If you’re going to move in the near future, you’ll benefit from having a variety of packing materials for different purposes. Cardboard boxes simply aren’t enough to do the job right. Explore using some innovative packing materials that are good for the environment and will make the process go more smoothly.
Opt for Supplies You Have at Home
Do you have some leftover wrapping paper? If you’ve got part of a roll you won’t use or have leftover wrapping paper, it’s a good idea to use this for cushioning and protecting your belongings during a move.
Other household items that are ideal for wrapping around your belongings for transport when you’re moving include old towels, pillows, socks around your smaller fragile things, and furniture pads. Look through what you have in advance so you aren’t scrambling around and finding out you have to buy packing materials last minute.
Reusable Plastic Containers
Maybe you already have small plastic containers you can repurpose for moving. Even if you have to buy several new containers, it’s a worthy investment. You can reuse them for home storage or for your next move since they are known for being durable.
Bins and totes are another option along these lines that go a long way. Many of these bins are strong and durable. You can fit a great deal of items in a larger bin or tote. Just be careful with what you pack together in a container. As long as you move the totes with care and have professional moving companies in Montgomery County, PA helping with your move, you’ll be able to keep these containers and reuse them.
Biodegradable Packing Peanuts
Biodegradable packing peanuts are a great alternative to the Styrofoam version. This is because the expanded polystyrene in Styrofoam takes hundreds of years to decompose. Biodegradable ones are made from wheat or corn and will break down in a natural way. Make sure that you use the right amount of packing peanuts so you have enough cushion but not too many, as this may increase your shipping costs.
Corrugated Boxes
You can swap cardboard boxes for corrugated boxes. This is good for the environment since traditional boxes typically have paper fibers that aren’t recycled, which is a big contribution to deforestation. Corrugated boxes are made out of recycled material and you can recycle them after using them. Choose boxes that are the appropriate sizes to meet your needs and don’t overfill them. Place something inside for cushioning for items that are breakable or that you don’t want bumping against each other. Your movers in Chester County, PA can help you with this task.
Biodegradable Bubble Wrap
This is a nice alternative to traditional bubble wrap that’s made out of polyethylene. The biodegradable version usually is made out of biodegradable plastics that have been derived from renewable sources like cornstarch. Sometimes, it’s made out of recycled paper. The materials should break down into non-toxic components as long as you dispose of the wrap properly. Try to use this sparingly for items that need to be protected during transport. Dispose of it using local composting or recycling guidelines.
Recycled Paper Tape
This compostable and biodegradable alternative to traditional packing tape is made out of post-industrial and post-consumer recycled paper fibers. When you go to use recycled paper tape for packing, make sure that the box or other surface is dry and clean so that it works effectively.
Moving doesn’t need to be such a frustrating task, and finding the right kind of packing materials to suit your needs can go a long way. There are more sustainable and reusable options today than ever. O’Malley Moving Services of the greater Havertown, PA area can assist you with a successful move to a new home. Reach out to us today for more information.