When it comes to planning a move, waste is usually associated with money. If you take the time to research moving companies, use your own packing supplies, schedule off-season, or plan a DIY move, you can reduce financial waste. But what about physical waste such as packing materials, accumulated trash, and driving emissions? The average American moves 11.4 times in their lifetime, making the physical waste a significant environmental impact. Give the planet a break; reduce your carbon footprint, and incorporate these six tips for an eco-friendly move.
1. Green Moving Company: Hire a green moving company committed to eco-friendly practices and keeping the planet clean. They will use trucks that run on biodiesel fuel instead of traditional fuel and offer reusable moving boxes. A great way to make a smaller environmental impact, but often pricier than traditional moving companies.
2. Pack in Your Containers: While moving boxes are recyclable, your wallet will thank you if you can eliminate relying on purchased moving boxes. Use containers you already own, such as plastic bins, suitcases, dresser drawers, gym bags, and reusable grocery totes.
3. Used & Reusable Moving Boxes: Visit your local grocery and beverage retailers for free, used boxes. Ask friends or family that have recently moved if they have any spare boxes. If you cannot procure boxes clean enough to store your stuff in, 1-800-PACK-RAT does sell moving supplies and kits for our containers that can be shipped to your door – no driving all over town wasting fuel searching for supplies.
4. Linens vs. Newspaper/Packing Paper: For zero-waste packing materials, use towels, blankets, linens, clothes, and socks to wrap fragile items. If you have to use additional materials, start with newspaper – when you are finished using it, you can toss it into a recycling bin. Another option you can consider is an eco-friendly and biodegradable alternative to bubble wrap or newspaper called Greenwrap. It’s not cheap, but it’s biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable.
5. Make Fewer Trips: If you embark on a DIY move, utilizing a moving partner like 1-800-PACK-RAT can be an environmentally-friendly choice. When you rent a traditional moving truck, you will likely have to drive back and forth multiple times to and from your destination. This is even more true if you are storing your stuff at an off-site storage area. When you move or store with 1-800-PACK-RAT, we bring the container to you, and you pack and load at your pace. No extraneous driving and making multiple trips to achieve your moving and storage goals!
6. Donate/Recycle/Toss: De-cluttering is essential when preparing for a move. Donate unwanted items in good condition to a charity of your choice. A double bonus is the tax deduction! Put aside any items you can recycle and determine things you can’t do anything else with to throw out.
A successful eco-friendly move requires patience and planning. Embrace green moving with a thoughtful approach and do the planet – and in most cases, your wallet a favor! For more storage and moving solutions from the professionals, contact 1-800-PACK-RAT today! We can deliver a portable storage container to your door for any local move, long-distance move, or storage needs you might have. Pack at your pace and leave the driving to us so we can make moving and storage simple for you!