Tips for Making a Green Move

These days, more and more people are realizing the importance of being more environmentally friendly in our daily lives. From cutting out the use of plastic bags when shopping to lugging around our own reusable water bottles, there is an increasing effort on a personal level to both protect our environment and clean it up in the process. Why should this effort stop when you’re planning a move? Moving is stressful, and you probably want to get it done as efficiently as possible, so protecting the environment might not be high on the list. However, you can still get the job done quickly while protecting the environment at the same time! From using less plastic wrapping materials and recycling some cardboard boxes to using less gasoline, Porta-Stor will take a look at the ways you can make your move eco-friendly!

Reusable Bags and Storage Bins

Take a look around your home to see what other packing material options you can find other than bubble wrap and boxes. Don’t forget bags. There are so many giveaways and gifts with purchase these days that include reusable bags, so you might already have a shelf full of them. If you have some time before your next move, make a point of collecting these freebies, and you’ll quickly see them pile up. Then think about how you can use them for your green move. For stacking items on a truck, boxes are the way to go, but many items can be placed into bags to fit into the nooks and crannies of your vehicle.

Any empty totes and storage bins you find as you purge your house for a move are great ways to move your belongings. As you clean out those closets, remember that you can use luggage and duffle bags to move clothing, linens, and many other items. Doing this uses less cardboard and plastic. It also allows you to move your belongings inside other belongings, resulting in less to actually pack in the long run. This is a win/win situation for you and the environment!

Used Boxes

In the end, cardboard boxes are such a convenient way to move things around, but you don’t need to go to the store and purchase new ones for your move. A great trick is to rescue boxes from somewhere else. This is the ultimate way to reduced, reuse, and recycle, while also saving yourself some money. If you’ve already filled up those plastic totes and reusable shopping bags and are in need of some boxes, check your local grocery and liquor stores for used ones. You can also ask around to see if any family members or friends have a bunch of boxes sitting in their garage. With the convenience of online shopping, many people have boxes piling up around the house.

Reusing cardboard boxes is a great way to make sure the material gets reused again and again. Another perk to getting those boxes from a local grocery store is that produce boxes are often more sturdy than moving boxes anyway. Once you’ve finished moving, make sure to give those cardboard boxes to the next friend or family member that needs them or send them to your local recycling center.

If you’re planning your move out several months in advance, start storing boxes as you receive them. These could include boxes from online orders, birthday gifts, or other sources. Tell your family members and friends to send their boxes your way too. As a bonus, online orders often come with their own bubble wrap. Saving the cardboard and plastic up until you need it is a great way to help reduce your footprint on the environment as you move.

Eco-Friendly Packing Materials

When the time comes for you to start packing up those breakables, you of course want to make sure they're wrapped up safely and ready for the move. Instead of purchasing bubble wrap or buying that bulk paper roll, take a look around your house and start with what you already have. You’ve already started holding onto your online shipping materials, but you can additionally use the materials lying around your house to protect your belongings. Wrap dishes with old newspapers and protect knickknacks with towels or t-shirts. It’s also a great idea to cushion your furniture in the moving truck with linens. This will not only result in less for you to throw away, but it also helps you pack more of your things in fewer boxes or bags.

Make Fewer Trips

Many people decide to save a few bucks by moving their belongings one carload at a time. The problem with this is that running between your old house and new one dozens of times will use up a bunch of gas, increasing those dreaded vehicle emissions. To lessen your carbon footprint during a move, focus on getting your home packed up and ready to go without making a lot of smaller trips. Pack and organize your belongings to fit them into one large moving truck. Having just one major trip over to your new place on a single moving day will put fewer pollutants into the air. If you’re interested in this method, contact Porta-Stor to see how we can help you on your next move!

There are many other small things you can do to have a more green move, but these are a few ideas to get you started. Whether the move is just across town or clear across the country, making your move less impactful on the environment is a win for everyone!