Moving isn’t exactly regarded as an environmentally friendly activity. Indeed, moving boxes are recyclable, but most packers & movers generate a lot of trash, waste a lot of materials, and drive a lot. And, with the average American moving 11.4 times in their lifetime (and many people moving more), we have a significant environmental impact during our moves.
Fortunately, green moving can help reduce your carbon footprint, especially if you plan. Incorporate these eco-friendly tips into your next move to help the environment and, in most cases, your wallet.
Below are 10 tips for relocating sustainably:
Contribute, Gift, and Sell
When looking for a home, try to avoid throwing out as you purge items you no longer need or use. Many things you don’t need may be beneficial to someone else. Instead of throwing things away, practice responsible recycling, gifting, donating, or selling.
Use containers you already have
You’ll almost certainly need some boxes for your move, but you can significantly reduce the total amount by packing your items in your containers. These are some examples:
- Suitcases and plastic bins
- Drawers on a dresser
- Duffel bags and gym bags
- Reusable shopping bags
If you have an item that can hold other things, fill it up before packing it. Line your small bathroom trash can with a fresh garbage bag and use it to store items from under your sink, for example. The more you can fit into existing containers, the less you need to rely on purchased moving boxes.
Use some used Green Moving Supplies
Ask friends and family who have recently moved if they have any moving supplies they no longer require. This eliminates the need to purchase new supplies and ensures that nothing is thrown away. Often, the most straightforward actions have the most significant impact, for better or worse. It is one of the simplest ways to make an environmental-friendly, green move.
Keep all of the boxes you get throughout the year
Online shopping isn’t the most eco-friendly way to get what you need, but it’s a standard part of modern life, so the boxes your items come in might as well do double duty. If you know you’re going to be moving soon, or if you move frequently, start saving the boxes you get when you order packages online so you can use them later. Break them down and store them in your garage, basement, or even under your bed, somewhere out of sight and mind until you can use them again.
Use eco-friendly Boxes and supplies
It includes reducing the amount of plastic and packing peanuts that have no use other than moving the day before they end up in a landfill. Instead of using disposable packing materials, use dishcloths, towels, and soft blankets. Using what you have reduces waste, making your relocation more sustainable and Environment-benefiting.
Get used boxes if you need more
To go green, buy new moving boxes only as a last resort, and instead, try to collect used containers from other places first. Call your friends and family, as well as local grocery and retail stores, and make a general post on your social media pages to see if anyone has any extra boxes you can pick up. If that doesn’t work, check Craigslist and Freecycle to see if anyone in your area is giving away free moving boxes, and visit a site like www.pmrelocations.com, which can provide you with packages that manufacturers rejected due to flaws. With enough effort, you should be able to obtain precisely what you require.
Chemical Disposal in an Eco-Friendly Manner
When cleaning your cupboards and getting rid of items you won’t need in your new home, make sure to dispose of hazardous materials and cleaning chemicals in an environmentally friendly manner. Most cleaning products and chemicals come with disposal instructions, so read and follow them.
Don’t immediately pack up your entire kitchen
Since the kitchen is one of the most challenging rooms to pack, many movers start there. You’ll have to rely on plastic plates, cups, and utensils to get by once all your flatware and dishes have been put away. Leave out just enough kitchenware to get you through the move as a better alternative to avoid cooking with non-sustainable ingredients.
Avoid making unnecessary back and forth trips
Unfortunately, fuel is not very healthy for environment. This means that the more travels you make back and forth to your new home, the more of an environmental impact you will have. Another way to make a green move is to reduce the time you spend driving between your old and new homes and avoid making unnecessary excursions. Can you contact the landlord to resolve your problem? Exactly who are the neighbours? You can reduce gasoline use and other pollution by preventing pointless travel.
Hire Environmentally Conscious Packers and Movers
Hiring an eco-friendly professional packers & movers company is one of the best ways to reduce your environmental impact during your move. A green moving company will use trucks that run on biodiesel fuel rather than traditional gas and can also help you set up reusable moving boxes, so you don’t have to worry about using cardboard boxes. Search our moving company directory for reputable movers and select a mover who has demonstrated a commitment to environmental stewardship.
