How To Get Rid Of Moving Materials After Your Move

Moving boxes, packing materials, tape, and other supplies may take over your home after a move. They’re all essential to protecting your belongings throughout the move, but they quickly become less useful once you unpack. Learn several ways to properly dispose of moving materials, so you can organize your new space without unnecessary clutter.

Go Easy on the Environment

One of the most essential factors to prioritize when disposing of your moving boxes and supplies is the environment. Properly disposing of unwanted supplies results in a more environmentally friendly move and lessens the negative environmental impact of your relocation. 

Recycle Damaged Items

Some of your packing supplies will inevitably become damaged during the move. These are likely supplies you don't want to save or repurpose. However, there are plenty of ecofriendly ways to get rid of these less desirable moving supplies too.

Recycle damaged boxes by breaking them down and placing them in your recycling bin. A big move may leave you with a lot of unwanted boxes. In this case, they may not fit in your bin and need to go to a local recycling center.

Contact your local recycling service to learn about any regulations regarding recycling boxes. Some may require you to flatten the boxes and remove any attached tape or paper.

Reuse Moving Boxes

Using high-quality moving boxes offers numerous benefits to you. In addition to keeping your belongings safe throughout the move, sturdy boxes are ideal for home or garage storage. You may also reuse boxes for fun kids' crafts, school projects, or gift-giving. There’s no denying that large moving boxes make excellent forts.

Help a Neighbor

The price of quality moving boxes can add up, especially when moving an entire home or business. Consider giving your spare moving boxes to a friend, family member, or neighbor preparing for an upcoming move. You may even decide to post an ad on Facebook, Craigslist, or NextDoor stating that you have boxes to give to neighbors in need.

Save Them for Another Move

Anticipating another move shortly? Store your moving boxes in a dark, dry space until you use them again. You’ll be grateful you saved yourself the money and hassle of finding all new boxes when it comes time to pack up your belongings again.

Donate Boxes to a Local Company

Many shipping companies and post offices accept donations of clean, sturdy boxes and packing supplies. This ensures your old moving boxes are put to good use. Generally, businesses accepting box donations require that they're undamaged by spills or other debris.

Recycle Packing Supplies Too

Boxes aren’t the only supplies you’ll have floating around your home after a move. You’ll likely have extra packing paper, bubble wrap, or newspaper. Many recycling companies will accept brown or white packing paper, bubble wrap, and other packing materials. However, we recommend giving them a call to ensure they’ll accept your items before tossing them in the recycling bin.

Ask Your Moving Company for Help

If you hire professional movers, you may have a much easier time removing moving boxes and packing supplies. Professional movers are excellent packers, which means they know how to keep your belongings safe while using fewer materials and creating less waste. Many moving companies will also unpack your items and remove the boxes when they’re done. You don’t have to lift a finger.

Sell Your Quality Moving Boxes

Moving can be expensive. Selling your moving boxes after the move can help you recoup a little bit of money. ContainerExchanger and BoxCycle are two sites that allow you to sell your boxes online. You may also want to perform a Google search to see who buys moving boxes in your area. Use the extra cash to pay for moving expenses or upgrade your new space.

Moving your home or business impacts the environment in numerous ways. Taking the time and energy to repurpose or recycle your moving materials can reduce the negative impact your move has while eliminating unnecessary clutter in your new space.

Author bio: Kelli Warren is a co-owner of Moving Proz, a moving company in Kansas City and Denver. She has over five years of experience within the moving and transportation industry and loves to help provide a great moving experience for clients no matter what their moving situation may be.

SOURCES

https://dumbomoving.com/blog/packing-supplies-move-done/

https://movingproz.com/residential-movers/

https://www.wheatonworldwide.com/2016/09/13/what-to-do-with-moving-boxes-after-you-move/

https://www.angi.com/articles/what-to-do-with-packaging-after-move.htm