You’ve finally finished unpacking, but now you’re left with a mountain of moving supplies—boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, and more. Don’t let all that material go to waste. Whether you’re aiming to declutter, recycle, or give back, there are plenty of smart ways to handle moving supplies after the move. Here’s what moving companies in Kansas City recommend.
1. Reuse or Repurpose What You Can
Before you toss anything, think of ways you might use these materials again. You don’t want to throw away all of your cardboard boxes, just to realize you need them to organize your pantry, after all. Some ways to repurpose packing materials include:
Cardboard Boxes
- Future Moves: Flatten and store sturdy boxes for your next relocation.
- Storage: Use boxes to organize your garage, attic, or basement.
- DIY Projects: Cardboard can be repurposed into drawer dividers, kids’ play forts, or even weed barriers in your garden.
Bubble Wrap & Packing Paper
- Storage Protection: Use them to wrap fragile items or holiday decorations.
- Craft Projects: Great for kids’ crafts or even as paint texture tools.
- Insulation: Line drawers, pet beds, or even windows for extra insulation in winter.
Stretch Wrap
- Storage Sealant: Use it to bundle cords or secure open containers.
- Furniture Protection: Keep it for wrapping furniture legs or keeping drawers shut during future moves.
Packing Peanuts
- Reuse in Shipments: Save them if you frequently ship packages.
- Drainage for Plants: A layer at the bottom of potted plants helps with drainage.
2. Sell or Donate Locally
If you don’t want to keep your supplies, someone else in Kansas City likely will. You can either sell or give away supplies in places like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and even U-Haul Box Exchange. This works like a national platform with local participants looking for reusable boxes.
Libraries, schools, local shelters, or donation centers also often accept boxes and packaging for operational needs. And animal shelters often accept packing paper and bubble wrap for bedding or transport needs.
3. Recycle Responsibly
Not everything should go in the trash. Recycling is one of the most eco-friendly options—but not all materials are accepted curbside. You can recycle different items by:
- Break down cardboard boxes and place them in your curbside bin if clean and dry. If you have too many, Kansas City’s Recycling Drop-off Centers accept large loads.
- Bubble wrap, stretch wrap, and plastic bags cannot be recycled in your curbside bin. Take them to designated plastic film recycling drop-offs at stores like Target, Walmart, or Price Chopper.
- While biodegradable peanuts are compostable, traditional Styrofoam ones aren’t recyclable locally. Many shipping stores in Kansas City, like The UPS Store, will take clean packing peanuts for reuse.
4. Ask Your Moving Company About Take-Back Programs
Some moving companies offer programs to pick up or buy back gently used supplies after the move, so it’s worth calling your mover to ask.
This option saves time and helps reduce waste.
5. Pay It Forward
Moved recently? You know how expensive packing supplies can be. Consider helping out someone in your community. Try to leave free boxes and materials neatly stacked on the curb with a “FREE” sign. Chances are, they’ll be gone by sunset.
Learn Moving Tips from Moving Companies in Kansas City
Cleaning up after a move can be hard—especially if you’re environmentally conscious. However, clearing out post-move clutter doesn’t have to mean filling up the trash. With a little planning, you can reuse, recycle, donate, or even resell your moving supplies while keeping waste out of landfills.
For the next move, consider professional moving companies like Pink Zebra Moving to help you get organized from start to finish. Find a location near you and reach out to learn more!