What to do with leftover packing materials

Once your move is over and you’ve unpacked, you might find yourself surrounded by piles of packing materials—cardboard boxes, bubble wrap, packing peanuts, and more. Figuring out what to do with it all can feel like another task. Instead of tossing these items out, practical ways exist to make the most of them. And PortaBox Storage Seattle team will show you how to repurpose, recycle, or reuse your leftover packing materials, helping you save money, reduce waste, and even get creative. So, let’s explore some useful ideas for handling these materials efficiently!

Repurpose for home organization

Packing materials can be extremely useful for organizing your new home, so don’t be too quick to get rid of them. Large cardboard boxes can be used for long-term keeping. You can use them to pack seasonal clothes, holiday decorations, or even items you don’t use often, like sports gear. Label the boxes to make finding what you need easier in the future.

You can also use smaller boxes creatively to help keep your drawers organized. Cut them down to create drawer dividers, which can be used to separate items like office supplies, socks, or kitchen utensils. You will keep everything neatly in place, saving you from having to buy expensive organizers.

If you have leftover packing paper, use it as wrapping paper for gifts, or save it for protecting delicate items during future shipments. Bubble wrap can also be repurposed to protect fragile items while in Seattle storage pods. These ideas help you get the most out of your packing materials long after the move is complete.

Get creative with DIY projects

For those who enjoy getting creative, leftover packing materials can be repurposed into various DIY projects. Cardboard boxes, for example, are a great resource for crafting. If you have children, consider turning a large box into a playhouse or a fort for them. With some markers and scissors, you can make a fun play space that keeps kids entertained for hours.

Bubble wrap also has its uses in DIY projects. It can be cut into pieces and used as padding when storing delicate items in Seattle mini storage, or even for insulating windows during colder months. Just press bubble wrap against a damp window to create an insulating layer that helps retain heat.

Recycle responsibly

Recycling is another great way to manage leftover packing materials, but it’s important to do it right. Not all packing materials can be thrown in the recycling bin without first checking your local recycling guidelines.

• Cardboard Boxes: Most curbside recycling programs accept cardboard. Be sure to flatten your boxes to save space and remove any plastic tape or labels before recycling. Flattened boxes also make it easier for recycling centers to process the materials efficiently.
• Bubble Wrap and Packing Peanuts: These materials are not typically accepted in curbside recycling, but many shipping stores will gladly take them back for reuse. Check with your local shipping center to see if they accept bubble wrap and packing peanuts for recycling or reuse.
• Packing Paper: Clean packing paper is usually recyclable in your curbside program, as long as it’s free from heavy ink or wax coatings. Simply crumple it up and toss it in your paper recycling bin.

Proper recycling contributes to the circular economy and helps reduce environmental impact. It ensures that materials are reused efficiently instead of ending up in landfills.

Donate to your community

If you don’t need your leftover packing materials, donating them is a great option. Someone else who’s moving might be thrilled to get free boxes and packing supplies. Ask friends, neighbors, or coworkers if they have upcoming moves, or offer the supplies for free on online platforms like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or Nextdoor. Many people search for free moving supplies, and you could help reduce their moving expenses.

Local organizations such as charities and shelters might also accept packing materials for families in need who are relocating. Before donating, give them a quick call to see if they are accepting these types of donations. In doing so, you’ll be clearing out your space while helping others who might benefit from the leftover materials.

Save for future use

If you anticipate needing packing supplies in the future, storing leftover materials for later use in self storage Shoreline containers is an excellent option. Having these materials on hand will save you time and money when you need to ship packages, store fragile items, or prepare for another move. Here are the most efficient ways to store your leftover materials:

• Flatten Boxes: This will save space and allow you to easily store them in a closet, attic, or garage. When the time comes, you can simply unfold and use them again.
• Roll Up Bubble Wrap: Keep it neatly rolled and secure it with rubber bands. This way, it doesn’t take up much space and is readily available for future use.
• Packing Paper and Packing Peanuts: Store packing paper in a drawer or bin, and keep packing peanuts in a large, sealable bag to keep them contained. This way, they are easily accessible when you need them.

Saving these materials means you’ll be ready for unexpected storage or shipping tasks. It also cuts down on waste and prevents the hassle of buying new supplies later.

Compost Packing Paper

Finally, one often-overlooked use for leftover packing paper is composting. If you maintain a compost pile or bin, clean packing paper can be an excellent addition. Shredding the paper before adding it to the compost helps it break down faster.

Packing paper is considered a “brown” material, meaning it’s rich in carbon, which balances the nitrogen-rich “green” materials (such as food scraps and grass clippings) in your compost pile. As the packing paper decomposes, your leftover packing materials contribute to the creation of nutrient-rich compost that can be used in your garden to enrich the soil.