for moving house?"
The answer depends on the size of your home, the number of fragile items you own, and the type of bubble wrap you use. In this guide, we'll help you estimate how much bubble wrap you'll need and choose the right products for your move.
Quick Answer: How Much Bubble Wrap Do You Need?
For most Australian households, the following estimates provide a good starting point:
| Home Size | Recommended Bubble Wrap |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 Bedroom | 1 x 50m roll |
| 2 Bedroom Home | 1–2 x 50m rolls or 1 x 100m roll |
| 3 Bedroom Home | 1–2 x 100m rolls |
| 4 Bedroom Home | 2–3 x 100m rolls |
| Large Family Home | 3+ x 100m rolls |
If you have lots of fragile items such as mirrors, artwork, collectibles, TVs, or glass furniture, consider purchasing extra bubble wrap to ensure adequate protection.
What Items Should Be Wrapped?
Many people underestimate how much bubble wrap they'll use because they only think about glassware. In reality, bubble wrap can protect:
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Glasses and kitchenware
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Plates and bowls
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Mirrors
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Picture frames
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TVs and monitors
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Computer equipment
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Small appliances
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Decorative items
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Lamps
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Collectibles and ornaments
The more delicate items you own, the more bubble wrap you'll require.
How to Calculate Bubble Wrap for Moving
A practical method is to estimate based on the number of boxes and fragile items.
Small Move
Typically includes:
-
10–15 moving boxes
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Basic kitchenware
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A few decorative items
Recommended:
Medium Move
Typically includes:
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20–40 moving boxes
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Full kitchen contents
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Electronics
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Multiple fragile household items
Recommended:
Large Move
Typically includes:
-
40+ moving boxes
-
Multiple bedrooms
-
Artwork, mirrors, electronics and furniture
Recommended:
Having additional bubble wrap on hand is often cheaper than replacing damaged belongings.
What Bubble Size Is Best for Moving House?
Bubble wrap generally comes in different bubble sizes.
10mm Bubble Wrap
Best for:
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Glassware
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Kitchen items
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Collectibles
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Small electronics
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Picture frames
Smaller bubbles provide excellent surface protection and flexibility for wrapping individual items.
20mm Bubble Wrap
Best for:
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Mirrors
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Artwork
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Furniture edges
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TVs
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Large fragile items
Larger bubbles offer increased cushioning and impact resistance during transport.
Which Bubble Wrap Roll Should You Choose?
For Small Moves
If you're moving from an apartment or small home, the following products are ideal:
These sizes are easy to handle and provide sufficient protection for everyday household items.
For Medium to Large Moves
For larger homes, longer rolls provide better value and fewer interruptions while packing:
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Bubble Wrap LARGE New 500mm x 100m 20mm Bubble Premium Quality – Australia Made
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Bubble Wrap LARGE New 750mm x 100m 20mm Bubble Premium Quality – Australia Made
These options are particularly useful when wrapping larger items, furniture components, mirrors, and electronics.
For Quick Packing Jobs
If you're only protecting a few items, a Bubble Wrap 20m Roll can be a convenient and cost-effective option.
Bubble Wrap vs Packing Paper
Many people wonder whether packing paper can replace bubble wrap.
Packing paper is useful for:
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Filling voids in boxes
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Wrapping non-fragile items
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Preventing scratches
Bubble wrap is better for:
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Impact protection
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Shock absorption
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Glass and fragile items
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Electronics
-
Valuable possessions
For maximum protection, many movers use both together.
Tips to Use Less Bubble Wrap While Staying Protected
To reduce waste and save money:
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Use towels and blankets around large items.
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Wrap multiple kitchen items together.
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Fill empty box spaces to prevent movement.
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Use larger bubble wrap for bulky items.
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Pack fragile items tightly but securely.
Proper packing often reduces the total amount of bubble wrap required.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many rolls of bubble wrap do I need for a 3-bedroom house?
Most 3-bedroom homes require approximately one to two 100m rolls of bubble wrap, depending on the number of fragile items being moved.
2. Is 50m of bubble wrap enough for moving?
A 50m roll is generally sufficient for a small apartment or one-bedroom home with a moderate number of fragile items.
3. What bubble wrap is best for glassware?
10mm bubble wrap is typically ideal for glasses, dishes, and other kitchen items because it conforms closely to the shape of the object.
4. Should I buy extra bubble wrap?
Yes. Most people underestimate how much packaging material they'll use during a move. Having extra bubble wrap available helps avoid last-minute packing issues.
Shop Quality Bubble Wrap for Your Move
Whether you're moving a small apartment or a large family home, choosing high-quality bubble wrap can help protect your belongings from damage during transport.
At Snap Packaging Supplies, we stock a wide range of premium Australian-made bubble wrap rolls, including 20m, 50m and 100m options in multiple widths and bubble sizes to suit every move.
Browse our complete range of Bubble Wrap and find the right solution for your next house move.