Moving to a new home is an exciting journey, but the traditional way of handling a move often comes with a few downsides. If you’re looking to save more time and money on your move, consider the environmental impacts first! A little planning can help you protect your resources and reduce the amount of waste your move might create. Going with an eco-friendly moving strategy can help benefit your budget, your new home, and even the planet.

Finding Your Moving Supplies

A big part of minimizing the environmental impact of a move is to make conscious choices when pulling together your moving supplies. Before you start packing, take the time to declutter. By selling, donating, or recycling items you no longer need, you’ll also be eliminating the need for extra moving boxes. You can be more efficient by moving with less.

Another easy way to “green” your move is to use recycled moving supplies. Not only does this help reduce waste, it can also help you save money! Ask friends, family members, or coworkers if they have any spare moving boxes, packing materials, or other supplies they no longer need. You can also check local online platforms like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or Nextdoor. People will often give away moving supplies for free or at a low cost to help free up space on their own property. If you ask around and explore those connections, you might get your hands on all of the boxes you need for free.

Eco-Friendly Packing Materials

Reusing cardboard boxes is definitely a better practice than buying brand-new moving boxes. But if you can’t find a good local source for used boxes, consider opting for cardboard boxes made from recycled materials. Many companies now offer boxes that are specifically labeled as eco-friendly or made from recycled content.

Better yet, instead of single-use cardboard boxes, look at using reusable plastic totes, bins, and suitcases for packing. You might already have some lying around. Otherwise, you can find a moving company that offers moving bin rentals. The cost to buy brand-new containers yourself can really add up, so it’s nice to have the option to rent.

Instead of traditional foam packing peanuts, look for biodegradable packing peanuts made from materials like cornstarch or wheat. They dissolve in water and are less harmful to the environment. On the other hand, you can always go with sustainable alternatives like recycled paper and newspapers. In some cases, you might even use your towels and linens as cushioning and padding for fragile items. It’s a great way to cut down on additional packing materials.

Make Your Move Even Greener!

Every small step adds up. Being mindful of what you’re moving and how you’re packing can make a significant impact in building a more sustainable future for generations to come. But your efforts don’t have to stop after the move. Think about how you want to kick off the new chapter in your new place. You might discover a couple more ways to save.

For example, you might have the opportunity to boost the energy-efficiency in your new home.  Installing LED lighting, smart thermostats, and energy-efficient appliances can deliver some reliable long-term savings. Or you could start to familiarize yourself with the local recycling and composting programs.

There are probably all types of community resources to help you out as you get settled. You could even make plans to plant a tree at your new location! Any move can be viewed as a fresh start—and it’s always nice when a symbolic gesture can help you celebrate.