As you start unpacking after moving into your new home, you’ll likely notice that packing materials are starting to pile up. If you don’t manage them quickly, they can take over your new space. So, what can you do with them besides tossing them out?
In 2024, sustainability is more important than ever, and many of these materials can be repurposed or recycled. Here’s how you can reuse or properly dispose of them:
Moving Boxes
Keep any cardboard boxes that survived the move in good condition. Flatten them to save space and store the cleanest ones in your attic, basement, or closet. Use one intact box to store all the others. You can also use flattened boxes to protect floors or walls during renovation projects or as backings for framed artwork. Additionally, cardboard can be a creative outlet for your kids—turn them into playhouses, forts, or castles. Your pets will love them too!
If you don’t want to keep all the boxes, check if your local recycling program accepts them or donate them to someone else who’s moving. Sites like Facebook Marketplace or Nextdoor often have requests for free moving supplies.
Packing Paper
Hold on to any clean packing paper, as it can be useful for future moves or for protecting fragile items. Store it in plastic bags to prevent dust, moisture, or pests from damaging it. Slightly worn packing paper is great for covering floors and furniture during home improvement projects, such as painting. If you’re storing delicate items in your home, wrap them in this paper for added protection.
You can also recycle packing paper through curbside recycling programs if you have too much to store.
Bubble Wrap
Bubble wrap is expensive, so it’s worth keeping for future use. You can reuse it for art projects, such as bubble wrap painting, or as insulation for windows and plants during colder months. Bubble wrap is also ideal for preserving the shape of handbags and shoes in storage. And if nothing else, popping bubble wrap is still a timeless stress reliever! Be sure to recycle damaged bubble wrap at a special recycling facility that accepts plastic films.
Packing Peanuts
Packing peanuts are notoriously difficult to dispose of, but there are eco-friendly options. If they’re made of biodegradable materials (common in 2024), they can be dissolved in water. Otherwise, use them for craft projects, such as holiday decorations, or to improve drainage at the bottom of plant pots. Be sure to supervise kids when using packing peanuts, as they can pose a choking hazard.
If you can’t reuse them, contact local shipping stores to see if they will take them for reuse.
To ensure you’re handling packing materials responsibly after your move in 2024, consider several sustainable practices:
Reuse: Keep sturdy cardboard boxes, bubble wrap, and packing paper for future needs. Cardboard can be repurposed into storage containers, playhouses for kids, or insulation for home projects. Bubble wrap can be reused for protecting delicate items or even insulating windows in the winter.
Recycle: Many municipalities offer curbside recycling for cardboard, but materials like bubble wrap and packing peanuts may need to be dropped off at special recycling centers. Local retailers and grocery stores often have collection bins for plastic wraps and other materials.
Donate: Consider donating gently used packing materials to local schools, businesses, or organizations that can use them for art projects or shipping needs. Platforms like Freecycle and Nextdoor are great for offering these materials to others in your community.
Contact Moving Proz
To schedule your move or inquire about our packing services and materials, contact us at Moving Proz in Overland Park, Kansas City, Denver, or Lawrence today. Let us help make your move as stress-free as possible!