Buying cardboard boxes, reams of bubble wrap, and other packing supplies is often done in the early stages of planning a move. Using items you already have at home as moving materials will give you a head start on the process. You’ll also reduce your carbon footprint by not contributing to the depletion of natural resources needed to make new packing materials and the trash that ends up in landfills. Here are some items at home to use for relocating.

3 Household Goods to Use as Moving Supplies

1. Bags

The sandwich bags in kitchen drawers can be used to keep jewelry and other small trinkets together in transit. You can also remove workout gear from gym bags and miscellaneous items from totes, large purses, and old backpacks to make room for household goods. Sturdy trash bags will hold clothing, linens, and pillows too. Plus, bags are more malleable to adjust around other containers and make more space in the moving truck. Just avoid overstuffing the bags to prevent tears. 

2. Containers

To eliminate the need to buy multiple cardboard boxes, you can turn all sorts of home goods into durable moving containers. After washing out and disinfecting trash cans and buckets, they can hold books, toys, thick bedding, and electronic equipment. The dividers in beer boxes will keep glassware from clinking together, and the handle will make it easy to carry. You can also use large suitcases to hold toiletries, shoes, and other small to medium-sized items.

3. Clothing & Towels

Instead of buying bubble wrap and packing peanuts, wrap dishware, mirrors, and other fragile possessions in old T-shirts, hand towels, and pillowcases. The fabric will provide a protective barrier to prevent scuffs and scratches when movers load and unload items on the truck. You can also stuff towels in open areas of containers to secure items in place.

If you’re moving to or from Honolulu, Kaneohe, Kailua, Hawaii Kai, Kapolei, or any other community on the island of Oahu, the staff at M. Dyer & Sons in Pearl City, HI, is eager to assist. To help you downsize and recycle, the professional movers work with charitable organizations and accept unwanted belongings for donation. To schedule moving services, call (808) 456-4200, and visit the professional movers online for a free quote. You can also check out their Facebook for additional packing advice.