Moving is all about being efficient and super-fast, often making it a process where being environmentally conscious is not a top priority. Yes, you can use recycled boxes, say no plastic protections, and opt for cleaner means of transportation, but you simply can’t do it without accumulating trash and wasting many materials.
Of course, if you’ve made up your mind and want your move to be eco-friendlyeco-friendly, with a reduced carbon footprint, it’s not an impossible task. With the right plan, proper tools, and green mentality, your relocation will be a stellar example of sustainability. So, how to do it? We’ve got you covered with a short guide full of tips on how to incorporate eco-friendliness during a move.
1. Don’t buy new containers; use the ones you already have
Being sustainable is about using what you already have and saying no to buying items that can easily be replaced and are not recyclable. It’s a great idea to rely on duffel and gym bags, suitcases, reusable grocery totes, and you can even use dresser drawers.
If you do it the green way, you need to be creative. For instance, clean your bathroom trash bin and use that to store the items you have under the sink or in the cabinet. You can use this method with other items that can fit things inside them.
2. When you need more boxes…
If you have many belongings, you probably need more than just the containers you already have. But this doesn’t mean you need to buy new boxes. If you have older ones that you got from ordering things online, you can use those. Plus, you can ask around in stores if they have unwanted boxes.
Usually, you know you want to move months or even a year before the big day comes. So, you have plenty of time to stock up on boxes. Whenever you order something online, make sure you keep the box. It will come in handy when you start packing.
3. Eco-friendly packing materials
Yes, bubble wrap is one of the best packing materials out there, but they cannot be easily recycled. Luckily for you, you can substitute it with other things. Comforters, towels, and linens are excellent choices; plus, you can also use the clothes you have to wrap your fragile belongings. And don’t forget about the newspapers you already have. They are great when you start to pack your glassware and plates.
4. Donation and garage sale
The first step of any move is packing and organizing all your belongings, making it the perfect opportunity to sort out the stuff you don’t need anymore. Of course, you shouldn’t throw them away, as there are far better options for getting rid of them. A great idea is to donate them to an organization or charity. They’ll make sure to give them to those who need your items. Also, you can organize a garage sale to get rid of your unwanted items. If you’re lucky, your neighbors will buy many of your possessions.
5. Hire an eco-friendly moving company
Yes, green moving companies are a thing now. They are more than happy to help you by tailoring their services to your needs while also doing the hard work in a sustainable way. Firms such as Empire Movers have been committed to eco-friendly practices for years, keeping the Earth cleaner and safer and their clients happier.
6. Items You Can’t Part With?
Many people in big cities such as New York are moving into apartments that happen to be smaller than the norm. For these folks, renting a storage unit is preferable to help keep their belongings in tip-top shape. Look for storage facilities with climate-controlled units so delicate items are preserved well whether you are storing them for just a month or years to come.
