What to do With Packing Materials After Moving House

When you’ve just moved house, unpacking can seem like an endless task – but it’s satisfying to get to the bottom of yet another box, in the knowledge that you’re a step closer to being done.

When the final box is unpacked, though, you’ll find that while your possessions are neatly tidied away, you’re left with a mound of packing boxes and materials that you somehow need to dispose of.

If you’re wondering how to recycle packing materials after a move, read on…

Reuse Moving Boxes

Of course, you may want to return packing boxes to your removal company. You might want to donate or sell them to others locally, or simply recycle the cardboard at your local recycling centre. Remember, though, there are plenty of ways you can use them at home.

Use them in your loft or in your garage (if it’s damp-free) to store items you don’t use very often. Cut them up and use them as floor protectors when you’re decorating, or to line pets’ cages.

Turn them into planters for your garden or playhouses for your children, or use your waste cardboard for garden composting. The possibilities are endless…

Store Your Packing Paper for Later

Packing paper can be folded and stored for future moves, or for a variety of other uses. It’s great for young children to scribble or paint on, or, like cardboard, for collecting any spillages while painting or doing DIY.

You can also use packing paper to securely package the contents of any parcels you’re sending, or why not get creative and turn it into homemade gift wrap?

Recycle Bubble Wrap

As well as storing it for future moves, it’s great for packing delicate items you’re sending through the post. Bubble wrap works well as insulation for plants during colder weather, and can also be used to stuff boots and handbags to keep them in shape without causing any damage.

Reuse Packing Peanuts

There are two different types of packing peanuts: those that are biodegradable, and those that aren’t. Both are great for packaging parcels. If you don’t post many parcels and you want to know how to dispose of packing materials like these, consider asking local businesses if they have any need for them.

Alternatively, packing peanuts can be used as a drainage base in potted plants, as a stuffing for toys and beanbags, to protect your fingers when hammering a nail into place, or as a cover for pointed tools and knives. Use them to create homemade decorations and other crafts, if you have children. Biodegradable versions can even be used in home composting.

Store Your Packing Materials in Storage

While some people might be looking to find out where to recycle packing materials, you might be among those wanting to hang onto them for future use. If you know that you’re likely to be moving again in the near future, for example, if you’ve signed a one-year tenancy on a rented property, packing materials are handy to hang on to for the next time.

The problem with this, for many, is space. Even when flat-packed, packing materials can take up a lot of room. You may not have the space at home and, if you do, you won’t want the clutter taking up your space.

While it’s possible to store them in a garage or loft, there’s no guarantee that they’ll remain damp-free, and you may find that the local wildlife takes a shine to them before you have the chance to use them again.

Instead, why not consider keeping your packing materials in storage? By using a personal storage unit you’ll know that your packing materials are in good hands and stored safely and securely, ready for when you need them. What’s more, that storage space doesn’t just need to be used for your packing materials: why not make the most of your space by using it to keep seasonal items, or as a place to temporarily keep the results of a declutter while deciding whether or not to keep them?

Whatever you decide, there are plenty of options when it comes to disposing of, recycling or storing packing materials from a recent house move. Which will you choose?