Sustainable Moving Kits and How to Reuse Them

Sustainable moving kits are becoming an essential part of the relocation process for people who care about the environment. With millions of moves happening yearly, the amount of waste generated by traditional moving supplies is staggering. Cardboard boxes, plastic wrap, and packing peanuts often end up in landfills, contributing to pollution and wasted resources. But if you choose eco-friendly alternatives, you can make a big difference in reducing waste while protecting your belongings during a move. So once you start planning a relocation with the best movers and packers Seattle has, this guide can walk you through what these kits are, how to use them effectively, and how to repurpose these materials once you’ve finished your move.

What Are Sustainable Moving Kits?

Sustainable relocation kits are sets of packing materials designed to be eco-friendly, reusable, or biodegradable. They are an alternative to traditional moving supplies that often end up in the trash after one use. Sustainable kits are made with materials that minimize environmental impact and can be used multiple times, helping to reduce waste and your overall carbon footprint. These kits typically include:

• Recyclable cardboard boxes made from recycled materials.
• Biodegradable packing materials like cornstarch peanuts or recycled paper.
• Reusable plastic crates, which can replace cardboard boxes.
• Cloths or blankets for padding instead of bubble wrap or packing paper.
• Eco-friendly labels from recycled paper.

Even if your moving company doesn’t offer these kits, you can easily find them through online retailers or rental services. Using these materials helps cut down on waste and allows you to feel better about the environmental impact of your move.

Benefits of Using Sustainable Moving Kits

Opting for a sustainable moving kit has benefits beyond environmental consciousness. Its eco-friendly materials offer a few important advantages, next to reliable Washington movers, in cost savings, safety, and convenience.

1. Better for the Planet

The most obvious benefit is reducing the amount of waste generated by your move. Recyclable and reusable materials don’t contribute to the overwhelming waste that traditional packing materials do. For example, using recyclable boxes and biodegradable packing materials means you’re diverting less trash to landfills. Every little bit counts and sustainable kits make a tangible difference.

2. Saves You Money

While some sustainable materials may have a higher upfront cost, they can save you money in the long run. Durable materials like reusable plastic crates or blankets for padding can be used again for future moves, saving you from repurchasing disposable supplies. You’ll save money over time by reducing the need to constantly buy new boxes and packing supplies.

3. Safer for Your Family

Traditional packing materials like Styrofoam or plastic bubble wrap can contain chemicals that aren’t ideal for the environment or your health. Biodegradable and recycled materials, on the other hand, are much safer for your home, especially if you have pets or small children. Sustainable kits avoid harmful chemicals and offer safer options.

4. Easy to Use

Many companies now offer easy rental services for reusable moving materials, making sustainable moving kits as convenient as their disposable counterparts. You can rent reusable crates or biodegradable packing materials, and some companies will even deliver and pick up these supplies from your doorstep.

Types of Sustainable Moving Materials

There are several eco-friendly packing materials you can include in your sustainable moving kit. Each of these materials offers a more environmentally responsible way to pack and protect your belongings.

1. Recyclable Cardboard Boxes

Recycled cardboard boxes are just as durable as new ones but with a significantly smaller environmental footprint. They are made from recycled paper products, which helps reduce the need for virgin materials like wood pulp. On average, producing recycled cardboard uses 50% less water and 64% less energy compared to manufacturing new cardboard from raw materials. Additionally, using recycled cardboard reduces the need for cutting down trees, saving approximately 17 trees for every ton of recycled cardboard produced.

Recyclable cardboard boxes can be reused for multiple moves and recycled again after use, reducing waste and conserving resources. In contrast, traditional cardboard manufacturing relies heavily on fresh timber and contributes to deforestation, higher water usage, and increased greenhouse gas emissions. For example, manufacturing new cardboard can produce up to 1.5 times more CO2 emissions than using recycled cardboard.

Many moving companies or retailers sell recycled cardboard moving boxes in Seattle, making it easy for you to choose a more sustainable option. You can also find second-hand boxes through local groups or marketplaces, further reducing the environmental impact by keeping existing materials in circulation. So, when you opt for recycled cardboard boxes, you are making a conscious effort to reduce your ecological footprint while maintaining the strength and durability needed for a successful move.

2. Reusable Plastic Crates

Reusable plastic crates offer a durable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional cardboard boxes. These crates are designed to last for hundreds of uses, significantly reducing the need for single-use materials. Compared to cardboard, reusable plastic crates can last 20 times longer, meaning less production and less waste over time.

The environmental impact of reusable plastic crates is primarily offset by the fact that they can be reused for multiple moves and typically don’t end up in landfills after just one use. For example, over its lifetime, one reusable plastic crate can replace up to 400 single-use cardboard boxes, which saves on production energy and reduces the need for raw materials.

While plastic production generally uses fossil fuels, the long-term environmental impact is lower when crates are reused because they reduce the overall demand for new packaging materials.

3. Biodegradable Packing Materials

Biodegradable packing materials, such as cornstarch packing peanuts or recycled paper, provide an eco-friendly replacement for traditional Styrofoam and plastic-based materials. Styrofoam, a petroleum-based product, can take over 500 years to decompose in landfills, releasing harmful chemicals and microplastics into the environment. On the other hand, biodegradable packing peanuts made from cornstarch or other plant-based materials decompose naturally in water or soil within a matter of weeks to months.

Production of biodegradable packing materials also uses far fewer resources. For example, cornstarch peanuts are made from renewable resources and require less water and energy compared to the production of Styrofoam. Styrofoam manufacturing emits 57 times more hydrocarbons than biodegradable alternatives, contributing more significantly to air pollution and climate change.

