e-learning / Packing for Moving / Section 1

Introduction (8 of 11)

What materials should be avoided for long-term storage? (continued)

Examples of packing materials that should be avoided for long-term storage are as follows:

• Non-acid free materials, such as newspaper, ordinary tissue paper, toilet paper, and hand towels.
• Foams such as latex, Styrofoam™ or polyurethane, which can easily deteriorate (as illustrated in the image to the right).
• Hairy or fluffy materials, such as cotton wool or felt. Parts of the object could snag on these and become detached. Woollen materials also encourage pests such as moths, so should be avoided.
• Dyed textiles. These can bleed if there is moisture in the atmosphere, and some dyes can be corrosive.
• Tapes such as Sellotape® or masking tape. These can damage objects if they get stuck to them, and their adhesive can permeate through tissue and card.
• Biodegradable packing peanuts. These are made from grains, and can become a food source for mice. They are also water-soluble, so any moisture can cause them to degrade and become sticky.