What to do with leftover packing supplies?

A woman standing not knowing what to do with leftover packing supplies

Did you just finish your move? Even if everything is planned out and you use the help of reliable moving companies from Downtown Toronto, a certain amount of packing supplies will be left unused. The question is, what should we do with leftover packing supplies? Thankfully, there will be plenty of options. From creative to useful picks, you can make the right choice. Here’s some advice on choosing the right packing supplies and how you can use them when there’s an inevitable surplus after your relocation.

What to do with cardboard boxes?

Unused cardboard boxes from moving can be reused in multiple ways, reducing waste and helping the environment. Firstly, think about giving them to nearby charities or organizations that could use them for storage or shipping needs. You can also utilize them for functional home organization, like making storage bins or drawer separators. Use your creativity to repurpose cardboard into DIY creations like children’s toys if you have kiddos, Halloween costumes, or furniture. Of course, you can store them until the next time you book local movers in Toronto if you move frequently or forward them to a friend in need. If none of these options interest you, consider recycling the boxes as cardboard.

A couple holding cardboard moving boxes
What to do with leftover packing supplies? Get creative with your moving boxes

Ways to reuse bubble wrap

Various inventive alternatives exist for reusing excess bubble pack instead of discarding it. You can use it to protect fragile items during relocation with Toronto residential movers, as well as for storage or shipping. It can also act as insulation for windows with drafts or a protective covering for outdoor plants in colder weather. Bubble pack can be transformed into an enjoyable sensory activity for kids who enjoy playing around, offering hours of popping fun. Moreover, creative people can utilize bubble wrap for making textured art projects or as a painting stencil. Here are some additional options for bubble wrap, including:

  • Create a play mat for children
  • Use it as padding for outdoor furniture to protect against weather damage
  • Line drawers or shelves with bubble wrap to prevent items from sliding
  • Cut it into strips to wrap around fragile stems when transporting flowers or plants
  • Utilize it as a makeshift cushion for uncomfortable chairs or seats

How to give new purpose to packing paper

Beyond its original function, leftover packaging paper can be used for new purposes. It can be used to cushion and protect fragile things during storage or transportation. Furthermore, packing paper can give gifts a rustic touch while acting as an environmentally beneficial substitute for standard gift wrap. If you are a green thumb, shredding packing paper and adding it to compost will help the soil in potted plants and gardens. After the job is done with packing services Toronto has to offer, there will be plenty of options.

What to do with leftover packing supplies? Here are some suggestions for packing peanuts

Excess packing peanuts can come in handy. First, as stuffing material. They create a light, sturdy padding for homemade bean bag chairs or cushions. Packing peanuts can be a great drainage material in plant pots to prevent overwatering of the roots and promote plant growth. Giving packing peanuts to nearby shipping companies or places that repurpose them as packaging can increase their usefulness. This will consequently lessen their environmental effect.

Red packing tape and packing peanuts in a moving box
Packing peanuts can have their use

Creative options for foam sheets

Foam sheets that are left over can have their use. You can construct pet houses or shelters with them, with foam serving as insulation.  This ensures furry companions stay comfortable and warm. Foam sheets are also suitable for protecting fragile items during shipping or storage, keeping them safe and sound. Also, they are an excellent option for craft enthusiasts to personalize stamps, stencils, or costume accessories for events or parties. Reducing noise levels in offices or home studios as soundproofing material is also an option with foam sheets. Providing additional foam sheets to local art centers or schools supports sustainability and assists in educational initiatives.

Know how to utilize plastic wrap

What to do with leftover packing supplies? Plastic wrap that is left over after packing can have a new purpose. Do you want to preserve leftover food? Plastic wrap extends its freshness and reduces food waste. Additionally, plastic wrap can serve as a temporary waterproof barrier for small gardening operations. Examples of this are protecting sensitive plants from frost or propagating seeds. Plastic wrap can serve as a foundation for artistic endeavours like resin casting or mixed-media collages, contributing to the artwork’s depth and texture. And, of course, such materials can help you keep things less messy and easier to clean up.

Here are some tips to give new purpose to moving blankets

Moving blankets can have several purposes. Furniture or cars can be safe from dust, grime, or dings while in storage when they have blankets over them. Moving blankets can also be cozy padding for camping or outdoor picnics, offering protection and comfort on uneven surfaces. Do you need new car seat covers? Make them from your moving blankets. In addition, giving extra moving blankets to nearby animal shelters or rescue groups gives animals warmth and comfort.

A room full of furniture and moving boxes
There are plenty of things you can do with moving blankets

What to do with packing tape leftovers?

There are different ways to reuse leftover packing tape. Initially, it can be used as an improvised lint roller by looping it around the hand with the sticky side facing outwards to eliminate lint and pet hair from clothing or furniture effectively. Furthermore, packing tape may be used as a quick solution for minor household fixes like fixing torn book bindings or sealing small cracks in plastic containers. Of course, finding proper recycling programs is also going to be a viable option to keep things eco-friendly. Overall, using packing tape for different purposes will be a great idea.

Don’t overlook what you can do with leftovers

What to do with leftover packing supplies is no longer a difficult task. With so many options for those types of supplies, there’s absolutely no need for them to just sit in a corner. From reusing them for another move or just recycling them, the options are endless. Of course, we encourage you to get creative. There are absolutely no wrong answers, so make sure you make the best of the packing materials you have left after a move.