A move often brings a lot of plastic waste from bubble wrap to adhesive tape to disposable boxes. But that doesn't have to be the case! There are numerous environmentally friendly alternativeswith which you can plan your move can be designed sustainably and plastic-freeIn this article we will show you which materials you can use and how to save resources.
1. Why should you avoid plastic when moving?
📌 1. Avoid plastic waste & protect the environment
✅ Plastic needs Centuries to rot
✅ Many packaging materials are used only once
📦 2. Use more sustainable & reusable alternatives
✅ Paper-based & biodegradable packaging
✅ Reusable transport boxes & reusable cartons
♻ 3. Save resources & reduce moving costs
✅ Sustainable materials can be reused
✅ Plastic-free alternatives are often cheaper & easier to dispose of
💡 Tip: A plastic-free move not only saves waste, but can also be cheaper in the long run!
2. Sustainable packaging materials – The best alternatives
📦 1. Environmentally friendly moving boxes & transport boxes
✅ Recycled cardboard boxes or second-hand boxes from cardboard exchanges
✅ Reusable wooden transport boxes or sturdy cardboard boxes
✅ Reusable fabric bags or suitcases for clothes
🎁 2. Sustainable upholstery materials
✅ Old blankets, towels or clothes as filling material
✅ Paper & corrugated cardboard instead of bubble wrap
✅ Wood wool or straw as natural padding
📌 3. Adhesive tape & fastening without plastic
✅ Paper tape instead of classic plastic tape
✅ Cords & fabric ribbons as an environmentally friendly alternative
💡 Tip: Many sustainable packagings are recyclable or biodegradable, which makes disposal easier!
3. Sustainable packaging for various items
📦 1. Pack dishes and glassware safely
✅ Newspapers, fabric scraps or tissue paper instead of plastic wrap
✅ Use egg cartons for glasses and delicate items
👕 2. Transport clothing and textiles plastic-free
✅ Transport clothes in suitcases or cloth bags
✅ Protect hangers with cloth bags instead of plastic covers
📚 3. Wrap books and decorative items sustainably
✅ Use sturdy wooden boxes or second-hand cartons
✅ Use old newspapers and cardboard as filling material
💡 Tip: If you need boxes, you can free used moving boxes from classified ads or supermarkets obtain!
4. Moving without plastic – plan step by step
📋 1. Obtain plastic-free packaging materials early
✅ Organize recycled or second-hand boxes
✅ Collect old blankets, towels & fabrics as protective material
🚛 2. Make transport as environmentally friendly as possible
✅ Use reusable transport boxes instead of disposable cartons
✅ Choose a moving company with a sustainable concept (e.g. electric vans)
♻ 3. Recycle or reuse packaging material after the move
✅ Pass on boxes or use them for storage
✅ Wash fabric materials & use for other purposes
💡 Tip: A plastic-free move is best achieved if you starts planning in good time and alternatives prepared!
5. Avoid common mistakes when moving sustainably
❌ Use plastic wrap & bubble wrap → Solution: Use newspaper, corrugated cardboard or fabric
❌ Buy new moving boxes instead of using existing ones → Solution: Get second-hand boxes
❌ Use plastic tape → Solution: Use paper tape or cords
❌ Throw away boxes and materials after the move → Solution: Pass on materials or use them for storage
💡 Tip: If some plastic materials cannot be avoided, they should at least be recycled or used multiple times.
6. Checklist for a plastic-free move
📌 Before the move:
✅ Get plastic-free packaging materials
✅ Organize reusable transport boxes or used cardboard boxes
✅ Use upholstery material made of fabric, towels or paper
📌 During the move:
✅ Avoid waste and reuse packaging materials
✅ Inform removal helpers or removal companies about sustainable wishes
✅ Plan the shortest and most efficient transport routes possible
📌 After the move:
✅ Reuse or pass on boxes and materials
✅ Recycle packaging materials or dispose of them properly
✅ If necessary, switch to sustainable household products in the new home
💡 Tip: If sustainable packaging materials are missing, these can can be purchased or rented online or from local moving companies.
Conclusion: How to move plastic-free
✔ Use moving boxes made from recycled material or second-hand
✔ Replace plastic wrap & tape with paper & fabric
✔ Packing dishes, clothes & books with sustainable materials
✔ Optimize transport routes to reduce CO₂ emissions
✔ Avoid waste & reuse or recycle materials after the move
🚛 Are you planning a sustainable & plastic-free move? Praktik Transport offers environmentally friendly packaging solutions & sustainable transport options for a green move! Get a non-binding offer now! 🌱✨
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