Tips for a Sustainable Move

There’s a lot that goes into moving, and it often results in a great deal of waste. There are ways to make your move more eco-friendly, however. They just take a bit of extra planning.

Downsize

One of the most effective ways to make your move more sustainable is done before you even begin packing. Take stock of everything you have and decide what you don’t need. Then get rid of your excess items, either by holding a garage sale, selling them on Craigslist or other sites, or donating them to charity. Just don’t throw your stuff out—that defeats the purpose by creating far more trash than you would have otherwise.

Moving Crates

Another tip for a “green” move is to pack your belongings into reusable moving crates instead of cardboard boxes. That way, you’re not throwing away tons of cardboard afterward. These crates can be rented from various places. Alternatively, you can use whatever containers you have on hand, such as laundry baskets, suitcases, etc.

Reuse Boxes

If you do opt for cardboard, instead of throwing them all away at the end, recycle or reuse them. If you have friends who may need to move in coming months, you can save your boxes for them. Or, if you have kids, you can repurpose your boxes into building materials for their next fort.

Green Packing Materials

Many packing materials, such as Styrofoam and packing paper, are unfriendly to the environment. Instead of using those, opt for biodegradable packing peanuts and easily recyclable newspaper. Towels, rags, and other items can also be used to pack boxes in a pinch without creating excess trash.

Pack Tightly

When packing your items into boxes, treat it like a game of Tetris—get everything as tightly arranged as you can. This saves space and ensures you don’t use more boxes than you have to. In addition, when packing the truck, you want everything to be snug. This not only protects everything from shifting, but it also prevents the need for more than one trip.

In order to make your move as environmentally sustainable as possible, professional movers can help you. The experienced movers at IMS Relocation can help you keep costs down and make the process far easier on you.