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10 Eco-Friendly Moving Tips You Need to Reduce Waste

Whether it’s boxes, driving long distances, or getting rid of clutter, moving creates a lot of waste. These tips make moving more eco-friendly and sustainable.

eco-friendly sustainable moving tips
Written by
Brightly Staff
Published
Last year, 27 million Americans moved. That many moves result in a lot of waste. Think about all the boxes, packing tape, and bubble wrap it takes to pack up and transport your entire life to a new location.
If you're on the verge of a move and are struggling to find ways to do so sustainably, here's all the tips you'll need. From packing to securing a moving vehicle, this guide has it all.
eco-friendly sustainable moving tips

Pack Sustainably

1. Downsize Before You Move

Moving is often the opportunity for a fresh start. It can be tempting to just shove everything in boxes so you can hit the road. However, doing this means you'll spend lots of time organizing your stuff once you arrive and throwing away things that don’t work in your home anymore. 
Downsizing before you move, though, has a lot of benefits, as does
living more minimally.
You have the chance to consider what still works for you, and what would be better off in the hands of a friend or neighbor. You can recycle or throw away unusable items and donate gently-used stuff to a local charity. 
Paring down your stuff also means a lighter, more organized move. You'll use less gas, less energy, and
reduce your carbon footprint
by only moving what’s necessary. 
It might take some extra time and effort, but you'll be happy when moving into your new home with only what you really love and need. 
eco-friendly sustainable moving tips

2. Find Cardboard Boxes to Reuse

The average move requires 60+ boxes, depending on the size of your current space and the amount of stuff you need to move. That’s why finding a sustainable way to reuse and recycle standard cardboard boxes is so important. 
Traditional cardboard moving boxes are designed to be used for up to four moves. They are easy to reuse but a pain to store, so try to find a neighbor who has some that they would like to pass along. Craigslist and Nextdoor are two places to start your search. 
You can also find free moving boxes on Craigslist. Once you're done with them, pass them along to another mover. Most people will give the boxes away for free, so this is also a way to save a bit of money on your move. Buying a pallet of new cardboard boxes from Home Depot or U-Haul can easily cost $200 or more, depending on your home’s size.

3. Recycle Boxes After Your Move

Cardboard boxes can be recycled up to seven times. Don’t worry if your boxes are beyond reuse—just be sure to recycle them properly in your new city. 
eco-friendly sustainable moving tips

4. Rent Reusable Boxes or Crates

Plastic crates can be reused upwards of 400 times, making them an eco-friendly option for local moves. 
Usually made of sturdy plastic, reusable crates are a great option if you move to a new address in the same town or just a few towns over. Most companies drop off the boxes at your current home and then pick them back up once you’ve moved into your new place. Others require you to pick up and return the boxes to a specific location. 

5. Use Eco-Friendly Packing Materials

If possible, use newsprint, kraft paper, clothing, or blankets to pad your items. Plastic bubble wrap is not recyclable and does not
biodegrade
. You can also avoid renting moving blankets by using sheets, duvets, towels, or other household linens to pack your boxes. 

6. Buy Paper Over Plastic Tape

In addition to avoiding plastic bubble wrap, try to avoid plastic tape, too. Paper tape—including the glue—is usually biodegradable, so it’s a more planet-friendly choice. 
Whatever tape you use, don’t worry too much about taking it off the boxes if you recycle them. Cardboard gets soaked in water during the recycling process. This helps any tape lift off and float to the top of the slurry, where it can be removed by machinery or pulled out by workers. As long as the box isn’t completely covered, tape won’t be an issue. 

Move Sustainably

7. Check Your Car Before You Go

Be sure to prep your car for your drive—even if you're only moving an hour or two away. Get your tires filled up for the best possible fuel economy. With all of that stuff weighing down your vehicle, it’s crucial to maximize your miles per gallon. 

8. Use a Sustainable Moving Vehicle

Most national moving companies now have sustainability initiatives to reduce their carbon footprint.
U-Haul
has retrofitted its fleet with speed gauges that indicate at what speed you'll get the best fuel economy.
Penske
limits the maximum speed on their trucks for the same reason. 
Check with your moving company to make sure you are renting the most fuel-efficient vehicle for your move. And be sure to research green moving companies if your move is local, as some companies offer biodiesel trucks and sustainable packing materials.

9. Research Local Spots for Rest Stops

Being on the road for several hours or days means lots of stops for the bathroom or a bite to eat. Map out your route in advance so you can find local businesses to support along the way. 

10. Be a Good Neighbor in Your New Location

Lastly, be sure to be a good citizen for your new community. You can do this by:
  • Researching local politics
  • Registering to vote when you update your driver’s license
  • Learning about recycling and trash options in your area
  • Finding a zero-waste shop or bulk store  to shop at near you
  • Ordering from or eating at locally-owned restaurants
  • Get involved in a local cause that matters to you
Remember that moving is a fresh start! It’s the perfect time to get involved, make connections, and support your new community.