This guide offers practical tips for a sustainable house move, covering everything from sourcing eco-friendly packing materials to reducing transportation emissions. Learn how to protect your belongings and the planet while saving money with smart, waste-reducing strategies.
Moving home leaves a bigger carbon footprint than you might think. From fuel emissions to packaging waste, the environmental impact adds up quickly. The good news? At Find My Man and Van, we've helped thousands of people across the UK move home—and we know first-hand that sustainable moving is more than just a buzzword. With a few smart swaps and practical choices, you can seriously cut down your carbon footprint without compromising on convenience or care for your belongings. Better yet, many of these eco-friendly approaches will save you money by using packing materials that are free or that you already have around your home. In this complete guide, we'll share sustainable tips that work, helping you protect your belongings, your planet, and your wallet.
The Box Dilemma: New vs. Used Cardboard Boxes
When it comes to choosing packing boxes , you’ve got plenty of options. Your first instinct might be to only reuse boxes rather than searching for where to buy cardboard boxes for moving home, but there's an important balance to strike between sustainability and safety of your possessions.
The Case for New Cardboard Boxes
Sometimes investing in new cardboard boxes is the smartest choice for ensuring your belongings arrive safely at their destination. When chosen mindfully, buying cardboard boxes can still be environmentally responsible as they're biodegradable and fully recyclable after use, continuing the sustainable lifecycle of paper products.
New boxes provide maximum structural integrity for heavier items
They're free from contaminants like food residue or pests which is sometimes the case with boxes sourced from supermarkets.
You can be confident they won't collapse mid-move
Most suppliers offer packing boxes made from recycled materials – many now use up to 70% recycled content. Look for local producers as well - a reputable local company will have lower delivery miles.
Finding Free Cardboard Boxes Near You
Free cardboard boxes for moving are still a valuable addition to your packing arsenal. Here’s where to look:
Local corner shops and supermarkets
Bookshops and office supply stores
Online community groups and marketplace listings
When Reusing Boxes Make Sense (And When it Doesn't)
Used cardboard boxes can be a great eco-friendly option, but be selective:
✅ DO check with local businesses for clean, sturdy boxes
✅ DO accept good quality boxes from neighbours who have recently moved
✅ DO reuse strong, double-walled boxes from your own online shopping deliveries
❌ DON'T use boxes that have been stored in damp conditions
❌ DON'T reuse boxes that previously held food products if the products may have leaked
❌ DON'T rely on weakened boxes for fragile or valuable items
Pro tip: if you're planning on reusing moving boxes from friends or neighbours, make sure you cover up any labelling that may already be there to avoid confusion and extra stress.
Plastic Storage Boxes: A Reusable Alternative
If you plan on leaving some items in storage or moving seasonal items to a loft or garage after moving, plastic storage boxes are a great option and can serve as practical storage solutions to help keep your new home organised. They are durable and stackable, ensuring your belongings stay secure during your move. Additionally, they are waterproof, so you can rest easy even if it rains on moving day! If you know you’ll have a use for them, they are a practical storage option. Be careful, however, they are more expensive than cardboard boxes and take up a lot of room if you have too many. Opt for clear boxes and use them for items that don’t need to be unpacked right away.
Creative Packing Materials You Already Own
Before buying bubble wrap or packing materials, look in your drawers. Everyday items like clothing or saved packaging from previous deliveries make excellent wrapping materials. Here’s how to pack sustainably using what you already own—no waste, no extra cost.
Clothing as Premium Padding
Your wardrobe and drawers are full of perfect packing materials:
Use rolled t-shirts between items to fill in empty space in boxes and prevent shifting in transit
Stuff handbags and shoes with shirts and socks to maintain their shape before packing them in boxes
Use towels to cushion TV screens if you haven’t held on to the foam padding from the original packaging
Wrap picture frames in jumpers or sweatshirts
Reuse Paper Products
Save packing paper from Amazon and other online deliveries
Use free newspapers or repurpose Christmas/birthday gift wrap as wrapping paper
Cut up weaker boxes and use them to cushion plates, wrap around vases or reinforce boxes for heavier items
Beyond Boxes: Sustainable Moving Alternatives
When it comes to moving, think beyond traditional boxes. Suitcases, duffel bags, and backpacks are perfect for packing clothing and linens—saving space, reducing waste, and keeping your essentials organised. Plus, by packing these items in easy-to-access bags, you’ll have everything you need right at your fingertips on your first night in your new home. Repurpose laundry baskets and storage bins you already have for easy transport. Reusable tote bags are perfect for packing shoes, scarves, and toiletries, while bin bags can securely hold larger items like bedding, pillows, or even coats and jumpers. Once you’ve unpacked, these bags can be reused for rubbish or storage, reducing single-use plastic.
Eco-Friendly Disposal: What To Do After The Move
You've managed your move and gotten yourself (and your belongings) to your new home in one piece. Let's look at what to do to dispose of your materials in a sustainable way.
Cardboard Recycling Done Right
Ensure your boxes actually get recycled:
Break down all boxes flat
Remove any tape, staples, and labels
Keep them dry and clean
Check your local recycling guidelines to make sure they're collected
Give Boxes a Second Life
Before recycling, consider:
Offering boxes to friends or neighbours who are moving
Listing them online on sites like Next Door or Gumtree
Using them for storage in your new home
Why Local Matters: Reducing Moving Miles
One of the most effective ways to make your move more eco-friendly is to choose local services. When you book with Find My Man and Van, we connect you with verified local moving professionals who:
Travel shorter distances to reach you (reducing fuel consumption)
Know the most efficient routes in your area
Support the local economy, reducing the carbon footprint of service delivery
By choosing local movers, you can significantly reduce your move's carbon footprint while also supporting local businesses. Research from the Carbon Trust shows that reducing transport distances and optimising local routes can cut transportation-related emissions by 10-30% compared to services that dispatch vehicles from distant central hubs.
Make Your Next Move Sustainable and Stress-Free
Ready to plan your move? Get instant quotes from local movers in your area today and support local businesses – all while enjoying peace of mind knowing your move is in good hands. Join thousands of satisfied customers who have trusted us for a smooth, reliable moving experience in London, Edinburgh, Manchester and across the UK. Our dedicated UK-based team offers outstanding customer service. No AI voices, just real people ready to help you every step of the way.
Compare trusted local movers with verified reviews, get free, transparent quotes, and book securely online in minutes. Your wallet – and the planet – will thank you!
