Treating the environment well and going through life in the most sustainable way possible is a movement that is catching on, particularly with the younger generations. They are looking for ways to do everything more sustainably, including moving their households. Traditionally, activities like moving weren’t on the radar for sustainability, but times have changed. These tips from moving and storage services professionals can help you minimize your impact on the environment as you move from house to house.
Reusable Packing Materials
This zero-waste tip not only prevents trash like newspaper, bubble wrap, and styrofoam peanuts from making their way into a landfill, but it also gives you a way to pack everything you own without generating a single item of garbage. The idea is that you use soft items like towels, linens, t-shirts, socks, and blankets to cushion your breakables instead of using consumables like those mentioned above. You have to move your soft fabrics anyway, so why not use them as packing materials?
The key to doing this well is to have all your soft fabrics available when you need them so that you don’t reach for the consumables instead. Designate a day that you’re going to pack up all your fragile items and keep your clothes, towels, and linens on hand as you perform that chore. Use small items like dish towels, washcloths, and pot holders to place between plates and other similar items to prevent them from rubbing against each other during transport.
Rent Reusable Boxes
Yes, reusable boxes are a thing and they can be rented from some moving companies around the country. They haven’t caught on everywhere yet, but if this option exists in your area, take advantage. They usually offer a drop off and pick up service as well so you don’t even have to go to the company and get your reusable crates. Just call them up and they’ll bring them to you. When you’re done, have them come and pick them up.
If you don’t have a reusable box service near you, don’t buy boxes for your move. Seek out free boxes on sites like Craigslist, Nextdoor, and other local want ad-type sites where people who have just moved post boxes for free to people who need to move. Then, when you’re done with these boxes, pass them onto someone else. The idea here is to prevent single-use boxes from filling up the landfills.
Sell and Donate
Be very conscious of the items you can sell or donate instead of throwing them away. Hold a garage sale before you start packing so you don’t have to use as many boxes to move the things you no longer want or need. The items that don’t sell and are still usable can be donated to thrift stores or offered up for free on the same sites where you can find free boxes. Don’t donate broken or damaged items, because if you won’t use them, neither will anyone else. Instead, responsibly dispose of these items or recycle them if possible.
Conclusion
Moving sustainably is possible. You just have to be proactive and be conscious of your efforts every step of the way.