We should all be trying to be more earth-conscious, including making minor but impactful changes in our lives. Moving can create a ton of waste that has an adverse impact on the environment. We all need to do what we can to minimize our use of resources and try to make green choices whenever possible, especially when it comes to moving. Here are some eco-friendly moving tips and minor adjustments you can make to have a more sustainable move.
Donate what you no longer use. Before starting the packing process, go through each room in your house and make piles of things to give away or donate. You can also try selling items on the Facebook marketplace or Offer Up. If there are things you cannot donate, recycle as much of them as you can. You can bring electronic goods and most old tech gadgets to the Best Buy e-waste recycling program, so they do not end up in landfills.
Since you will be moving them anyway, use towels and linens to pad delicate or fragile items. Dishes or breakable items can always use extra padding around them in boxes, so it makes sense to stuff towels in and around items where you can. Tote bags and food storage containers can also help organize smaller items for moving.
A big way to save on the cost of moving and help the environment is to find previously used boxes. Use old Amazon boxes for packing or cardboard boxes from dry goods or previous online orders. Look for moving vans delivering in your neighborhood. Meet someone new and see if you can get their used moving boxes as they unpack. You can also ask your friends or a local business if they have old boxes they are no longer using.
When it comes to wrapping materials, opt for newspaper – it is what the pros use. You can buy unprinted paper from most movers or truck rental centers. It adds remarkably effective protection and is easy to recycle after your move.
For the biggest impact, discard and donate is the best place to start. Reduce what you will be moving, and you will need fewer packing boxes. It makes your load lighter; you will save on moving costs, the movers will save on the fuel needed to move your goods and the planet will benefit from your eco-friendly approach to moving.
For the biggest impact, discard and donate is the best place to start. Reduce what you will be moving, and you will need fewer packing boxes. It makes your load lighter; you will save on moving costs, the movers will save on the fuel needed to move your goods and the planet will benefit from your eco-friendly approach to moving.
To learn how the MiniMoves® team inherently reduces moving’s carbon footprint visit our Environmental Sustainability page!
