6 eco-friendly packing supplies to keep your move green

Key points

• Downsizing is the most sustainable moving strategy — you’ll use fewer supplies and produce less waste.

• Household towels and linens are good substitutes for single-use packing supplies.

• Opt for eco-friendly packing materials, such as biodegradable bubble wrap and recycled paper tape.

If you’re gearing up for a move and feeling guilty about the environmental impact, you’re not alone. Moving can generate a lot of waste with all the boxes, packing paper, bubble wrap and tape needed to secure your belongings for transport, especially if you’re planning an interstate move.

The good news? With a bit of planning and some eco-friendly packing materials, you can make your move gentler on the planet.

Eco-friendly packing materials are sustainable alternatives to conventional options, such as styrofoam packing peanuts and single-use boxes. “The moving process doesn’t end with unpacking,” said Matt Graber, managing owner at Cool Hand Movers in New York City.

“There’s plenty of cardboard, tape and packing paper to bundle up and remove once the job is done,” he continued. “Eco-friendly materials offer a sustainable alternative with far less mess and clean-up.”

Below, we offer practical green moving tips and suggest eco-friendly packing supplies to help you pack up your life while minimizing your environmental impact.

Reduce: Downsize for your move

The best way to reduce packing supply waste is to downsize your home before you move. Downsizing involves evaluating your possessions and determining what is truly essential to keep and what you can sell, donate or responsibly discard. This process lightens your load and decreases the number of packing materials you’ll need.

Before packing, assess each item’s utility and emotional value. Keep items that serve a practical purpose or hold sentimental significance and make a plan to get rid of those you rarely use or no longer find meaningful. For example, consider donating the pasta maker you haven’t used in three years, Tupperware containers without lids and tchotchkes collecting dust on the shelf.

Another helpful method is to assess how frequently you use an item and how necessary it is to keep. Seldom-used or easily replaceable items may not warrant the space or packing supplies needed to transport them. For example, donate clothes that you rarely wear and discard toiletries you never use (but make sure to empty and recycle any plastic bottles).

Reuse: Household items as packing materials

Using household items as packing materials is a cost-effective and sustainable way to minimize waste during a move. You can creatively repurpose worn-out belongings that might otherwise end up in a landfill by upcycling them for packing. For example, instead of throwing away your old linens, use them to pad fragile items. 

Even household items you use frequently can substitute for packing materials. You can use blankets instead of bubble wrap to protect fragile items, such as appliances and dishware, during transit. Similarly, you can slip socks over delicate items, including glasses and vases, to prevent breakage. Furniture pads, pillows and even towels can serve as padding for larger items and protect furniture surfaces from scratches.

In addition to these household materials, consider reusing packing supplies instead of buying new ones. Many online orders come in sturdy boxes you can repurpose for packing. You can also save and repurpose packing materials from deliveries, such as bubble wrap from Amazon packages and paper mailers. 

Also, look for places where you can find free boxes, such as local grocery stores, liquor stores or bookstores.

Recycle: Six eco-friendly packing materials for your move

Moving is virtually impossible without obtaining at least a few packing supplies, but you can opt for environmentally friendly materials to decrease your impact.

Eco-friendly packing materials prioritize renewable resources, biodegradability and recyclability, reducing reliance on nonrenewable fossil fuels and minimizing waste. Let’s explore six environmentally conscious options to make your move greener.

Corrugated boxes

Corrugated boxes can replace traditional cardboard boxes, which often contain a significant amount of virgin paper fibers and contribute to deforestation and waste accumulation. Unlike conventional cardboard boxes, corrugated boxes are made from recycled materials and can be recycled again after use, closing the loop on the production cycle.

Select appropriate sizes to accommodate your items and avoid overpacking when using corrugated boxes. Overfilled boxes can be difficult to handle and increase the risk of damage to your items during transit. Reinforce boxes with additional packing materials on the top and bottom, such as newspaper or packing paper, to provide cushioning and protection for fragile items.

