Whether you’re doing it alone or with your entire family, moving is one of the most stressful parts of life. In addition to figuring out logistics and expenses, are you wondering how you can make this task more eco-friendly? Fortunately, it’s not impossible. There are surprisingly many ways to accomplish this, beginning with the tips below.

1. Avoid New Moving Boxes

Most people rush out and purchase all new boxes and moving supplies before they start packing. However, you don’t have to use brand new boxes. Recycled boxes are widely available, affordable, and are just as durable as their brand-new counterparts. If you’re looking to save money, then you can ask grocery stores or warehouses for their used boxes. In most cases, they’ll be glad to give you boxes of all sizes free of charge.

2. Recycle the Boxes You Use

When moving is over, you might be reaching for a celebratory drink. Before getting too comfortable, come up with a plan for recycling the boxes you used. While some might be used for storage, others should be folded down and placed on the sidewalk on recycling day. According to EcoBox, if all moving boxes were recycled, it would save 113,267,000 cubic square feet of a landfill!

3. Minimize Bubble Wrap with Clothing

One great way to avoid purchasing large rolls of bubble wrap is by using clothing or towels to wrap glass, ceramics, or other delicate items. Socks can even be used for small items, such as utensils, candlesticks, and collectibles.

4. Choose a Moving Truck Wisely

While you might not want to shell out money for a large moving truck, this can help save you from driving an excess number of trips back and forth between homes. Ultimately, hiring movers or renting a truck means using less gas, which is good for your wallet and even better for the environment. Consider renting a biodiesel moving truck to make moving even more eco-friendly. As a clean alternative to petroleum fuel, biodiesel has many incredible benefits.

5. Save Any Padding

If you do use padding inside boxes, such as packing peanuts (which now come in eco-friendly styles) or bubble wrap, don’t toss them out! You can re-use these when mailing gifts, storing decorations and creating DIY decor. If you don’t have space, ask friends and family if they could use them; 9 times out of 10, someone will say yes! Take a look at some very creative ways to use packing peanuts here.

The tips above are small steps in making moving less of a burden on the environment. Fortunately, choosing to make these adjustments won’t make moving more difficult on yourself or your family. In fact, it may make the process easier knowing you have everything planned ahead of time.

If you’re looking to continue with being more “green” at home, then consider starting off on the right foot when you move in. Installing CFL light bulbs, unplugging appliances when not in use, and upgrading to Energy Star appliances can all go a long way towards reducing your carbon footprint.

 

 

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