What to do with packing materials after a move

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When you finish the most difficult parts of the move and finally move into your new home, a new adventure awaits you. The next thing you need to do is unpack and get settled. And unpacking is one of the biggest parts of moving into your new home. If you have hired local movers Ottawa, they will place all the boxes boxes in their respective rooms, if you labeled them properly of course. After unpacking, one more job awaits you, and that is deep cleaning. After all, you’ll be surrounded by piles of boxes, peanuts, bubble wrap, styrofoam, newspapers, reusable containers, and many other things. Therefore, you must also think of what to do with packing materials after a move. Here are several useful ways to deal with this situation!

Unpack and settle into your new home

“Just when you think it’s over, it’s just beginning.” This is a sentence that you will be able to hear many times in movies, read in books, or hear from older people. This is exactly the situation now that you have moved into your new home. The work is just beginning. When residential movers Ottawa arrive at your new home and start unloading all your boxes and other items, you’ll feel like Alice in Wonderland. You’ll find yourself surrounded by heaps of boxes, bags, furniture, and all other things that you moved with you! So, the work begins! There is still so much that you need to do so that you can finally enjoy your new home.

couple under moving box
It’s easy to feel confused with all those boxes around you. If you feel tired and exhausted, take some time and rest.

If you want, you can always take a break and rest a little. But don’t forget that work is waiting for you. So, what you need to do now is to unpack all your luggage and settle into your new home. As we said, if you have marked the boxes, everything will be easier. You will know the layout of the box. If your movers sort your boxes by room, start with the room you need the most. And simply, you can unpack only the most necessary things, and rest for a few days. Also, after that, cleaning and collecting the remaining packing materials await you.

Tips for an easy unpacking process

Moving can take a lot of energy from you, so we recommend that you rest first. Simply, take a break! After you feel ready for a new round of unpacking, go for it. To make this task easier for you, here are some tips for quick and easy unpacking:

  • Check the boxes. Before you start unpacking, check if all the boxes are in the right place.
  • Unpack the basics first. You’ll need things that you use every day, including personal hygiene items, towels, bed linen, cutlery, etc.
  • Get organized. Make a schedule that you will stick to. Start from the bedroom and end in paradise with the living room.
  • Work according to a plan. It would be ideal if you had mentally arranged the furniture in your new home.That way, you will know where to put certain items.
  • Make sure you unpack the rooms you will be staying in first. If you have children, start unpacking their rooms first.
Couple unpacking boxes after moving
If you are organized, everything will go easier and faster.

Don’t think your job is over after you finish this task. You are left with all the used packing supplies that you need to take care of. You must be asking yourself, “What to do with packing materials after a move?” But don’t think too much, because you can always count on moving help Ottawa. We have lots of tips and ideas for you. So, keep reading!

What to do with packing materials after a move?

After you’ve finished unpacking your boxes, there’s still a bit of work left for you. And we are sure that you have a lot of used packing material left over. What awaits you now is the cleaning of your home, as well as the removal of everything left after you unpacked your things. There are many ways you can reuse your packing supplies after moving:

  • Recycle
  • Reuse
  • Pass them forward
  • Donate what you don’t need
  • Be creative!
  • Use packing materials on DIY projects
  • Sell them

Now you need to choose one of the ways. Of course, you can always choose more than one way to deal with leftover packing materials, but you need to think and sort out all the remaining packing supplies. Sorting will help you see how many boxes and other materials you have available. Those that are damaged can be immediately separated for recycling. Also, separate by type. For example, you can keep plastic boxes and use them for other purposes. If you moved your office with the help of office moving Ottawa services, the boxes can be used to store documents and other things that you don’t use that often. Think about it, and you will indeed find the best solution for you!

Recycle damaged packing materials after a move and save the planet

The first thing people think of when they see a pile of used packing materials is to simply throw them in the trash. That’s not always a good idea. Did you know there is a chance to do something good for the environment? Recycling would be the best option for your used packing materials. Now the image of many boxes and the hours you will spend sorting through all the boxes, paper, foils, etc. goes through your mind. And it’s not that hard to do either, because this is one of the easiest ways to dispose of packing materials after moving.

Carton boxes on a table
You can do the responsible thing and recycle your packing materials.

