Usually, when people start packing to move home, they automatically opt for cardboard boxes and bubble wrap.
If you want a greener move, finding reusable packing materials is easier than ever.
Eco-friendly moving boxes
Plastic moving boxes can be reused hundreds of times, so they’re an ideal eco-friendly alternative. Ecoboxes have a built-in lid to keep your belongings clean and dry without needing packing tape.
They’re also rigid and strong. You don’t need to use protective wrapping to keep your belongings safe. They can be stacked, which saves space in the moving truck. This reduces the need for a larger truck or multiple trips.
You can rent Ecoboxes by the week at affordable rates. We’ll deliver them straight to your door. When you’ve completed your move, we’ll collect the boxes and sanitise them ready for the next customer.
Eco-friendly (and FREE) packing materials
Here are a few eco-friendly packing materials that you may have lying around the house.
Junk mail
Make use of all those flyers and catalogues that get rammed through your post box. They offer good protection and padding but don’t transfer ink like newspaper.
Popcorn
Plain popcorn (ideally popped dry) is the ultimate eco-friendly alternative to packing peanuts. Afterwards, the popcorn can be used to feed the birds or be composted.
Wastepaper
Office wastepaper can be reused to wrap mugs and glasses or placed between plates and bowls. Crumpled up, office paper works well to fill gaps in boxes.
Wool
Skeins of wool can be used as padding and gap fillers when packing breakables. It also saves having to pack the wool separately.
Ziplock bags
If you already have sandwich bags in your drawer, fill them with air and use them as air pillows to protect breakables. They can be reused after the move.
Plastic shopping bags
If you have a drawer full of plastic shopping bags, put them to use. They’re great for stuffing into gaps to stop items rattling around.
Choose paper and cardboard over plastic
Both paper and plastic have an unavoidable environmental impact. The end result with paper and cardboard is better because they’re biodegradable and more eco-friendly. Paper and cardboard are also more widely recycled.
When you know you’re going to be moving, start collecting items that will come in handy for packing. Hold on to clean packaging from items you’ve bought.
Use what you own
Everyday items you already own can be used as boxes and protective wrapping. You won’t have to buy unnecessary moving supplies.
Wrapping and padding materials
You can use anything from towels and linen to clothes and fabric shopping bags for wrapping and padding. Don’t use anything that’s too precious or delicate. Only use items that aren’t frequently used to avoid confusion and lost items at the other side.
Moving box alternatives
Instead of buying boxes, use containers you already have. Suitcases and backpacks are ideal for clothes and shoes. Your laundry basket or bin can hold bed linen, towels and tablecloths. Even sleeping bags can be used as protective covering for clothing on hangers.
Investigate commercial alternatives
Eco-friendly packing supplies are in high demand, so green alternatives are more readily available than ever. Examples include corn-starch packaging, biodegradable packing peanuts, corrugated cardboard bubble wrap and mushroom or seaweed packaging.
Check out local suppliers of packaging supplies that cater to small e-commerce or zero-waste businesses to see the green options available.
Ecobox eco-friendly packing materials
Ecobox offers reusable packing materials for a greener move, including reusable plastic moving boxes, furniture blankets that can be donated or repurposed, and cardboard or paper wrapping options.
Just order your boxes and we’ll deliver them to your doorstep – and once you’ve moved and unpacked, we’ll collect them from your new location. Contact us for more information or get started by ordering now.
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