Packing Paper: Types, Sizes & Where to Buy in Los Angeles

Packing paper is one of the simplest moving supplies you can buy, but using the wrong type—or not buying enough—can lead to broken dishes, scratched furniture, and a stressful moving day. Whether you are preparing a studio move in downtown Los Angeles or managing inventory in a warehouse, the right packing paper makes a big difference.

This guide to Packing Paper: Types, Sizes & Where to Buy in Los Angeles explains exactly what kind of paper you need, how much to get, and how to use it for moving, storage, and shipping. You will learn the differences between newsprint packing paper, brown packing paper, honeycomb packing paper, kraft paper gift wrap, and more—plus when to choose sheets versus a packing paper roll.

Los Angeles moves often involve tight streets, stairs, elevators, hot weather, and long drives in traffic. Good packing paper cushions your items, fills empty space in boxes, and protects surfaces from scuffs so your belongings arrive in the same condition they left. If you are a moving company, property manager, or small business, using the right paper also saves time and reduces damage claims.

Use this guide as a practical checklist before you buy supplies. By the end, you will know which packing paper for moving works best for each room, how to avoid common mistakes, when to buy in bulk, and how United Prime Supply can support your move or daily operations in the Los Angeles area.

Key takeaways

What is packing paper and why it matters

Packing paper is clean, unprinted or lightly printed paper used to wrap, cushion, and protect items during moving, storage, or shipping. Unlike regular newspaper, it does not transfer ink onto your belongings, which is especially important for dishes, fabrics, and light-colored surfaces.

When you load a truck in Los Angeles and hit bumpy streets or stop-and-go traffic, every box is constantly shifting. Packing paper fills the gaps around your items so they do not slam into each other inside the box. It also wraps surfaces to prevent scratches, chips, and scuffs.

Good packing paper for moving should be:

• Clean and ink-free to avoid staining
• Flexible enough to mold around items
• Thick enough to provide cushioning when crumpled
• Available in convenient sheet packs or rolls

For households, packing paper keeps your plates, glasses, and decor safe. For moving companies, warehouses, and small businesses, it reduces damage claims, returns, and re-packing time.

Main types of packing paper

Not all packing paper is the same. Different materials and formats work better for different uses—moving versus gift wrapping, or fragile items versus general void fill. Here are the main types you will see when shopping.

Newsprint packing paper

Newsprint packing paper is plain, unprinted paper similar in feel to newspaper but without the ink. It is one of the most popular choices for packing paper for moving because it is affordable, lightweight, and easy to handle.

Best uses:

• Wrapping plates, bowls, cups, and glasses
• Cushioning between stacked dishes
• Packing small decorative items, figurines, and frames
• Light void fill in small and medium boxes

Brown packing paper (kraft)

Brown packing paper, often made from kraft paper, is typically thicker and stronger than newsprint. It is excellent for both wrapping and void fill. It can also double as kraft paper gift wrap when you need a simple, rustic wrapping option.

Best uses:

• Wrapping heavier kitchenware, pots, and pans
• Protecting books, tools, and small appliances
• Filling larger gaps in boxes to prevent shifting
• Gift wrapping with twine or ribbon for a minimal look

Honeycomb packing paper

Honeycomb packing paper is a kraft-based paper that has been slit in a way that expands into a honeycomb structure when stretched. This creates built-in cushioning, making it a popular eco-friendly alternative to plastic bubble wrap.

Best uses:

• Wrapping fragile retail products for shipping
• Online orders for candles, cosmetics, and decor
• Protecting items in small cartons for e-commerce
• Eco-conscious businesses that want to avoid plastic

Kraft paper gift wrap and custom packing paper

Kraft paper gift wrap is often the same base material as brown packing paper but cut or rolled specifically for wrapping gifts. It can be plain or printed. Some businesses use custom packing paper with logos or branded patterns to improve unboxing experiences while still providing protection.

Best uses:

• Gift wrapping for holidays and corporate gifts
• Branded packaging for boutique stores and e-commerce
• Wrapping retail purchases in-store

Sheet packs vs packing paper roll

You will commonly find packing paper in two formats: pre-cut sheets and a packing paper roll. Each has its own advantages.

Format	Pros	Best for
Pre-cut sheets	Fast to grab and use, consistent size, easier to stack and store during a move.	Home moves, one-time packing projects, packing stations at moving companies.
Packing paper roll	Custom length, fewer seams, ideal for wrapping larger items or continuous use.	Warehouses, shipping rooms, long-term business use, covering furniture surfaces.

Common sizes and formats

Packing paper comes in a range of sheet sizes and roll widths. Knowing the typical dimensions helps you plan how many packs you need and which size works best for each job.

Typical sheet sizes

While manufacturers vary, these sizes are common for newsprint and brown packing paper:

Approx. sheet size	Common use	Notes
12" x 12" to 15" x 20"	Small items, glasses, mugs, figurines	Easy to handle, less trimming needed for small objects.
20" x 30" (very common)	Plates, bowls, medium decor, general wrapping	Versatile size for most household items.
24" x 36" and larger	Larger decor, framed art, small appliances	Fewer seams when wrapping bigger pieces.