Biodegradable bubble wrap

Biodegradable bubble wrap replaces traditional bubble wrap made from polyethylene, a type of plastic derived from fossil fuels. Unlike its counterpart, biodegradable bubble wrap is typically made from recycled paper or biodegradable plastics derived from renewable sources — such as cornstarch. These materials break down into nontoxic components when disposed of properly. 

Many pro movers offer bubble wrap alternatives, including sustainably sourced paper padding. “We offer GreenWrap as an alternative to typical packing materials,” said Graber. “The honeycomb-like structure of the outer paper creates density and adds protection with less material. You’ve probably received a similar material if you’ve had something glass, like a candle holder, shipped to you.”

Use biodegradable bubble wrap sparingly and only for items requiring cushioning and protection during transit, such as framed art and breakable items inside boxes. When disposing of biodegradable bubble wrap, follow proper recycling or composting guidelines to ensure it breaks down effectively and does not contribute to pollution.

Reusable plastic containers

Reusable plastic containers and bins offer a more sustainable alternative to conventional cardboard boxes. Unlike single-use cardboard boxes, which contribute to deforestation and generate waste, reusable plastic containers can be reused and repurposed for years.

Reusable plastic containers are typically made from durable materials, such as polypropylene or high-density polyethylene, which can withstand multiple uses and offer greater protection for items during transit. “While boxes buckle if not packed full or stuffed with packing paper, bins stack easily, and they don’t succumb to moisture or puncture,” said Graber.

When using plastic bins for packing, choose appropriate-sized containers to maximize space efficiency and minimize the number of bins you need. Clearly label containers with their contents to streamline the unpacking process and help keep track of belongings during a long-distance move. 

You can rent or purchase reusable plastic containers. Renting is the more sustainable option, but if you buy them, you can use them to store items in your new home after the move.

Recycled paper tape

Recycled paper tape is a biodegradable and compostable alternative to conventional plastic packing tape. Unlike traditional plastic tape derived from nonrenewable resources, such as petroleum, recycled paper tape is made from postconsumer or postindustrial recycled paper fibers.

When using recycled paper tape for packing, ensure the surface you’re taping is clean and dry to maximize adhesion and effectiveness. Use the appropriate amount of tape to seal boxes securely without excessive waste.

Recycled packing paper

Newspaper is a versatile, sustainable padding alternative to traditional materials, such as bubble wrap or packing peanuts, which are often composed of nonbiodegradable plastics and contribute to environmental pollution.

Conversely, newspaper is biodegradable and can be composted after use, reducing landfill waste and supporting natural decomposition processes. Additionally, using newspapers for packing helps extend the life cycle of paper products and reduces the need for virgin materials.

Wrap delicate objects, such as glassware and other fragile items, in several layers of newspaper to prevent breakage during transit. You can also fill empty spaces between objects in boxes with crumpled newspaper to prevent items from shifting during transport.

Biodegradable packing peanuts

Biodegradable packing peanuts are an environmentally friendly alternative to Styrofoam peanuts. Traditional packing peanuts are made from expanded polystyrene (EPS), which can take hundreds of years to decompose. Conversely, biodegradable packing peanuts are made from starch-based materials, such as corn or wheat, that break down naturally.

Ensure that items are properly wrapped and boxed before adding biodegradable packing peanuts to prevent shifting during transit. Use the appropriate amount to provide sufficient cushioning without overpacking. Overfilling boxes with peanuts can increase shipping costs and waste resources.

You can save and reuse biodegradable packing peanuts for future shipments or donate them to local businesses or shipping centers. This helps extend their life span and reduce overall waste generation.

What’s next?

Packing for your move doesn’t have to generate a ton of trash; it can be an opportunity to minimize waste and make environmentally friendly choices. By reducing your belongings, repurposing household supplies and opting for eco-friendly packing materials, you can reduce your environmental impact and still ensure your belongings are safely transported.

Once the packing is complete, the next step is to arrange for transportation. Hiring top rated movers can streamline the process and alleviate much of the stress associated with moving day. If you’re on a tight budget or prefer a hands-on approach, consider a moving container.