Editorial note: Homefront (defined in the Disclosure below) may earn a commission from affiliate partner links featured on our site. This commission does not influence our editors’ opinions or evaluations.
Phinnie Zahareas is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She works as a project manager and professional organizer for a moving company in Louisiana. She’s managed dozens of moving jobs — from tiny houses to sprawling office buildings — and aims to make relocations easier for everyone. In addition to her work in the moving industry, she holds an MFA in creative writing from the University of New Orleans. She still lives in New Orleans, where she walks her two spotted dogs along the Mississippi River every evening.
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.
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).
Tip
Employ the “three-box method” to sort your belongings into three categories: keep, donate or sell, and discard. This method allows for systematic decision-making.
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.
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 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 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 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 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.
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 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.
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.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics.
Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.
Phinnie Zahareas is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She works as a project manager and professional organizer for a moving company in Louisiana. She’s managed dozens of moving jobs — from tiny houses to sprawling office buildings — and aims to make relocations easier for everyone. In addition to her work in the moving industry, she holds an MFA in creative writing from the University of New Orleans. She still lives in New Orleans, where she walks her two spotted dogs along the Mississippi River every evening.
Effective packing is key to a successful move, and you can achieve this through proper planning and organization. Some of the best packing tips for moving include getting started early, using your items as packing materials and keeping itemized lists of your boxes to track what you packed and where it goes. This guide explores…
Books can metaphorically transport you to faraway destinations, but when you’re actually relocating to a new hub, you need to learn how to pack them up properly. Bibliophiles know that novels are more than entertainment. Books can also liven up your spaces — whether a home or office — and inject warmth into your surroundings.…
Bubble wrap may not be enough to protect a delicate succulent on a bumpy moving truck. As any plant lover can attest, these leafy companions are not merely decorative items but living organisms with specific needs. If you want to bring your beloved fiddle-leaf fig tree with you, you need to understand how to move…
Moving scams are unfortunately more common than many people realize, and finding a trustworthy mover can feel like tiptoeing through a minefield. In 2022, 15,198 complaints were filed with the Better Business Bureau against moving companies throughout the year. From exorbitant fees to damaged belongings or even outright theft, the risks posed by unscrupulous movers…
© 2024 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC.
Our editorial team is committed to creating independent and objective content focused on helping our readers make informed decisions. To help support these efforts we receive compensation from companies that advertise with us.
The compensation we receive from these companies may impact how and where products appear on this site. This compensation does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides within our content. We do not include all companies, products or offers that may be available.