Moving day is finally over, and you can now start settling into your new home. But, as you begin unpacking, you might find yourself facing another problem.
Research commissioned by eBay found that the average British household uses more than 85 large boxes and six rolls of bubble wrap during a move. That can leave you with a lot of cardboard, packing paper and protective packaging to deal with once everything is unpacked.
So, if you’re wondering what to do with packing materials after a move, the good news is that most don’t need to go straight in the bin.
Depending on their condition, they can often be reused, passed on or recycled. And if you’ve purchased your moving boxes from us, we can even collect them once you’ve finished unpacking.
In this guide, we’ll take you through your options for dealing with leftover packing materials, so you can clear the clutter and get back to enjoying your new home.
What to Do With Cardboard Boxes After Moving?
Once you’ve unpacked, you’ll probably find that cardboard boxes make up the biggest pile of leftover packing materials.
These can often be recycled, but always take a look at their condition before doing so. Good-quality moving boxes can be useful more than once.
If you have space, flatten a few boxes and store them somewhere clean and dry. They can come in handy for storing belongings, sending larger parcels or packing things away when you’re having a clear-out.
You could also offer boxes that are still in good condition to friends, family or someone locally who has a move coming up.
For boxes that are damaged or no longer suitable for reuse, recycling is usually the best option. Cardboard is widely recyclable, but what you can put out with your household collection varies between local authorities.
Check your council’s guidance before disposing of larger quantities of moving boxes, as you may need to take them to a local recycling centre instead.
Bought Your Boxes From Falconers?
If you purchased your packing boxes from us, there’s no need to worry about getting rid of them as soon as you arrive at your new home.
We recommend unpacking at your own pace and keeping the empty boxes somewhere dry and safe in the meantime.
Once you’re finished, flatten the boxes and give us a call. When we’re next in your area, we can arrange to collect them from you.
If you have space, flatten a few boxes and store them somewhere clean and dry. They can come in handy for storing belongings, sending larger parcels or packing things away when you’re having a clear-out.
Can You Reuse Packing Paper?
Packing paper is easy to reuse, even if it looks a little crumpled after your move. As long as it’s clean and dry, you can smooth it out, fold it up and keep it ready for the next time you need to protect something fragile.
Packing paper can be useful for wrapping glassware and delicate ornaments before putting them into storage, or protecting items you’re sending in the post. Some even use leftover paper to cover surfaces during DIY projects.
If you don’t think you’ll use it again, consider passing the paper on, along with any unwanted boxes, to a friend, family member, or someone else you know who’s planning to move. This gives perfectly usable packing materials another outing before they need to be recycled.
If you’re certain packing paper is no longer suitable for reuse, check whether it can go into your household paper and cardboard recycling. What’s accepted can vary, particularly if the paper has become contaminated, so always check your local council’s guidelines first.
Consider passing packing paper on, along with any unwanted boxes, to a friend, family member, or someone else you know who’s planning to move.
What to Do With Leftover Bubble Wrap After Moving?
Bubble wrap is another packing material that’s worth holding onto if it’s still in good condition. Keep a few sheets somewhere dry, and you’ll have them ready for sending parcels or protecting belongings that you want to put into storage.
If you have more than you’re likely to use, you could offer it to friends or family who are moving soon, or pass it on through a local community group.
When bubble wrap is no longer protective, for example, if the bubbles have burst or the plastic is torn, don’t automatically put it in your household recycling bin.
Bubble wrap is a type of flexible plastic and is not generally collected in household recycling collections in Wales.
However, some supermarkets and other recycling points accept flexible plastics, including bubble wrap. You can use the Wales Recycles Recycling Locator to find a suitable recycling point near you.
What to Do With Packing Peanuts After a Move?
Packing peanuts are great for filling empty spaces in moving boxes and keeping fragile belongings protected, but what you do with them afterwards depends on the type you have.
Traditional packing peanuts are usually made from expanded polystyrene (EPS), while biodegradable versions are typically made from plant-based starch. The difference matters as the two materials need to be disposed of differently.
An easy way to tell them apart is to place one in a little water. A starch-based peanut should begin to soften and dissolve, while polystyrene will stay intact.
Biodegradable packing peanuts may be suitable for home composting, although it’s always worth checking the packaging or manufacturer’s instructions first.
Polystyrene is much harder to recycle and generally isn’t accepted in household recycling collections, although some specialist facilities may take it.
Of course, if your packing peanuts are still clean and usable, there’s no need to get rid of them at all. Pop them into a sealed bag or box and keep them for sending parcels, storing fragile belongings or even your next move.
If your packing peanuts are still clean and usable, pop them into a sealed bag keep them for sending parcels or storing fragile belongings.
How We Can Help
So, what do you do with packing materials after a move?
After you’ve unpacked, taking a little time to sort through your leftover materials can save plenty of them from going to waste.
Whether you reuse, recycle, or pass them on to someone else altogether, there are plenty of ways to clear the post-move clutter responsibly.
And remember, if you’ve purchased your moving boxes from us, we can collect them once you’re finished unpacking. Just give us a call when you’re ready and we’ll arrange to pick them up when we’re next in your area.
If you’re planning an upcoming move, our team at Falconer Removals can help make the process easier, from supplying the packing materials to getting your belongings safely into your new home.
Get in touch with us today to discuss your move.
