
Small steps leading to a big change
The following lines are dedicated to useful tips on how to recycle packaging materials after moving. Usually, when such a big move is about to take place, more attention is paid to the preparation of the process itself: hiring a removal company, choosing packing materials, and the actual packing. Meanwhile, the tasks following the relocation are left in the background. Although the topic of sustainability is increasingly popular, it turns out that many forget it when the chaos of settling into a new home overwhelms them.
Eco-friendly Moving Services: Pros and Cons
There are specialist companies on the market that offer eco-friendly removal services. They rely on reusable boxes, biodegradable packing materials, and 'green' modes of transport (such as fuel-efficient vehicles, for example). Among the advantages of an eco-friendly move is that you can organise one yourself by following certain steps. Some of its pros are:
- You reduce the negative impact on the environment
- You reduce your carbon footprint
- You reduce waste
- You set a positive example
Cons of environmental relocation include:
- Potentially higher costs
- Fewer companies specializing in eco-friendly removals: you need more time to find and retain an eco-friendly removals company
- You need more time to prepare in advance, including clearing out unwanted items, purchasing materials and cleaning in an eco-friendly way, using eco-friendly products.
- Lack of practicality: such as when using "green" transport, which can potentially slow down the moving process and is recommended for shorter distances
How to Organize an Eco-friendly Relocation on Your Own?
Reusable containers
First, pay attention to the materials you use. You can purchase reusable moving containers. These are usually made of durable materials such as textiles or plastic and can be used both during the move itself (to transport belongings) and afterwards (to store your supplies). Among their positive aspects is that, thanks to their durability, you can give them to your friends who are also about to move.
Textile solutions
It is also possible to rely on materials such as towels, blankets, or other textiles to secure your belongings instead of traditional wrapping paper and bubble wrap. Tips on how to recycle packing materials after a move include seeking packing materials in advance from friends who have already organised a move, or from local recycling centres. If you're working with a standard relocation company, return the materials you've already used to benefit a future customer.
Consider the transport
In addition to the fuel-efficient vehicles already mentioned, you may also want to consider reducing the number of trips (and therefore emissions) required to transport your belongings. For transporting lighter and less bulky boxes, you can use a bike trailer or rent an electric car. An interesting way to offset the environmental impact of relocation is to participate in so-called "Carbon Footprint Offset Programmes", which include initiatives related to reforestation, waste management, the construction of renewable energy plants, etc.
Get rid of unnecessary things
Among the additional steps you can take when planning an eco-friendly relocation is to part with the items you won't use, in advance, by donating them to those in need. This way, you will reduce the waste you generate. Make sure you throw items such as clothes in containers set up for this purpose.
You can also hand over your electronics to a certified person. Do not dispose of electronics that you no longer use. Instead, pass it on to certified dealers who will take care of recycling it properly and reuse some of the components if possible. The same applies to hazardous items such as batteries, paints and detergents. Follow the instructions on how you should proceed
Take a look at best practices for green relocation. From advance preparation, donating belongings, and environmentally friendly packing, we've covered several aspects of green relocation in our supplemental guide.
How to Recycle Packing Materials After Moving?
Depending on the material from which the packaging consumables are made, there are different specifics for recycling. Here are some of them:
Paper and cardboard
These are among the easiest materials to recycle, and you can simply dispose of them in designated paper waste containers. Another alternative is to resell or give materials such as cartons and wrapping paper to other movers.
Plastic
In answering the question of how to recycle packaging materials after moving, we should also address the plastic components. Here we are referring to materials such as zip ties, fastening strips, and other plastic items. You can usually take these to your local recycling centres, and it is advisable to take note of their identification codes. Plastic identification codes are a classification system for the type of plastic used to make a product and are usually marked on the bottom of the product, in the centre of a triangle made up of three arrows. Depending on the identification code, you may consider whether to send some of the plastic materials directly to recycling containers.
Styrofoam
Although it can be recycled, most recycling companies do not offer this service. Considering that, you can keep the Styrofoam pieces and Styrofoam blocks and use them for purposes other than moving. Another option is to give them to people who need them–by contacting them online or in person.
Bubble wrap
The practice of recycling bubble wrap paper is less common. Recycling is done using special machines, and the final stage involves melting the paper so it can be re-formed into another soft plastic product. In addition, bubble wrap paper cannot be recycled with materials such as plastic bottles (due to the different types of plastic they are made from), so it should be sent to specialist centres. Fortunately, it can also serve you variously after the move. With it you can:
- Re-pack breakables
- Cover furniture when painting or refreshing
- Wrap items you are about to send (instead of paying the courier company for the material)
- Protect your belongings from dust
Packing tape
Standard duct tape cannot be recycled and should be removed from cartons after moving. Fortunately, there is a special kind of tape on the market—recyclable packing tape. We advise you to opt for it to increase your contribution to nature preservation.

How to Recycle Packing Materials After Moving: Tips to Reuse the Packing Materials
Many of the packing materials for your move to a new home can be reused. You just need to get creative! Here are some suggestions on how to reuse the materials:
Use them for gift wrapping
Wrapping paper and smaller boxes purchased for the relocation will serve you well when it comes to simple yet sophisticated gift wrapping, whatever the occasion. You can also use the wrapping materials when preparing small gifts for your housewarming party guests.
Make your own organiser
You can use the thick cardboard boxes to make an organiser with different compartments to store sewing supplies, jewellery, makeup or other small items: sticker collection, stamps, badges, etc.
Make a key holder
Keys are that one item you're always looking for if it's not placed in the right place. To avoid this situation, consider creating a key holder out of cardboard. You can put it on the wall, or on a cabinet near the door.
Make cup coasters
This is another way to use the thicker cardboard boxes, and in addition you can paint the coasters to go with your chosen furniture and other decorations in your new home.
Store belongings in boxes designed for moving
Usually, moving boxes are known for their durability and strength. In this sense, they are a great alternative to fabric and plastic organizers. Like the coasters, you can again decorate them or ask friends and acquaintances to write a wish related to the new home on them.
DIY puzzle
Cut out the individual sides of several boxes (depending on how big you want the puzzle to be), then join them together and paint them in an interesting way. Once the paint is dry, cut the puzzle into individual pieces by marking the back side. This is an excellent gift idea, especially for young children.
Art collage
Gather materials such as cardboard, duct tape, box securing strings, bubble wrap, and plastic items and create an art collage. This can be an image of a loved one or your pet. You can also depict your motto or other inspirational phrase, making the collage a part of your home furnishings.
Styrofoam blocks as pot filler
Place the Styrofoam blocks in the bottom of the pot, then top up with soil. This way it will be lighter, the plant won't get damaged, and the Styrofoam will be reused.
Still wondering how to recycle packing materials after moving? Eco-friendly relocation is definitely mission possible. Backed up by the right information, the right steps, and personal motivation, it is an excellent way to reduce your negative impact on the environment, inspiring your family, friends and loved ones to also consider the small steps they can take to take care of nature.
The experts at Movega Removals, a company with a proven track record in European removal services, are here to answer your questions. Get in touch with us in just a few clicks using our contact form or chatbot feature available on our website.