Let’s face it: moving is usually an environmental nightmare. The piles of cardboard boxes, mountains of packing materials, plastic bubble wrap, and tap can seem endless, and don’t even get me started on the gas emissions from moving trucks.
As much as moving is a clean slate life wise, it will leave a giant negative ecological footprint. With the right thought put into it, we can turn this situation around.
Cheer up, a sustainable move is absolutely possible with no need to compromise on efficiency or stress out. Whether you’re moving across the street or across the country, there are plenty of ways to make your relocation more eco-friendly.
With a few smart strategies down below here and some green thinking into your plans, you can reduce waste, reuse materials, and make a positive impact on the environment while getting the job done.
1. Declutter and Donate: Less Things = Less Waste
The first step in an eco-friendly move is to take a long, hard look at your stuff and reevaluate your life. Sure, your old clothes, books, and albums might be sentimental, but do they really need to be dragged across the country? More importantly, do they need to be boxed up and put in a landfill?
Go through your closets, cabinets, drawers, and garage. Look at every item with fresh eyes and ask yourself: When was the last time I used this? Do I get joy from this item? If it hasn’t been touched in over a year, there’s a good chance it doesn’t need to make the move with you and someone else can enjoy it instead.
A personal tip is to literally try on every piece in your wardrobe that you are questioning. It is better to have 5 shirts you absolutely love rather than 20 and you only wear 5 of them. Less is more and you will feel better along the way.
Donate or sell as much as possible. Charities are always in need of gently pre-loved clothing, furniture, and household items, and you can even earn a few bucks selling items through Facebook Marketplace.
Learn more about the Benefits of Downsizing Before a Cross-Country Move
2. Use Eco-Friendly Packing Materials
This one is a no-brainer since you clearly made your way to this article- your head is in the right place. Traditional packing materials like plastic bubble wrap and styrofoam are not only wasteful but also take hundreds of years to break down in landfills that are full. Here are some greener alternatives:
- Cardboard Boxes: Instead of buying new boxes from a moving supply store, try sourcing used boxes from local stores, grocery store chains, or friends. This will save cardboard from the landfill and help reduce the need for new boxes. Just make sure the boxes are sturdy enough to hold your items or else this was all for nothing.
- Eco-Friendly Packing Peanuts: If you need something to pad those extra delicate items, try biodegradable packing peanuts made from cornstarch. They dissolve in water, so they won’t be sticking around for centuries.
- Recycled Paper: Use old newspapers, magazines, or shredded paper as packing material instead of bubble wrap. These materials not only cushion your items better but can also be recycled after the move.
- Clothing and Towels: Who needs bubble wrap when you’ve got soft towels and old yoga mats lying around anyways that need to make their way into a box? Wrap delicate items like dishes, glassware, and electronics in these reusable materials to save money and reduce waste.
- Biodegradable Packing Tape: Traditional packing tape is made from plastic, but there are biodegradable tape options available. Look for options made from plant-based adhesives.
Tip: Get creative with packing! Use your suitcases, backpacks, and even laundry baskets to store clothing, shoes, and other soft items instead of cartons. This reduces the need for extra boxes and gives your items some extra padding during the move.
Learn more about the How to Pack Fragile Items Sustainably
3. Choose a Sustainable Moving Company
If you’re hiring a moving company, go for one that prioritizes eco-friendly practices. There are several movers out there that are taking steps to reduce their carbon footprint by using fuel-efficient trucks and optimizing routes to reduce emissions.
When you start shopping for moving companies, be sure to ask them about their sustainability efforts. You should know that Moving APT, is known for offering green moves and have reusable plastic crates, eco-friendly packing materials, and sustainable disposal options for previously loved items. This means your move with them isn’t just quick and stress-free, but also minimizes its environmental harmful impact.
4. Rent Reusable Plastic Crates
Gone are the days of only cardboard boxes- plastic moving crates are a game changer when it comes to eco-friendly packing. These heavy-duty crates are stackable, durable, and reusable, making them a great alternative.
These plastic crates are often made from recycled materials, and because they’re designed to last, you won’t have to throw them away after your move. They can be used for future moves, or rented again by someone else.
5. Make Your Move Green by Choosing the Right Time
Timing is everything when it comes to moving sustainably and with peace of mind. If you can, try to avoid the peak moving seasons, like summer and weekends, as this can lead to more traffic on the roads, more moving trucks on the streets, and longer travel times.
The longer your moving truck is on the road, the higher the carbon emissions. If you schedule your move during the off-peak season, it’s more likely that moving companies will have optimized routes, fewer delays which is helpful for you, and more energy-efficient operations.
6. Reduce Energy Consumption at Your New Home
Moving is a great opportunity to make your new home more energy-efficient. Start by making small changes in your new home that will reduce energy usage:
- Switch to LED bulbs: Replace old light bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs, which use less energy and last longer. You will see a real difference in your energy bills too.
- Seal Windows and Doors: Ensure your new home is energy-efficient by checking for holes and sealing up gaps in your windows and doors.
- Unplug Electronics: Make it a habit to unplug your electronics to avoid unnecessary energy consumption. Keep the main important ones plugged in, but the rest you can have with switches that are easy to turn on and off.
- Smart Thermostat: Install a smart thermostat to help regulate the temperature and reduce energy waste. This way you have the right temperature in your home at the right rate.
Small efforts like these can help ensure that your home remains green and energy-efficient even after the move is complete. Going green is a lifestyle worth living.
7. Recycle Unwanted Items Responsibly
Not everything will make it through your decluttering process, and that’s great. Instead of throwing your unwanted items in the trash, make sure you recycle or dispose of them in an eco-friendly and responsible way:
- Old Electronics: Don’t throw old electronics in the trash as their waste can be harmful to the environment and animals. Many cities have e-waste recycling centers where you can drop off old gadgets and electronics. Many stores offer this option as well and will even give you a discount on new products.
- Furniture: If you’re getting rid of furniture, try to sell or donate it first. If it’s beyond saving, check if your local waste management company offers bulk item pick-up or recycling for large furniture. If worst comes to worst give it to the homeless living in the downtown areas if they are able to carry it and you can’t find an organized option.
- Home Items: Old batteries, paint, or other hazardous materials should never be thrown in the regular trash. Look for special collection spots for things like these.
8. Transportation
If you’re moving across the country, consider ways to offset your carbon footprint despite the move. One option is to book a moving truck that uses alternative fuels like compressed natural gas or electric cars or opt for shared moving services where multiple people’s goods are transported in the same truck.
This helps reduce the number of trucks on the road, ultimately reducing emissions. If you can wait for your shipment to arrive this is the best option and will also save you a few bucks along the way.
Eco-Friendly Moves Are Easy with the Right Knowledge
Moving doesn’t have to be an environmentally terrible event. With a little planning, some creativity, and a commitment to sustainability, you can reduce your carbon footprint, minimize waste, and make your move as eco-friendly as possible.
Whether you’re renting reusable plastic crates, donating your old stuff, or hiring a green-moving company like Moving APT, every small effort makes a big difference for mother nature.
By following these tips and telling us a few of your own, you’ll feel good about your new start- not just for yourself, but for the planet.
