Eco-Friendly Moving Supplies: Sustainable Ways to Pack for Your House Move

02 December 2025

Moving house can create a larger carbon footprint than most people expect. There are simple ways to reduce waste and lower the environmental impact of your move by choosing eco-friendly packing materials.

Most of the focus on moving day is timing and organisation. It is easy to overlook sustainability, yet small choices like using recyclable bubble wrap, biodegradable void fill or reusable containers can make your move far greener without adding any extra stress.

Using eco-friendly moving supplies can:

Reduce waste that would otherwise end up in landfill.
Save money by allowing items to be reused in future moves.
Limit the natural resources needed to produce new packing materials.

Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Traditional Packing Supplies

Below is a comparison of traditional packing materials and their sustainable alternatives.

Traditional material	Issues	Eco-friendly alternatives	Benefits
Packing boxes	Manufacturing creates an unnecessary carbon footprint, especially if boxes are bought new for each move.	Reuse cardboard boxes Pick up free boxes locally or reuse what you already have. Reusable plastic storage boxes Sturdy boxes that last for years and can be reused for home storage. Use existing furniture Pack clothes and soft items into drawers, cupboards and other storage spaces.	Reduces the demand for newly manufactured boxes. Can be reused for future moves or long term storage. Maximises items you already own instead of buying more.
Bubble wrap	Traditional bubble wrap is non recyclable plastic. It can take centuries to break down in landfill.	Biodegradable bubble wrap Provides the same cushioning and protection without the long term environmental impact. You can buy biodegradable bubble wrap from Safestore.	Protects fragile items in transit. Breaks down more quickly than traditional bubble wrap. Can often be reused for future moves or storage.
Packing peanuts / polystyrene void fill	Non biodegradable, creates mess and can harm wildlife if it escapes into the environment.	Biodegradable packing peanuts Made from starch which can be dissolved in water, or reused in plant pots as drainage. Paper or popcorn Scrunched paper or plain, air popped corn make effective void fill.	Breaks down safely rather than sitting in landfill. Simple to dispose of at home. Paper can be recycled, popcorn can be composted or fed to wildlife.
Plastic sheets and wrapping	Non recyclable plastic that often ends up in landfill. If items are not completely dry, trapped moisture can lead to mould or rot.	Blankets, towels and clothing Use soft furnishings you are taking with you anyway to protect furniture and fragile items. You can also buy reusable moving blankets.	Zero additional waste if you use items you already own. Offers excellent protection for delicate or polished surfaces. Reusable again and again, both at home and for future moves.
Plastic packing tape	Not recyclable. If left on cardboard, it can prevent the box from being recycled.	Paper packing tape Designed to be recycled alongside cardboard and paper products.	Allows boxes to be recycled more easily. Strong enough to keep boxes sealed during your move.

Quick Guide to Sustainable Packing Choices

Reuse Cardboard Boxes

Collect free cardboard boxes from local shops, friends or family, or reuse boxes from previous moves. Remove any plastic tape before placing boxes in your recycling bin once they are no longer usable.

Choose Reusable Plastic Storage Boxes

If you already own hard plastic storage boxes, use them for your move instead of buying new cardboard boxes. After moving, they can be reused for long term self storage or home organisation.

Make Use of Existing Furniture

Pack clothes, towels and bedding into drawers, cupboards and other furniture that is being moved anyway. This reduces the number of separate boxes you need and makes efficient use of space.

Switch to Biodegradable Bubble Wrap

Biodegradable bubble wrap cushions fragile items just as well as traditional plastic versions. You can buy eco friendly bubble wrap and other packing supplies from our boxes and packaging range.

Ditch Polystyrene for Greener Void Fill

Replace traditional foam packing peanuts with biodegradable versions made from starch, or use scrunched paper or plain popcorn as void fill inside boxes.

Wrap With Soft Items You Already Own

Use towels, blankets, throws, duvet covers and clothing to protect fragile ornaments, wooden furniture and soft furnishings. This avoids single use plastics and can reduce the number of boxes you need.

Use Paper Packing Tape

Paper tape is strong enough for most cardboard boxes and can be recycled alongside them. This keeps more cardboard out of landfill and makes it easier to dispose of once your move is complete.

Other Ways to Make Your Move More Eco Friendly

Choose a removals company with green credentials, such as electric or bio diesel vehicles, rented packing crates or carbon offset programmes.
Use eco friendly cleaning products to prepare your old or new home, such as refillable spray bottles, natural cleaning agents like vinegar and bicarbonate of soda, and washable cloths instead of paper towels.
Plan your move carefully to avoid unnecessary journeys. A moving house checklist can help you stay organised and reduce wasted trips.

Need Extra Space During Your Move?

If you need temporary storage while moving, renovating or redecorating, Safestore can help. We have self storage locations across the UK and Europe, with units in a wide range of sizes.

We also stock a range of packing materials, including eco friendly options, in store and online. Ask in store, or browse our boxes and packaging range to see what is available at your nearest location.

FAQs

What are the most sustainable packing materials?

The most sustainable packing materials are the ones you already own and can keep for future use. Blankets, towels and clothing are excellent for protecting fragile items. Existing furniture such as cabinets and drawers can also act as eco friendly alternatives to extra packing boxes.

Are cardboard boxes or plastic crates better for the environment?

Both have their pros and cons. Cardboard boxes are cheap, widely available and recyclable, although they tend to last for only one or two moves. Plastic crates have a higher initial carbon footprint to produce but can be reused for many years and recycled when they eventually break.

Where can I buy biodegradable packing materials?

You can buy biodegradable packing materials such as bubble wrap and packing peanuts from Safestore, or from other retailers online. Look for products that are clearly labelled as biodegradable or compostable.