Eco-Friendly Moving, With a Complete Guide to Eco-Friendly Moving and eco-conscious choices, you can ensure your relocation has minimal environmental impact. Going green when you move is easier than you may think!
This guide outlines practical tips for an environmentally friendly move. Learn how to source recycled packing supplies, transport belongings efficiently, and settle sustainably in your new home. With a bit of creativity and commitment to reducing waste, your move can be kinder to the planet.
Follow these suggestions to keep your carbon footprint low during your relocation. Green moving strategies like enlisting help from friends, donating unused items, and choosing eco-movers will reduce your environmental impact. Plan ahead and be prepared to make sustainable choices throughout the process.
With the right information and commitment to environmentally friendly practices, your next move can be green. Use this Eco-Friendly Moving guide to move responsibly, reducing energy, and fuel and preserving resources.
Use Recycled Boxes and Packing Supplies
One of the first steps in an eco-friendly move is sourcing recycled, reusable boxes and packing materials. This keeps perfectly good boxes out of the landfill. Check local classified ads, and moving supply rental companies, or ask friends who have moved recently if they have boxes to spare. Retail stores like grocery and liquor stores are also great places to score free recycled boxes.
For cushioning fragile items, reuse shredded paper, old towels, linens, or even your own clothes in place of buying new bubble wrap or styrofoam peanuts. Utilize what you already have at home to pad and wrap your belongings.
Donate and Sell Unwanted Items, for Eco-Friendly Moving
Moving is the perfect opportunity to purge belongings you no longer want or need. Holding a garage sale in advance of your move date can earn you extra cash. Anything left over can be donated to charity organizations like Goodwill or Salvation Army, allowing pre-loved items to find new homes.
Not only does this keep things out of the landfill, but it reduces the number of boxes and trips required to transport your belongings. Keep the most earth-friendly move possible by evaluating what items are essential and letting go of the rest.
Choose Green Moving Companies
Research moving companies in your area and look for ones with eco-friendly practices. Many offer hybrid or electric trucks to cut down on emissions during transport. They may also use reusable blankets and eco-conscious packaging materials. Some eco-movers will even buy carbon offsets to counteract the impact of the move.
You can also save gas and emissions by choosing a moving company located near your current home so trips are shorter. Be sure to discuss green moving options to find the best fit.
Pack Strategically
Get strategic with how items are packed and consolidated. Heavier items like books or canned goods should go in small boxes that are easier to carry. Filling space efficiently also maximizes each box and minimizes the number needed.
Pack rooms based on where belongings will end up in your new home. For example, pack a “kitchen” box with all kitchen items. This avoids having to open many boxes to find items after unpacking. Smart packing saves time and headaches later.
Enlist Help from Friends and Family
Moving is a big job and enlisting help from friends, family or even neighbors can make the process more eco-friendly. More people means fewer vehicle trips back and forth to transport items. You’ll also finish faster, saving on utility bills if you are moving locally.
Offer pizza and drinks in exchange for help moving and make it a fun community event. Just be sure to require masks and follow other health precautions if you move during the pandemic.
Use Efficient Transportation
For local moves, transporting belongings yourself via bike trailers, wagons or other non-motorized options is the ultimate green strategy. You may be able to move smaller loads using your own vehicle or by renting a truck rather than using a moving company.
For longer-distance moves, choose the most fuel-efficient option to transport you and your belongings. Trains, buses, and shared rides through carpool services can help reduce carbon emissions. Consider timing your move to avoid traffic peaks too. Simple planning goes a long way towards an eco-friendly relocation.
Settle In Sustainably
Once you arrive in your new green home, look for sustainable ways to establish your space. Purchase greener furniture and décor from eco-conscious brands. Set up energy-efficient lighting and appliances. Use non-toxic cleaners and reusable products to reduce waste.
Also remember to recycle leftover moving boxes, fillers, and other supplies. Some moving companies will even retrieve used boxes for reuse. With mindful settling-in decisions, your new home can be a model of sustainability.
Eco-Friendly Moving is Achievable
While moving sustainably requires more planning, the environmental benefits are well worth the effort. Follow this guide to reduce waste, emissions, and your carbon footprint from start to finish. Get creative with eco-friendly solutions and enlist help when possible.
Adopting green moving methods is an achievable way to reduce the impact of your move and provide a sustainable foundation in your new home. The planet will thank you!