Typical roll widths

A packing paper roll is commonly available in widths such as 12", 18", 24", 30", and 36". Wider rolls cover furniture tops, countertops, and larger objects more easily, while narrow rolls help with small parcels and retail packaging.

• 12"–18" rolls: Ideal for small items and narrow shelves.
• 24" rolls: Good all-purpose option for wrapping and void fill.
• 30"–36" rolls: Best for wide surfaces, furniture tops, and covering work areas.

How much packing paper you really need

Running out of packing paper at 10 p.m. the night before your Los Angeles move is frustrating. On the other hand, serious overbuying wastes money and storage space. Use these estimates as a starting point and adjust for how many fragile items you own.

Household packing paper estimates

Home size	Approx. sheets of packing paper	Notes
Studio / 1 bedroom	200–400 sheets	Add more if you have lots of kitchenware or decor.
2–3 bedroom home	400–800 sheets	Plan extra for formal dining sets and home offices.
4+ bedroom home	800–1,200+ sheets	Larger homes often need multiple large bundles.

Business and warehouse use

For businesses in Los Angeles using packing paper daily—such as e-commerce operations, warehouses, or moving companies—think in terms of rolls or bulk bundles instead of single packs.

• Small online shop (tens of orders per week): A few medium bundles or one to two rolls may last weeks.
• Growing e-commerce brand: Multiple rolls or a regular schedule of bulk sheet deliveries keeps operations smooth.
• Moving company or storage facility: Buying full cases of newsprint packing paper and brown packing paper is usually the most efficient.

Packing paper product selection guide

Choosing the right packing paper for moving or shipping starts with what you are protecting. Use this guide to match the type of paper to your needs.

Step 1: Identify your primary use

• Full-home move: Focus on newsprint packing paper and brown packing paper in sheet packs for speed.
• Office or commercial move in Los Angeles: Mix brown packing paper and packing paper rolls for equipment and files.
• Warehouse or e-commerce: Consider honeycomb packing paper and rolls of kraft for daily packing.
• Gift wrapping and branding: Kraft paper gift wrap or custom packing paper fits best.

Step 2: Decide on sheet vs roll

• Choose sheet packs if most of your work involves wrapping many small to medium items quickly, like dishes and decor.
• Choose a packing paper roll if you wrap furniture tops, ship long items, or maintain a permanent packing station.

Step 3: Match paper type to contents

• Fragile kitchenware and glass: Newsprint packing paper sheets as the main protector, with extra crumpled paper in the box.
• Heavier household goods: Brown packing paper for better tear resistance and padding.
• Eco-focused shipping: Honeycomb packing paper for cushioning that looks good to customers.
• Retail presentation: Kraft paper gift wrap or custom packing paper to match your brand style.

Step 4: Do not forget supporting supplies

Packing paper works best as part of a complete moving and shipping setup. You will also need sturdy boxes and strong tape so your carefully wrapped items stay protected.

Common packing paper mistakes to avoid

Even if you buy the right packing paper, using it incorrectly can still lead to damage. Watch out for these common mistakes during your Los Angeles move or shipping process.

• Using printed newspaper instead of packing paper: Ink can transfer onto plates, fabrics, and decor, especially in hot weather.
• Underfilling boxes: Empty space inside a box lets items crash into each other during transport.
• Overloading with heavy items: Even with good packing paper, a box can fail if it is too heavy.
• Skipping a base layer: Placing fragile items directly against the bottom of the box without cushioning increases breakage risk.
• Wrapping once instead of layering: Thin paper may need two or three wraps for brittle items.

Correcting these mistakes is simple: use enough packing paper, create solid base and top layers inside each box, and be realistic about weight limits for each box size.

When to buy packing paper in bulk

Buying a single small pack can work for a light move, but many Los Angeles customers save money and time by buying packing paper in bulk. You should consider bulk orders in these situations:

• Full-home moves: If you are moving more than a one-bedroom space, bulk packs help avoid last-minute store runs.
• Moving companies: Crews go through large amounts of newsprint packing paper and brown packing paper on every job.
• Warehouses and e-commerce: Daily shipping of fragile or semi-fragile products quickly consumes rolls and sheet bundles.
• Property management and storage facilities: Offering packing paper to tenants or customers requires a steady supply.

When buying in bulk, consider mixing types. For example, a moving company in Los Angeles might keep:

• Multiple bundles of newsprint packing paper for dishes and decor
• Several bundles of brown packing paper for heavier items
• A few packing paper rolls for furniture surfaces and odd-shaped items

Where to buy packing paper in Los Angeles

In a city as large as Los Angeles, you have several options for buying packing paper. The right source depends on whether you are a residential mover, a professional moving company, or a business shipping products every day.

