Just like you cannot substitute whole wheat flour for white flour and expect the same results, you cannot substitute the proper packing materials for makeshift items and hope things turn out alright. Improper materials include: clothing, blankets, towels, pillows and newspaper.
Bubble Wrap
Designed to protect and cushion lightweight items. It is typically used in multiple wraps and layers to ensure that the item is completely protected, especially on corners and edges.
Stretch Film
Stretch film is a highly stretchable plastic film that is wrapped around items. It is used to keep items tightly bound. Not to be confused with shrink wrap, which is also a plastic film that is applied loosely around an item and then heated to shrinks tightly.
Packing peanuts
Packing peanuts (aka. expanded polystyrene), is used primarily as a void-fill material for lightweight items. UPS recommends a minimum of two inches of cushioning to be used around the contents. If you have multiple items, use a corrugated fiberboard between the contents and peanuts.
NOTE: Peanuts cause static electricity and may damage electronic items. Anti-static peanuts should be used for electronic items.
Packing tape

Packing tape is meant for shipping and designed to be long last-lasting. It works great in hot or cold temperatures. Scotch tape, masking tape, or duck tape should not be used
Right Box and Right Size Box

Select a new box over a used box. A used box is estimated to lose 40-60% of its strength.
When
your items are packed safely inside, there should be at least two
inches of room between the items and all sides of the box.