When you pack items for storage, you want security and protection for the months or years spent in storage. While bubble wrap is often the go-to option for safe packing, the plastic is not biodegradable and is harmful for the environment.
If you want to reduce your carbon footprint, consider alternative packing materials to use for your storage space needs. The alternatives feature different styles and design options ideal for packing both big and small objects in a storage unit.
1. Green Cell Foam
Foam packing material offers thick protection and is ideal for fragile items like vases, lamps, mugs, and mirrors. As opposed to plastic, the green cell foam is manufactured with corn products. When you are done using the foam, you could put the foam in a compost bin or bury it right back into the earth where the foam would break down and enrich the soil.
Green cell foam offers stability for items and is available in custom shapes to snugly fit bottles and items inside. Ideally, you would purchase large flat sheets of the foam to have options for all the items you pack in the storage unit.
2. Mushroom Packaging
Another packing alternative is known as mushroom packaging. Mushroom packaging is similar to Styrofoam in the way the material encompasses a whole box and provides a thick layer of protection. For example, you could layer the bottom of a box with the packaging, pack an appliance inside, and then top the box with another layer of packaging.
Mushroom packaging is also lightweight like bubble wrap, so you have the added protection without adding too much weight to all of your bins and boxes.
3. Shredded Crinkle Cut Paper
For assorted objects like frames, collectibles, and candles, consider the use of shredded crinkle cut paper. When you purchase recycled paper, you are helping the environment and not using new plastics to protect your items. Shredding paper is similar to packing peanuts. The crinkle shape allows the paper to bunch together easier and offer a layered protection.
When you purchase a bundle of the paper, grab the paper by the handful to stuff into boxes and bins. When you go to unpack items, the paper is recyclable and does not include any harmful chemicals for the environment. The small size of the paper really helps when you pack hollow objects.
For example, if you pack a glass vase, you could stuff the papers inside the vase and surround the vase with papers. The extra layers of protection will help prevent any cracks or damage.
When you purchase shredded crinkle cut paper, the paper is typically sold by the pound. A 2-5 pound bag of the paper often has enough for most storage units, but the actual amount depends on how many boxes and items you have. If you have extra paper bags, you also have the option to cut your own crinkle cut paper.
4. Corrugated Paper Rolls
For a more solid recycled paper option, purchase corrugated paper rolls. The paper has smooth outer edges and a curved middle section to offer cushion and support. In the same way you would cut off sheets of bubble wrap, you can cut off sheets of the paper roll to pack and layer items.
For example, if you have a box of books, you could put a corrugated paper sheet between each row of books so the books do not put pressure on each other and cause any damage. Cut or fold the paper in multiple ways to help pack items and offer support.
Just like crinkle cut paper, the paper rolls are recyclable, and you can purchase rolls made with recycled materials.
For more information on your storage options and packing tips, contact us at All American Storage. We have years of experience with storage units and will use our knowledge to guide you in the right direction as you seek out a storage unit.