For residential customers

If you are planning a home move, look for suppliers that offer:

• Newsprint packing paper in manageable bundle sizes
• Brown packing paper for heavier or larger items
• Clear descriptions of sheet sizes and quantities
• Other essentials such as boxes and packing tape in the same place

For moving companies and offices

Moving companies and office managers planning a relocation in Los Angeles typically need predictable, repeatable supply options. When sourcing packing paper:

• Check that you can reorder the same newsprint packing paper and brown packing paper consistently.
• Look for options to mix sheet bundles with packing paper rolls.
• Confirm that you can also get moving blankets, stretch film, and tape from the same provider for easier logistics.

How United Prime Supply fits in

United Prime Supply focuses on practical moving and packing materials for households, moving companies, offices, warehouses, and storage facilities across the Los Angeles area. By combining packing paper with moving boxes, packing tape, stretch film, and moving blankets, you can source most of your moving-day needs from one place.

Using packing paper room by room

Different rooms in your home or office need different approaches to using packing paper for moving. Here is how to prioritize where your paper goes.

Kitchen and dining room

• Wrap every plate, bowl, and mug individually in newsprint packing paper.
• Place a thick layer of crumpled paper at the bottom and top of each box.
• Stack plates vertically (like records) with paper between them for better shock absorption.
• Use extra brown packing paper for heavy serving dishes and cookware.

Living room and decor

• Wrap vases, figurines, and framed photos in layers of newsprint packing paper.
• Use brown packing paper to add structure around oddly shaped items.
• Fill any remaining space in decor boxes with loosely crumpled paper to stop movement.

Bedrooms and closets

• Use packing paper for jewelry boxes, small decor, and delicate accessories.
• Place folded clothes in boxes first, then use packing paper to separate fragile items on top.
• For shoes, stuff the toes with paper to help them keep their shape in transit.

Home office

• Wrap small electronics and office decor with brown packing paper.
• Use packing paper between stacks of books to reduce shifting.
• Fill gaps in boxes of files and supplies with crumpled paper for stability.

Garage and storage areas

• Wrap sharp or metal tools in brown packing paper to prevent scratching other items.
• Use paper as a buffer layer between storage bins and loose items in mixed boxes.
• For liquids, place sealed bottles in plastic bags first, then surround them with packing paper for extra stability.

Practical packing paper buying checklist

Before you buy packing paper for your Los Angeles move or business, run through this quick checklist so you get the right materials and quantities.

• Have I walked through each room and noted how many fragile items I own?
• Did I choose a mix of newsprint packing paper and brown packing paper based on item weight?
• Do I need a packing paper roll for furniture surfaces or a permanent packing station?
• Am I planning for extra paper to fill gaps in boxes, not just wrapping items?
• Do I have strong packing tape and good-quality boxes to match my packing paper?
• For business or warehouse use, have I considered bulk quantities and recurring needs?

Frequently asked questions

Is packing paper better than bubble wrap for moving?
Packing paper and bubble wrap do different jobs. Packing paper wraps items tightly, fills gaps in boxes, and is easier to recycle. Bubble wrap offers more impact protection for very fragile items or electronics. For most home moves, a combination works well: use newsprint packing paper for dishes and decor, and save bubble wrap for the most delicate pieces.

Can I use regular newspaper instead of packing paper?
You can, but it comes with trade-offs. Newspaper ink can transfer onto plates, fabrics, and light-colored items, especially in warm Los Angeles weather or long-term storage. Plain newsprint packing paper gives you the same flexibility and feel without ink, so you avoid stains and extra cleaning after the move.

How much packing paper do I need for a 2-bedroom apartment?
Many 2-bedroom apartments need roughly 400–600 sheets of packing paper, depending on how much kitchenware and decor you own. If you cook often and have a full set of dishes, glassware, and serving pieces, consider leaning toward the higher end of that range or adding a bundle of brown packing paper for heavier items.

What is the difference between newsprint packing paper and brown packing paper?
Newsprint packing paper is usually lighter and more flexible, making it ideal for wrapping dishes, glasses, and small decor. Brown packing paper is typically thicker and stronger, so it is better for heavier items, tools, and void fill. Many people use both: newsprint for direct wrapping and brown packing paper for added structure and cushioning.

When should I use a packing paper roll instead of sheets?
A packing paper roll is best when you need long, continuous coverage—such as protecting furniture tops, countertops, or wide shelves. Rolls also work well at permanent packing stations in warehouses and shipping rooms. Pre-cut sheets are usually faster and more convenient for wrapping many small items during a household move.

Is packing paper recyclable?
Most plain newsprint packing paper, brown packing paper, kraft paper gift wrap, and honeycomb packing paper is recyclable, as long as it is not coated in plastic or heavy wax. Check your local Los Angeles recycling guidelines and remove any tape before placing used packing paper in the recycling bin.

How should I store leftover packing paper after my move?
Keep leftover packing paper flat in a box or folded neatly on a shelf in a dry area. You can reuse it for future moves, storage, shipping, or gift wrapping. Avoid damp garages or basements where paper can absorb moisture or odors.

Can I use kraft paper gift wrap as packing paper?
Yes, kraft paper gift wrap made from uncoated kraft can double as brown packing paper for light-duty tasks. It works well for wrapping small items and gifts. For heavy-duty moving and shipping, thicker brown packing paper or newsprint packing paper is usually more durable.