The Mom Kind Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Colonial Van Lines
Each year, about 40 million Americans move to a new home. While the reasons for these moves vary, the desire for green moving tips stays consistent.
Green Moving Tips for the Eco-Conscious
Luckily, Colonial Van Lines is here to deliver. Whether you’re looking for green moving tips for your upcoming move or want to help someone else become more eco-friendly, this post is for you. Make your move more effortless (and greener) with these smart, professional green moving tips and packing hints:
Tip 1: Start Planning Early
The key to making all these green moving tips work is to start early. In addition to making a move more stressful, procrastinating until the 11th hour only increases the likelihood that you’ll forget things. Furthermore, it makes it harder to plan adequately for your trip.
With this in mind, start planning your move as early as possible.
Ideally, it would help if you started going through less trafficked areas a month or two in advance. Places like your basement, guest rooms, attic, and closets will help you get a jumpstart without getting ahead of yourself.
Tip 2: Sell Or Donate Unwanted Items
While it requires some upfront work, the simple act of purging your household will go a long way toward making your move streamlined and straightforward. Rather than towing them to your new place, why not try selling your more oversized unwanted furniture items? Not only will you make some money, but you’ll save on the cost and reduce emissions during the move.
You can always throw a yard sale for smaller items that still have some value,
What doesn’t sell at the yard sale can then be donated. Donating ensures that all your unwanted items go to a cause or person who could use them. Moving is the perfect time to donate, read more here. Your unwanted items get an opportunity for a second life and reduce their chance of ending in a landfill.
For larger hauls, consider eagle dumpster rental to gather everything to be moved at one time.
Tip 3: Hire Eco-Friendly Movers
One of the best green moving tips we have to offer is to hire an eco-friendly mover. There are probably lots of things you evaluate your moving company. Most shoppers inquire about customer reviews, service offerings, prices, and insurance policies, but what about their environmental credentials?
Start by scoping moving companies based on their values concerning the environment.
As you interview moving companies, be sure to ask them about their environmental philosophies:
- How do they handle moves?
- Do they use biodiesel trucks?
- Do they use recycled boxes?
Their answers will help you determine which companies are committed to reducing waste and output. As a result, you’ll locate an experienced mover who will get you moved in the greenest way possible.
At Colonial Van Lines, we’ve partnered with Move For Hunger, which benefits a humanitarian cause and an environmental cause. Move For Hunger arranges for moving companies such as ours to pick up unwanted, non-perishable food and deliver it to food banks in need.
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Tip 4: Start With On-Hand Containers for Green Moving
Before picking up any boxes – recycled, reusable, or otherwise – fill up the containers you already have.
- Storage bins
- Duffel bags
- Coolers
- Laundry baskets
- Suitcases
- Boxes
As you pack these things, use items you already own, like socks and t-shirts, to pad the extra space in the containers instead of investing in packing peanuts and similar items.
These hacks will go a long way to reduce your move’s environmental impact. Read our smart and savvy moving hacks blog for more great ideas.
Pro-Tip: If you save piles of plastic grocery bags, they can shine here as padding for fragile items.
Tip 5: Stock Up On Packing Materials
Another Green Moving tip is to ask around and see if you can pick up used boxes from your friends and relatives before purchasing boxes.
Don’t worry; moving boxes are sturdy. They’re typically tough enough to hold up to several moves before they need to be replaced.
If used moving boxes aren’t an option, you can pick up some sturdy boxes from your local grocery and bulk stores, likely for free! In addition to saving you money, using recycled boxes will also cut down on the waste produced by your move.
Don’t forget that many businesses around you accept shipments and packages daily. These businesses are unpacking items and discarding reusable packing supplies at least a few times a week. It may take some deep thinking, but if you need packing supplies like peanuts or other box fillers, it’s worth trying to call around. Environmentally conscious retailers may put some aside for you to pick up if you ask nicely.
Tip 6: Use Reusable Plastic Bins for Green Moving
An excellent alternative to traditional cardboard boxes is plastic boxes, which can be used and sent back to the retailer.
Look into rental options like BungoBox, which allow you to rent plastic storage containers and send them back after use. Doing this is an innovative, green, cost-effective solution that won’t break the bank.
If this option doesn’t catch your eye, a quick Google search for “reusable packing boxes” will reveal many companies you can research and consider working with for your move. Perhaps if you are looking for a larger container that can carry all your belongings in one go, then renting a container dumpster from eagle dumpster rental is also an excellent choice for saving a lot of time and money.
Pro-Tip: Ask around your community and social media circles. Someone has likely used a solution that could work for you.
Tip 7: Recycling Before and After
You can recycle unwanted electronics such as TVs, computers, and cell phones. Here is a link to help you locate a local retailer who will accept your electronics.
As far as boxes and packing items, of course, you can retire them to a recycling bin, but there are more ways you can repurpose them:
- Donate them to a friend who is moving.
- Offer them up in your social media groups or on craigslist.
- Call your local realtor to see if their clients are in need.
- Inquire if your child’s school needs them.
- Make something crafty with your kids.
No matter what you do, know that recycling your items will make your move that much greener and reduce the output associated with switching homes.
Green Moving Tips for the Caring Consumer
Your interest in green moving tips is proof that you care about your impact on our environment. By recycling boxes, using containers you already have, and being mindful of what you send to landfills, you are going in the right direction. This way, you can rest assured that you’re decreasing your environmental footprint as much as possible during your big move.
Sponsored Post: This post originally appeared at https://colonialvanlines.com/blog/green-moving/
The Mom Kind
Alicia Trautwein is an Autism advocate, writer, motivational speaker, and dedicated mom of four. Alicia’s desire to advocate for Autism comes from her own autism diagnosis and that of her three children, niece, and brother. Her life’s mission is to educate on autism acceptance and change the world for future generations of autistic individuals.
