Moving Tips
Moving gives you a clean start but is only sometimes green with the proper precautions. Where the process is stressful for humans, the whole lot of packing waste also takes a considerable toll on the environment. The Census collected data reveals that about 28 million Americans moved in 2021 [1], and only a few people spared thoughts for an eco-friendly move.
Shifting from one place to another consumes many resources and creates a lot of waste. Therefore, it is necessary to anticipate and reduce its impact on the environment. There are many ways to keep yourself and the environment smiling during a move, but here are the most feasible ones!
1. Renting A Moving Vehicle Is Not a Bad Idea
Moving trucks and cabs are necessary for a move. Now many people prefer to do this job personally to save costs. But, in reality, carrying things in your car proves more expensive than a rented vehicle, and it also exhausts the driver.
Moreover, the carbon footprint increases as you go back and forth between the spots because carrying everything on a single trip is difficult. Here renting a moving truck is the right thing. You can move everything in a single trip without draining yourself or poisoning the environment.
2. Reduce Your Luggage
The next thing is downsizing. Over time every home accumulates unnecessary items, and unfortunately, most of the owners develop an attachment to them.
Unwanted belongings may hinder the needle from tipping to the eco-friendly move as you need additional expense and effort to carry the things to the new destination.
3. Go With Reusable Boxes
Most homeowners use shopping bags for moving and packing, which could be more durable, and eventually, you must find the right way to dispose of them. Therefore, investing in reusable moving boxes is ideal to avoid unnecessary hassle.
Many moving companies sell and rent reusable boxes; you can easily find decent options. Remember, a green move is more about reusability rather than disposability.
Furthermore, you can also ask your friends, family members, and retail stores if they could spare some boxes. Posting your message on social media can also help you collect moving supplies.
4. Prefer Eco-Friendly Packing Materials
Eco-friendly moving supplies is a critical and yet underrated concern among moving folks. But certain materials offer more biodegradability than other options. For instance, paper bags and tapes are more eco-friendly than plastic packing products.
According to the National Geographic Society [2], paper bags are more accessible to recycle and biodegradable than plastic in case of improper (non-intentional) disposal.
5. Reuse Available Containers for an Eco-Friendly Move
It is optional to purchase packing bags and boxes from scratch when moving. You can easily use your suitcases, carry bags, plastic bins, and other spacious vessels to hold items and save you the expense.
Towels and rugs make a good option for packing material for fragile items and guaranteeing an eco-friendly move. Moreover, you can also get inventive with furniture capacity, like packing some lightweight things into the drawers and locking them to ensure safety.
6. Reduce Bubble Wrapping Sheets
Bubble wraps are optional for packing. Yes, they are ideal for transporting crockery and other fragile things. But you can use clothes, table mats, blankets, towels, or even t-shirts instead of bubble wrap.
Some professional movers also offer packing services with eco-friendly bubble wraps. So, if there is a need, those services are also available. Â
7. Donate or Trade Unwanted Items
Downsizing your possessions is necessary to ensure a sustainable move. The best way is to donate unwanted items. Local facilities also offer trading services, where you can trade a piece for another piece of furniture or a supply.
Other than that, you can also donate stuff to old item shops. Donating unwanted items reduces the overall moving expense and prevents issues like landfills.
8. Trash Cans Are Not an Ingredient for an Eco-friendly Move
Moving is stressful, and there is always an irresistible urge to throw every useless thing in the trash can. It will undoubtedly clean your home, but it may prove unhealthy for the environment. Therefore, you must think twice about every unwanted or seemingly unwanted item and find a way to recycle or repurpose it.
You can also list such items on digital buying and selling platforms. Maybe your previous favorite snow gear may leave you with some decent greens.
9. Use Eco-Friendly Cleaners
Last-minute cleaning before leaving your old home is a goodwill gesture, primarily if you sell it. Since everyone wants instant rinse, they opt for market products that may only sometimes be green.
Instead, you can use natural items like vinegar, baking soda, and other phosphates- and ammonia-free cleaners to guarantee a clean and happy environment.
Conclusion
Moving happens in every person’s life, but it is also one of the significant causes of land pollution in America. Studies reveal about 900 million boxes, 90 million pounds of packing papers, and 30 million rolls of tape are thrown away during moves every year. [3]
It is the moral duty of every person to adopt eco-friendly methods. That is why we have discussed some of the most valuable ways to guarantee an eco-friendly move and prevent unnecessary environmental damage.
When planning a move, always try to rethink an item’s use. Donating and trading unwanted items also gives a better value. Try to avoid conventional plastic wrappings. Instead, get creative with the materials available in your home.Â
FAQS
1. How much does it cost to rent a vehicle for moving?
On average, the rents for moving trucks are around 20 to 100$. But the overall expense differs from destination to destination.
2. Do paper tapes help in ensuring an eco-friendly move?
Paper tapes are an environmentally friendly alternative to plastic tapes. However, it is vital to note that paper tapes are more expensive than plastic ones.
3. What other alternatives can you use for bubble wraps?
Some of the most preferred alternatives for bubble wraps include packing peanuts, mushroom packaging, compostable mailer, etc.
4. Is it necessary for me to be there when the movers load up my stuff?
Your presence is optional during the load-up. However, it is always better to be present at the pick-up time, so things are loaded according to your instructions.
5. How do you pay if you have multiple trucks for the move?
Usually, the payment mode is up to the moving company to decide. Sometimes you pay as soon as the trucks approach your destination. While at other times, the payment is made collectively when all the items are transported to the destination.
