Moving might not be exactly an environmentally-friendly process. However, you can certainly turn it into one! Keep in mind that moving boxes are recyclable. However, many movers accumulate a lot of trash and waste a lot of materials. This can impact the environment negatively.
Here are some top ways to make a more environmentally friendly move:
Pack in your containers
You are bound to need some boxes for your move. Try to cut down on the total amount. You can do so by using containers you already have to pack up your belongings. These include plastic bins, suitcases, dresser drawers, gym bags and duffel bags, reusable grocery totes, etc.
In case you have an item that can fit other things inside of it, try to fill it up prior to packing it. Keep in mind that the more you can fit in containers you already have, the more you can do away with purchasing moving boxes.
Make sure to store boxes you receive all through the year
When you have already decided on moving, you can start to keep the boxes you receive when you order packages online. This will allow you to use them later on. Try to break them down. You can store them in your garage or some other such place. These should just be out of sight.
Use your boxes well
In order to go eco-friendly, you can buy brand new moving boxes as a last-minute option. You must try to compile used boxes from other places. For this, you might be required to call up friends, family members, and local grocery and retail stores. Try to know if anyone has spare boxes you can pick up. You can also check out Craigslist to see if there are people giving away free moving boxes in your locality.
Use the right packing materials
Cardboard boxes are recyclable. However, not all of the other packing materials are! You certainly can recycle some of those materials at special collection points. But, many people cannot do so. This leaves you with no other option but to throw the packing materials in the trash.
Prior to gathering packing materials that are difficult to properly dispose of, you should start with what you already possess! You can go for towels, linens, comforters, and old clothes to wrap up items for safe and concrete packing. In some cases, you might need certain additional materials. Now, you can start with the newspaper. You can throw newspapers in your standard recycling bin. Also, you might be required to use plastic packing materials. In that case, use a site to understand as to where you can drop them off safely.
Try to donate stuff that is not useful to you
A move is just a perfect time to get rid of items that you yourself no longer need. You can actually send these on to a better purpose. When you have organized for your move, try to sort the items you’re ready to get rid of. You can donate some of these. Be mindful while sorting items.
There are many charities that do take unwanted items in good condition. If you have such items, go to charities. You can also give away some of these unwanted items to local organizations like schools, libraries, and animal shelters.
Do not pack up your entire kitchen
It goes without saying that the kitchen is one of the most difficult rooms to pack. This is why many movers handle it first. When all of your dishes and flatware are stored away, you will have to depend largely on plastic plates, cups, and utensils. You must leave out just enough kitchen items to get you through the moving process. This will help you to prevent using non-sustainable materials for your meals.
Go for a moving company that focuses on green moving
It is a smart thing to hire a moving company that conducts eco-friendly moves. A moving company makes sure to use trucks that run on biodiesel fuel instead of traditional gas. It can also help set you up with reusable moving boxes. You can search reputable movers through your moving company directory. Make sure to pick a mover that has a proven track record for conducting green moves!
Declutter in an eco-friendly way
You will have to recognize certain eco-friendly moving ideas. Most importantly, you will have to use some of these ideas to help yourself.
Make sure to declutter your home first. This allows you to take only the things that you need.
After all, the less stuff you pack and move, the smaller space you’ll require on the moving vehicle. This certainly implies less fuel and less carbon emission at the time of transport.
Apart from helping your environment, you are able to save money as well.
Make sure not to dump your unwanted items in the garbage. This is because doing the same will make things really bad. Keep in mind that your useless items will end up in the nearest landfill site. So, make sure to declutter your home in an eco-friendly manner.
Consider gifting certain items to friends and family members
Moving is certainly the ideal time to show generosity toward your genuine friends! So, you can gift certain items to friends and family members.
Dispose of hazardous materials in a safe manner
There are certain items that are harmful to the environment. Also, these hazardous materials are not allowed to be moved between homes due to the high risks of fire, corrosion, explosion, etc.
Keep in mind that Federal laws prohibit professional moving companies from transporting any flammable, corrosive or explosive items. So, you will have to dispose of such dangerous goods. Most importantly, you have to do it properly.
Such hazardous materials include acids, ammonia, gasoline, kerosene, motor oil, antifreeze, engine oil, dyes, pesticides, fertilizers, weed killers, paint, paint thinners, cleaning supplies, etc.
Make sure to follow the disposal instructions on the dangerous items you own. This will help you to get rid of them without harming the environment in any way.