If you intend to recycle, separate all materials such as paper, plastic, cardboard, etc. Then find the nearest recycling center, and check if you meet all the conditions that are prescribed. For example, you will probably be asked to flatten boxes, which is not difficult. When your movers Orleans Ontario have completed the move, unpack all the boxes, peel off the tape from the bottom and take them outside. You will see, it’s easier than you think. Also, it’s very important to check which materials can be recycled, and they usually include biodegradable packing peanuts, cardboard boxes, packing paper, and bubble wrap.

Why is recycling packing materials important for our planet?

Did you know how much waste is actually generated in the moving industry and why recycling is important? According to the data and the number of relocations, it was estimated that about 15 million American families moved in one year. When calculated in more detail, it’s found that on average, around 31 million people annually pack their things, move, and throw away a large amount of degradable and non-degradable waste. Considering that cardboard boxes are an integral part of every move, about 900 million cardboard boxes of all sizes are used annually. One family uses an average of 60 boxes for moving, and unfortunately, all the boxes end up in the garbage in an inadequate way. which is the result of environmental pollution. That is why recycling is one of the most important things.

reduce, reuse, recycle
There are many ways at your disposal on what to do with packing materials after a move.

It’s not just the boxes that make up the waste but also the packaging paper, and about 90 million pounds of packaging paper is used annually. That means that, in addition to 60 boxes, one family will use an additional 6 pounds of packaging paper. Small movers Ottawa on average uses about 30 boxes for small or last-minute moves. Packing paper is usually for one use and is therefore thrown in the trash. In this situation, you can use paper made from biodegradable materials or recycled paper. In addition to paper, there is also tape, which annually produces about 30 million rolls. The tape is also for single use. Is it a little clearer to you now why recycling is important? So, in order to reduce pollution and the amount of waste, the matter is in your hands and everyone else who decides to move. You don’t always have to recycle; you can choose some other ways to use packing materials after moving.

Keep the packing materials and reuse them

There are some boxes that you will want to save. For example, if you have custom-made boxes for your TV or similar fragile items, you can also save plastic or wooden boxes for other needs. You probably won’t be moving again anytime soon, but if you do, you’ll be happy to have these boxes. Not only will it save you time and money, but it will also enable you to pack your things safely and easily. Also, specially-made packing boxes provide better protection than any other box, and this option is more favorable for your budget. So, avoid throwing everything away, but if you have enough space in your new home, save them. You never know when you will need it again. Also, if you don’t know what to do with the leftover moving boxes, you can always look for some creative way to use them. You can also give them as a gift to someone who is moving soon or donate them. The choice is yours.

woman reusing packing materials after a move
There are many creative ways to use packing materials after moving. You can decorate them and use them as decoration.

If you don’t have enough space, you can also leave packing materials in a storage unit. If you also include storage solutions Ottawa while moving, you may be able to negotiate a lower price. So, it would be smart to ask your movers about their storage services. Also, you can use storage services for other purposes. For example, you can store your seasonal items or things you no longer need. It will be of great help to you when you need additional space. Think about that!

Forward or donate packing materials after a move

Moving is often expensive, and any little help is appreciated. Although it’s easy to find things like moving boxes Ottawa. Your friends and family will appreciate it if you give them some of your boxes, packing peanuts, and any other packing materials you no longer need. It’s a small way to help in their move that will be greatly appreciated. You’ll help your friends save money and time by getting those packing materials themselves. And this is one of the best ways to help your friends. Believe us, they will thank you later!

Man stacking packing materials after a move
You can always just give your packing materials to your friends.

There is another good thing you can do, and that is to donate your packing materials. There are many places where you can donate them. For example, donation centers will find your boxes very useful in order to pack all donations and deliver them to people who need help. Also, homeless shelters and religious communities are other places that would benefit from your boxes for the same reason. Also, at any time, you can ask your local movers Ottawa to recommend a place that can donate your remaining packing materials. They will surely know where to bring them! If you decide to do a good thing, you always have more options available. Another option is to make an ad on social networks to give them away, and someone will surely come to pick them up for their move.

Use the packing materials for storage

Another good way to use packaging materials is for storage. And if you have rented storage, this is an ideal opportunity to use your packing materials. After all, boxes were definitely meant for packing things. So, you can pack everything you want to store. This will be an excellent option for you because you will not spend money on more packaging.

