When you’re preparing for an apartment move, one of the biggest challenges is finding enough packing materials — boxes, bubble wrap, tape, and padding — without creating unnecessary waste. Traditional packing materials often end up in landfills, contributing to pollution and deforestation.
That’s why more Plano residents are turning toward eco-friendly packing supplies. Sustainable materials not only protect your belongings but also reduce environmental harm. At The Move Place, we’re proud to guide our customers toward greener, smarter, and more affordable moving choices.
This article compares today’s best green packing supplies — from biodegradable wraps to reusable crates — to help you plan a clean, waste-free apartment move.
1. The Problem with Traditional Packing Supplies
Before we explore the greener alternatives, it’s worth understanding why conventional packing supplies are so problematic:
- Cardboard waste: Millions of boxes are discarded after a single use.
- Plastic bubble wrap: Made from non-recyclable polyethylene, it can take hundreds of years to decompose.
- Packing tape: Standard tape is made of plastic and cannot be recycled with cardboard.
- Styrofoam: Lightweight but extremely harmful — it breaks into microplastics that pollute soil and water.
The good news? There are now plenty of affordable, durable, and environmentally friendly alternatives available — especially for apartment moves where space and efficiency matter most.
2. Recycled Cardboard Boxes
Recycled cardboard is one of the most accessible and eco-friendly packing options.
Unlike virgin cardboard, these boxes are made from post-consumer paper and can be reused several times before recycling again.
Pros:
- Affordable and easy to find
- Recyclable after multiple uses
- Available in various sizes and strengths
Tips:
- Look for boxes labeled “100% recycled” or “FSC certified.”
- Avoid glossy or wax-coated boxes, which can’t be recycled.
- Get used boxes from local Plano stores, community groups, or neighbors before buying new ones.
At The Move Place, we often reuse sturdy boxes from previous jobs, helping reduce overall waste.
3. Reusable Plastic Moving Crates
If you want something more durable, reusable moving crates are a top green choice.
Made from tough recycled plastic, these stackable containers can replace dozens of cardboard boxes.
Advantages:
- Long lifespan (can be reused hundreds of times)
- No need for tape
- Weather-resistant and easy to clean
- Available for rent in Plano — so no need to buy and store them
Ideal For: Apartment moves, short-distance relocations, and people who prefer convenience.
Many local eco-moving companies, including The Move Place, offer rental crates to reduce cardboard waste entirely.
4. Biodegradable Packing Peanuts
Styrofoam peanuts are out — biodegradable packing peanuts are in.
Made from cornstarch or wheat, they dissolve in water and are completely compostable.
Why They’re Better:
- Non-toxic and safe for kids and pets
- Break down naturally within days
- Offer the same cushioning protection as traditional foam
These eco peanuts are perfect for fragile items like dishes, lamps, or glassware. After your move, simply compost or dissolve them in water.
5. Recycled Paper and Corrugated Wraps
Instead of bubble wrap, use recycled paper wrap or corrugated cardboard sleeves to protect fragile items.
These materials provide padding without using plastic.
Eco Benefits:
- Made from post-consumer materials
- Recyclable and compostable
- Easy to use for dishes, décor, or electronics
Another great alternative is newsprint paper, which can be reused multiple times and later recycled.
6. Biodegradable Bubble Wrap
If you prefer the cushioning of bubble wrap, opt for biodegradable bubble wrap made from plant-based polymers.
It functions like the plastic version but decomposes in composting environments within months.
Pro Tip: Ask your moving company whether they offer biodegradable bubble wrap options — The Move Place stocks several green packing alternatives for environmentally conscious customers.
7. Recycled or Paper-Based Tape
Even tape can be eco-friendly!
Try kraft paper tape or gummed paper tape, which use natural adhesives and are fully recyclable with cardboard boxes.
Advantages:
- Strong adhesive hold
- No plastic residue
- Easy to label with pens or markers
This small switch can keep entire boxes recyclable and landfill-free.
8. Fabric, Towels, and Blankets as Padding
Instead of buying new padding materials, reuse what you already own:
- Old clothes
- Bed linens
- Towels
- Blankets
These soft items provide excellent cushioning for fragile belongings like lamps, dishes, and picture frames. Once unpacked, they go straight back into your closet — zero waste!
Bonus Tip: For electronics, wrap screens in microfiber cloths to avoid scratches.
9. Renting Eco-Friendly Packing Kits
To simplify things, many moving companies (including The Move Place) offer eco-friendly moving kits that include:
- Reusable crates
- Biodegradable wraps
- Recycled tape
- Reusable labels
These preassembled kits reduce guesswork and guarantee that all your materials are planet-friendly.
10. How Green Packing Benefits You
Eco-friendly packing isn’t just good for the environment — it’s also practical and affordable.
Benefits:
- Saves money: Reusing materials lowers your overall moving costs.
- Less clutter: Reusable supplies are easier to manage and return.
- Healthier home: Avoids exposure to harmful plastics and chemicals.
- Positive image: Many apartment complexes in Plano now value tenants who practice sustainability.
When you choose The Move Place, you’re choosing a company that values both your belongings and your planet.
11. Post-Move Recycling and Reuse
Once you’ve unpacked, it’s important to dispose of materials responsibly:
- Flatten cardboard boxes and take them to Plano’s recycling centers.
- Save reusable crates or donate them to friends moving soon.
- Compost biodegradable materials.
- Store packing paper for future projects or gifts.
You’ll feel great knowing your move left no negative environmental impact.
12. The Move Place: Your Green Moving Partner in Plano
At The Move Place, we believe in smart, sustainable moving.
Our team helps residents across Plano pack, transport, and unpack using eco-friendly materials and optimized truck routes that cut emissions.
Our Services Include:
- Apartment, home, and office moving
- Packing/unpacking and labeling
- Loading/unloading and transportation
- Storage services with recyclable materials
Whether you’re moving across town or across Texas, we make sure your relocation is efficient, affordable, and environmentally conscious.
Contact Information
Address: 2661 Midway Rd Suite 200 – Office 18, Carrollton, TX 75006
Call/Text: (469) 777-6683
Email: info@themoveplace.com
Hours: Sunday – Saturday, 7 AM–7 PM
Online Booking: 24/7 available
