Keep or Toss: What To Do With Moving Supplies

Moving day is over, and you’re finally staring at your new home instead of a mountain of boxes… except that mountain has just moved to your garage. If you’re unsure what to do with moving supplies after you move, you’re not alone. Many people wrestle with this dilemma after spending a small fortune on boxes, bubble wrap, and bungee cords. Should you chuck it all, stow it, or maybe repurpose it? Don’t worry; we’ve got the answers.

Save It for Future Moves

Reusable moving supplies, like sturdy bins or heavy-duty boxes, are worth holding onto. They’re lifesavers when you need to move again or tackle a storage project. Keep them dry and neatly stacked to prevent wear and tear. If you invested in a roof rack to haul your mattress or other large items, be sure to store said roof rack properly so that you can use it again in the future.

If you’re not planning any future moves or really want to make the most of your space, ask friends or family if they could use your supplies. Someone gearing up for their own moving day will thank you for sparing them a trip to the store.

Donate It

If you’re feeling charitable, plenty of organizations gladly take used moving supplies off your hands. Shelters, schools, or community centers often welcome packaging materials and boxes. Check local online groups or community boards where people post about free moving supplies; you’ll offload your extras and do a good deed all at once.

Repurpose It Around Your Home

Before you toss anything, consider whether it could be useful around the house. Flatten leftover boxes to use as protective surfaces when painting or DIYing. Wrap delicate holiday ornaments in bubble wrap for safe storage. Even packing peanuts can make for excellent filler in potted plants! With a little creativity, your “trash” can find a second life in your new home.

Recycle Responsibly

Recycling is your friend. Check your local recycling program’s rules, as not all packaging materials can be recycled curbside. Additionally, items like bubble wrap or foam peanuts might need to go to specific facilities. Spending an extra minute researching recycling options can save materials from piling up in landfills.

Final Thoughts

The good news is that there are plenty of creative and responsible ways to figure out what to do with moving supplies after you move without feeling like you’re tossing money in the trash. Whether you save, donate, repurpose, or recycle, the goal is to get that pile of stuff out of your space without regret. And hey, who knows? Those leftover boxes might come in handy sooner than you think.