Moving can be stressful, and the environmental impact of moving your belongings from one home to another can be high if you don’t plan accordingly. Luckily, there are lots of ways to reduce waste and save money as you’re packing up to move and settling into your new digs!
Use these eco-friendly moving tips to make your next move as green as possible, so you can get on with the business of unpacking and enjoying your new space.
While there are a lot of moving companies out there that will help you move, hiring professionals isn’t always your best option. Be careful about hiring movers or helpers through an ad; they’re likely not licensed and lack sufficient insurance. If you do go down that route, be sure to check a moving company out with either the Better Business Bureau or by getting a recommendation from someone you trust.
Choose new moving boxes if you're going to recycle or reuse them, as opposed to boxes made of cardboard. Otherwise, buy or rent boxes made of corrugated plastic or fiberboard. Be sure to look for moving boxes with handles so they'll be easier to carry.
Check out a mover’s company profile on review sites like Yelp and Google before signing any contracts.
If you’re worried about your move being bad for Mother Earth, there are plenty of ways to minimize waste and protect our environment. If you’re moving locally, renting a truck that uses biodiesel is a great way to make your move carbon neutral. Going green when moving across town will still be helpful in terms of reducing damage to greenhouse gases caused by vehicles.