Moving homes can undoubtedly be a stressful transition, especially when it comes to managing your time and budget – it seems like those little unexpected expenses appear out of nowhere. Research shows that a typical family of four moving from a four-bedroom house will need roughly 124 medium to extra-large boxes, 12 picture boxes, 8 wardrobe boxes, 18 pounds of packing paper, 120 feet of bubble wrap, 480 feet of stretch wrap, and four rolls of tape. That’s quite a lot of materials, wouldn’t you say? To just end up tossing out, it’s a lot of unnecessary money and landfill space. Not only will these packing supplies cost you anywhere from $650-$700, but you also have to consider how you’re going to environmentally-consciously dispose of all of these boxes and supplies when you’re done moving in.
Keep reading below if you’re looking for ways to keep your move sustainable while saving money and protecting the environment.
Sustainable box alternatives
Rent boxes
There are plenty of companies that allow you to rent boxes for your move. You just advise the company the number of rooms that need to pack up and they’ll drop off the required bins at your home when you need them, and they’ll even pick the bins up at the new location when you’re done unpacking. It isn’t just beneficial for the environment, but it also saves you a substantial amount of time. Check out this list of moving box rental companies that offer plastic bins in major cities so that you can minimize the eco-impact of your move. Whichever company you choose, be sure to inquire regarding the safe practices and precautions they have in place for COVID-19
Purchase storage bins that you can re-use to organize your belongings in your next home
Moving is the ideal opportunity to get organized – from your garage and outdoor sheds to your wardrobe and more. Consider investing in some large, plastic storage bins that you can use long term and that will keep you organized in your new home
Purchase already used boxes
Another alternative is to look for places where you can get used boxes. Grocery stores, for example, generally have sturdy produce boxes in the back that you can also request for free (just be sure to clean the box of any stains or fruit juices that might have been left behind). You can also order used boxes from UsedCardboardBoxes.com
Earth-friendly packing material
Recycled cardboard and paper
When you’re moving, the last thing you want to see when you unpack is broken dishes or shattered pictures. When it comes to packing materials for protecting your belongings from getting damaged during your move, anything made from recyclable materials can be very helpful for the environment and may decrease excessive garbage. Recycled cardboard and paper are among the best eco-friendly packaging materials available. Recycled cardboard is an ideal packaging material that’s easy to use. It’s also important to rely on recycled paper to help you with all your packing needs
Household items you already own
You may not have thought about it but towels, blankets, and sheets all make great packing material. These are especially helpful when wrapping dishes or platters because unlike newspapers or other chemically treated papers, you won’t need to rewash everything.
Biodegradable packing peanuts
Using biodegradable packing peanuts is an exceptional idea that can help the environment. x Instead of their plastic counterparts, modern-day earth-conscious packing peanuts are made from wheat or corn starch, decompose in water and leave no toxic wastes behind. These will make your packing easier and can allow you to remain eco-friendly.
Doing your part to help the environment is important. You can choose eco-friendly materials for your move that will allow you to protect the environment, such as the ones we’ve listed above. If you’re interested in exploring other ways you can help the environment, then be sure to get in touch with Spring Power & Gas today.
