The move is complete! The boxes are unpacked, the furniture is in place, and you’re starting to settle into your new home. But then you look back: a mountain of empty moving boxes, piles of packing paper, perhaps old furniture that no longer fits, and various accumulated waste from the process. What to do now with this “moving legacy”? The return transport and professional disposal are the final steps to a truly completed move.
Returning Empty Packaging: Smartly Disposing of or Reusing Moving Materials
After unpacking, empty boxes pile up. But before you thoughtlessly throw them away, consider the possibilities for reuse and recycling:
- Return to the provider: Did you rent your moving boxes (e.g., sturdy plastic crates)? Then returning them to the provider is the easiest and most sustainable way. Many moving companies even pick up the boxes from your home. This not only saves space in your apartment but is also environmentally friendly, as the boxes are cleaned and reused for the next move.
- Resell or give away: Well-preserved moving boxes can often be offered for sale cheaply on online platforms like Ricardo, Tutti.ch, or in local Facebook groups. Friends, neighbors, or acquaintances who are planning a move themselves will also be happy to receive free boxes. This is resource-saving and easy on the wallet.
- Recycling of paper and cardboard: Damaged boxes or packing paper that can no longer be used belong in the waste paper collection. Make sure to remove tape and other attachments (e.g., films) before recycling them. Find out about collection times and locations in your municipality.
- Disposal of cushioning materials: Bubble wrap or styrofoam must be disposed of in the plastic collection bag or at the recycling center, depending on the municipality. Natural cushioning materials like old newspapers go into the waste paper.
Old Furniture and Household Goods: Sustainable Disposal and Recycling Options
Moving is often the perfect opportunity to part with old furniture or items that no longer fit in the new home or have simply served their purpose. Here, too, the rule is: sustainability before convenience.
- Donate instead of discard: Is the furniture still in good condition? Many charitable organizations like second-hand shops (Brockenstuben), Caritas, or the Salvation Army accept furniture and household goods, often even with a pickup service. Your sorted-out pieces get a second life and benefit people in need.
- Sell or give away: Use online platforms or local classifieds to sell or give away furniture. Sometimes enthusiastic buyers are found who breathe new life into the old piece.
- Professional disposal: For furniture that is no longer usable (defective, heavily damaged), professional disposal is essential.
- Bulky waste: Inquire with your municipality about the regulations for bulky waste. Often there are fixed collection dates (chargeable) or you have to bring the items to a regional recycling center.
- Recycling centers/disposal centers: For larger quantities or specific materials like wood, metal, or electronic scrap, local recycling centers are the right point of contact. Here you can dispose of the materials sorted by type.
- Disposal by the moving company: Many professional moving companies also offer the disposal of old furniture and household goods as part of their services. This is often the most convenient option, as the company takes over the transport to the disposal site.
Using “Return Transport” as a Service
Some moving companies offer a comprehensive service that also includes the collection and disposal of empty packaging and old furniture after the move. This not only saves you time and effort but also ensures that everything is disposed of professionally and in an environmentally friendly manner. Ask your moving company about such additional services.
The last step of the move – tidying up and disposing – is just as important as the first step of packing. By paying attention to reuse and recycling, you actively contribute to environmental protection and ensure a truly clean completion of your change of residence.