Other alternatives, like recycled paper or fabric, have a lower environmental impact and can often be reused or composted. Using materials you already own, such as towels or linens, eliminates the need for purchasing extra materials, reducing both costs and waste.

4. Eco-Friendly Labels

Traditional plastic labels are not only non-recyclable but also contribute to the growing issue of plastic waste, which takes centuries to break down. In contrast, eco-friendly labels made from recycled paper or biodegradable materials decompose quickly without leaving harmful residues. Producing recycled paper labels uses 40% less energy and 50% less water compared to virgin paper labels.

Reusable label alternatives, such as chalkboard labels or washable stickers, significantly reduce waste as they can serve repeatedly for various purposes. This cuts down on the need to constantly produce new labels and prevents plastic from entering the environment. In addition to being made from recycled materials, many eco-friendly labels are printed with non-toxic, water-based inks, further minimizing their environmental footprint.

How to Source Sustainable Moving Kits

Even if your local moving company doesn’t offer sustainable kits, there are several ways you can source these eco-friendly materials for your move.

1. Rental Options

Some companies specialize in renting out reusable moving crates and other sustainable materials. They deliver durable plastic crates to your home. After your move, the company will pick them up, reducing the hassle of finding disposal methods for used packing materials. If renting reusable crates appeals to you, it’s worth checking out local or online companies that provide these services. Many offer flexible rental periods, ensuring you have plenty of time to pack, move, and unpack.

2. Purchase Options

You can purchase sustainable moving kits online or in some eco-friendly stores. Retailers offer full kits that include recyclable boxes, biodegradable packing materials, and eco-friendly labels. If you move frequently with moving services Seattle offers or simply want to invest in long-lasting materials, buying your own kit can save you money over time.

3. Local Resources

In Seattle, several local resources can help you find reusable packing supplies. Seattle ReCreative is a great place to start; they offer a wide variety of second-hand items, including moving boxes and other packing materials. This non-profit focuses on promoting reuse and preventing waste.

You can also check out the Buy Nothing Project, a community-driven platform where people give away items, including gently used moving supplies like crates and boxes. Lastly, Goodwill and Northwest Center thrift stores often have second-hand packing materials available, and by purchasing from them, you’re contributing to waste reduction.

Best Practices for Using Sustainable Moving Kits

Maximizing the effectiveness of your sustainable moving kit requires a bit of planning. If you follow these best practices, you can minimize waste and make your move as efficient as possible.

1. Pack Strategically

The more space you save, the fewer packing materials you’ll need. Pack your boxes tightly to avoid the need for excessive cushioning. You can use towels, blankets, or clothing to protect fragile items instead of purchasing extra packing materials.

2. Label Efficiently

Use reusable labels to mark your boxes. Chalkboard labels, for example, can be written on and wiped clean, allowing you to use them again for future moves. If you use paper labels, opt for ones made from recycled materials.

3. Dispose of Biodegradable Materials Properly

If you use biodegradable packing peanuts or other materials, make sure you dispose of them properly. These materials are designed to break down in compost or organic waste systems, so avoid throwing them in the regular trash.

Reusing Your Sustainable Moving Kit

One of the best features of sustainable moving kits is that they can be reused in several ways after your move. Here are some ideas for reusing these materials to get the most value out of them:

• For future moves: Store your boxes, crates, and packing materials for future moves. Many of these materials are durable enough for multiple uses, and by keeping them, you’ll save money and reduce waste for your next move.
• Around the house: Even if you’re not planning another move anytime soon, you can repurpose the materials in your kit around the house. Use crates for organizing garage supplies, office materials, or children’s toys. Reusable boxes can be useful for seasonal storage or as makeshift shelving.
• DIY projects: You can turn old boxes and crates into a variety of DIY projects. Paint and stack crates to create unique shelving units or cut up cardboard boxes for craft projects. Sustainable packing materials can also help ship gifts or packages.

Finally, if you no longer need your kit, consider donating it or sharing it with someone else. Community groups, neighbors, or local charities may require packing supplies. When passing them along, you ensure they continue to be useful rather than ending up as waste.

Make Your Relocation Greener with Sustainable Moving Kits

Sustainable moving kits are an excellent way to reduce the environmental impact of your move while still protecting your belongings. Regardless if you rent, buy, or source your materials locally, these kits offer cost-effective, safe, and eco-friendly solutions for your move. Once you finish with your kit, you can reuse its materials in countless ways, from future moves to creative DIY projects.

Even if your moving company doesn’t offer sustainable materials, you can still use these eco-friendly alternatives. As the demand for sustainability grows, you’ll likely see more options become available in the moving industry. Until then, taking the initiative with sustainable kits can make a difference both for your move and for the environment.

Why Choose Us

History

Hansen Bros. Moving & Storage is locally owned and operated by the same family for four generations, since 1890. We have a well-established reputation for service quality and reliability with a high percentage of repeat household and commercial clients.

Professionalism

We’re a certified ProMover by the American Moving and Storage Association with A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, voted “Best in Western Washington” in 2009 and from 2011 to 2016 by KING5. Our company is fully licensed and insured and member of WMC and AMSA.

Value

Hansen Bros. Moving & Storage provide free, no-obligation in-home estimate and competitive rates, including low minimum rates for shipments moving under 300 miles. We’ve set a refund policy for unused packing materials and three Puget Sound locations to help clients save on travel fee costs.