Also, if you have not rented a storage room and you have rooms in your home, such as an attic or a garage, you can store them there. Just be careful when unpacking not to damage the boxes, because if you plan to reuse them, they should be in the best possible condition. Or, if your furniture movers Ottawa are doing the unpacking, let them know your intentions with the boxes so they can be careful not to damage them while unpacking. This is a great way to deal with packing materials after the move and put them to good use. And if you do it right, it will also save you space in your new home.

If you don’t need packing materials anymore, sell them!

When you’re trying to decide what to do with your packing materials after moving because you no longer need them, know that you can always sell them. If you don’t have enough space in your home to store them for future use or if you don’t have time to change them and use them for other purposes, selling them would probably be the best option. But here is an important point: your packing materials must be undamaged and ready for reuse. You can make good money from selling them, and use the money for some other things. Also, if you used plastic boxes for multiple purposes, you can get a higher price for them.

Person using a laptop deciding what to do with packing materials after a move
Posting ads online is an easy way to sell your packing materials

There are many ways to sell your leftover packing materials. Start by informing your neighbors and asking if anyone needs them. Also, you can post an ad online, and don’t forget to put a price or post an ad on Craigslist. Make sure that you have all the packaging materials that you want to sell in one place. It’s also very important that the materials are ready for easy movement, so that you can sell them more easily and quickly. As for prices, it’s best to research how much they cost in your area and sell them for around the same price.

Use packing materials in your garden

If you plan to landscape the yard in your new home, then don’t throw away the remaining packing materials. Our long distance movers Ottawa have a good idea for you.  It will be very useful. Landscaping can be your hobby after you start a new life at a new address. But how can sealing packing material benefit you in this?

gardening
This could be your secret recipe for a tidy, weed-free yard.

Have you heard that using cardboard helps control weeds in your flower gardens? It’s enough to disassemble your cardboard boxes, cut them into smaller pieces, and soak them in water for at least half an hour. After that, make small holes, put cardboard in the ground and bury it with the rest of the soil. And don’t forget to add more water. Water all the places where you buried the cardboard. Wet cardboard is an excellent tool in the fight against weeds, as it will destroy them and prevent their reappearance.

Have some fun time with your kids!

This is one of the best solutions if you have children. We’re sure they’ll ask you for a few game boxes, and don’t turn them down. Because, of course, after your move, you will have at least 50 used boxes left. And what else would you do with all those boxes and other packing materials? There are many creative ways you can have fun with your little ones. For example, if you have girls, they will definitely want to make a dollhouse. Help them with that. Cut out the windows, make the roof, and use markers to decorate the outside of the box. Children will surely want you to make rockets or robots. A robot is a great idea because you will use more boxes. Slide the box on top of the box until you have a robot of the desired size.

Mother and daughter are playing with leftover packing materials after a move
A game with packing materials can be fun for the whole family and one of the creative things to do with packing materials after a move.

Also, from plastic boxes, which you can decorate, you can make some very beautiful and high-quality toy boxes. Let your kids have fun! And you can use that time for yourself or to do some other work in your new home. After the box toys are no longer interesting to them, you can recycle them.

Use packing materials for DIY projects

If you use packing services Ottawa, you will have a large amount of quality packing material left over. And if you’re an artistic person, a fun thing to do with packing materials after a move is to use them in DIY projects. So, it would be a nice way to give your new home a personal touch. There are a lot of small DIY projects that you can do and create a lot of cool things. From wall art to pet beds. You can also use the boxes for the upcoming holidays. One of the more recent and popular ones is Halloween, and the boxes can be used to make costumes or decorations. Also, after Halloween comes the Christmas and New Year holidays. You can also use packing materials to make decorations. And you can use the boxes for gift wrapping. It’s up to you to choose. And don’t forget to be creative.

So, we hope we have prompted you to select one of the options for what to do with packing materials after a move. Also, it’s very important to remember how waste can negatively affect the environment. And therefore, it’s very important that if you decide that you no longer need the remaining packing materials, that you dispose of them properly in the trash. Also, you can always be a little creative. What remains for you is to think about what you will do next. Good luck!

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