Eco-Friendly Packing Tips for Self Storage

We all want to be more eco friendly but sometimes it can be difficult when we don’t know where to start.

But we only get one planet and while moving home or using storage sometimes can mean that we aren’t as eco friendly as we want to be, packing up your belongings in self storage doesn’t have to mean creating mountains of mess ready for the landfill.

So in this article, we will look at eco-friendly packing tips for self storage that will not only help protect your items, but be more sustainable to our planet at the same time, and for those of us who live in London, anything that can help will be welcomed.

Being eco friendly is not just about recycling your items after you are done with them either as you can make a big difference by choosing better packing materials.

So if you don’t know where to start when it comes to being eco friendly, but you want to try, keep on reading.

Choose reusable or recyclable materials

To be more eco friendly when storing you need to think about getting rid of single use plastics for other materials that can be used. You get bonus points if they are recyclable and biodegradable too. Cardboard boxes are a good example of reusable materials.

Cardboard boxes made from recycled paper are sturdy, affordable and you can practically use them until they are falling apart. When they aren’t usable any more you can then recycle them at a local recycling plant.

For fragile belongings, you may think of using bubble wrap, many of us do but if you skip the traditional bubble wrap when you can, the planet will thank you. Try using items such as recycled paper wrap, corrugated card or shredded newspaper as they can all protect your belongings without being as damaging to the environment.

You can also use something called compostable packing, these are available from specialist places and the good thing about them is that they naturally break down once they are thrown away, which keeps them out of the landfill.

For bulky furniture or appliances, reuse blankets, sheets or fabric dust covers. They shield items from scratches and dirt without adding any plastic waste, they are also cheaper to use as you probably already have them at home, instead of having to go out and buy them.

Use what you already have

This is the simplest tip, the most cost effective and it’s also better for the environment, and that tip is to use what you already have. Towels, bedding, scarves and jumpers can be used to wrap your items and if you don’t use them it also saves you space in your home too. Using items you have already at home have saves money and reduces the need for new packaging supplies too.
Cardboard boxes are one of the most eco friendly options you have but if you are reusing old boxes, make sure they are dry and structurally sound because they could break and damage what’s inside of them if you aren’t careful.

Pack smart to maximise unit space

The bigger the unit the more impact that it will have on the environment, so packing smart can save on space and help you to be more green. So try to be as efficient as possible when it comes to using your storage space. You’re also less likely to use as much packing materials if you take time to think about what items you are storing and how you are going to store them.  So whether you are relocating or just need more space, always take this into consideration.

Some things you can do is disassemble furniture and even store smaller furniture or items inside drawers or cupboards when stacking, just be sure not to overload them as you don’t want to damage your furniture or items. If you stack items, place the heavier ones at the bottom and lighter ones at the top.

A well organised storage unit avoids unnecessary waste and also saves you money. Win-win for us.

Limit plastic where possible

Plastic pollution remains a major issue worldwide. Although tempting because of convenience, plastic use adds significantly to your carbon footprint during and after storage.
If plastic is unavoidable, choose recycled or recyclable options and commit to using them for multiple moves. Heavy duty storage crates are great for long term storage of tools, gadgets or other durable items.

You can also choose biodegradable packing peanuts or compostable bubble wrap made from plant based starches. They provide the same level of protection without harming the environment later.

Protect fragile belongings the eco way

Glass, ceramics and electronics can be wrapped safely without synthetic materials. Soft fabrics, newspaper or biodegradable packing sheets offer effective padding.
You can use clothing as a way to protect your items when you put them into storage by stuffing them into gaps to prevent movement inside boxes. There may be times where you can’t use an eco friendly option too so if you must use traditional bubble wrap, reuse old rolls rather than purchasing new ones. Eco bubble wrap is made by some manufacturers from recycled plastic and is another responsible option that you could consider using.

Always label boxes clearly to reduce unnecessary handling and avoid breakages.

Donate or sell what you no longer need

One of the best eco-friendly packing habits is actually reducing what you pack in the first place. Before items enter storage, sort through them and pull out anything you can sell, donate or pass on.

Decluttering avoids needless waste and supports a circular economy where items continue to be used instead of thrown away. You will need fewer packing materials and may even save money by choosing a smaller storage unit.

Make conscious choices with packaging

The packing industry adds to global emissions and if we want to cut down on them we can help by using less packaging. In this article we have discussed using different packaging materials such as carboard boxes or using recyclable tape and while these decisions seem tiny, if we can all do it then we can help our planet and each other.
Pick a responsible self storage provider

Your choice of self storage facility also plays a role in sustainability. Some providers invest in renewable energy, LED lighting and greener building materials to help reduce overall emissions.
Eco-friendly storage is not only about what goes inside the unit, but also about supporting businesses committed to environmental improvements across the entire industry.