How to Make Your Move Green: Tips for a Sustainable Move
Reduce, reuse and recycle as you relocate to a new home
Moving often creates excess and waste, but it doesn't have to. Read through our easy-to-follow tips and suggestions to achieve an eco-friendly move!
In This Article
Lighten Your Load
Why bother moving unwanted items? Before you begin packing, go through your home and decide what you no longer need. You can host a garage sale, sell your items online (Craigslist, eBay, etc) or donate the items to charity – just downsize. Fewer belongings means fewer boxes and packing materials, and you'll be glad you have fewer items to unpack when you're in your new home.
Forget Brown and Go Green
Ditch the cardboard boxes and use reusable moving crates instead. You can rent these from several different companies across the U.S. – examples include Pak Green, Rent a Green Box, BungoBox and Rentacrate, just to name a few. If you can't find a provider in your area, make use of items you already have, like laundry bins, baskets, tote bags and suitcases.
Recycle and Reuse
If you are using cardboard boxes to hold your belongings, be sure to recycle them after your move. You can use old newspapers or magazine pages instead of packing paper to cushion fragile items, and they can be recycled, too. Sheets, towels and throw pillows also make great packing materials. If you have to use packing peanuts, avoid styrofoam and seek out the biodegradable kind, which can be found at stores like Home Depot and Lowe's.
Map It
Figure out the most direct route to your new destination so that you aren't wasting gas and continuing to emit carbon dioxide and other gases while covering unnecessary ground. This will also help you save money – win-win!
Buy Second-Hand
Need to furnish your new place? Instead of buying new furniture, check out second-hand stores. Buying used items means less packaging, less waste and less pollution created, and you'll probably save money in the process.