How to Use Rolled Foam Padding

Foam padding for packaging

Rolled foam padding is a godsend when it comes to protecting items you wish to move, ship or store for long periods without worrying about breakage. It also has a few creative uses around the house that may not initially cross your mind. It's easy to use rolled foam padding with a few easy-to-obtain supplies and some simple steps.

Things You'll Need

• Tape or twine
• Scissors or utility knife
• Box or container (optional)

Instructions

1. Gauge your needs. For smaller, more fragile items, you will want a thinner, more pliable padding. For larger items, you'll need a thicker, heavier foam.

2. Get your padding and supplies. Buy rolled foam padding and other supply necessities at office-supply, moving-supply or packing-supply stores. Also get some tape or twine to secure the padding and any boxes or envelopes you may need to package your items. You can also see a selection of rolled foam padding in the Resources section.

3. Wrap it up. Gather the item or items you want to wrap and cut a piece of foam big enough to cover them fully. Cut with sharp, quality scissors--or, if the wrap is thicker, a utility knife. Wrap flat and boxy items as you would a gift, making sure the excess wrapping is on the front or fragile side of the piece (i.e., the front of a picture frame, where the glass is). Secure with twine or tape.

4. Pack it up. Pack very fragile items by first lining the box with a sheet of foam for additional padding. Place folded or scrunched-up wrap in air pockets for a secure fit.

5. Unwrap items by cutting the twine or tape and unrolling the foam. Roll foam back up for later use. If you'd rather get rid of the rolled foam, check your area's recycling centers to see if anyone accepts it.

Tips & Warnings

• Foam padding is great to use to protect a floor, windows or other surfaces. To cut a piece of the padding, lay the roll on the floor and measure the length you need. Use a sharp blade to slice right through (making sure you've put something underneath so the blade won't slice through the floor). Other uses for foam padding include placing it under wobbly table legs, sticking it under leaky cracks in windows or doors or even supplementing sagging foam in a cushion or office chair.

Resources

• Rolled foam padding