Moving is a significant life change that can significantly impact the environment. The process involves a lot of waste, from styrofoam peanuts to cardboard boxes, which can contribute to landfill buildup.

With planning, there are several ways to make your move more eco-friendly. The following tips include:

• Reusing what you already have.
• Shopping second hand.
• Choosing an environmentally conscious moving company.

Reuse

There’s no question that moving is a massive source of waste, but it doesn’t have to be. With some planning, you can reduce the amount of trash you produce and make your move more eco-friendly. One way to do this is to use items you already have. For example, consider using suitcases or delivery boxes from online orders instead of purchasing cardboard boxes for your move. You can also save and reuse packing paper. And if you do end up buying new packaging materials, choose alternatives to plastic tape, Styrofoam packing peanuts, and bubble wrap. Many options include Paper Tape from Treehugger, biodegradable starch packing peanuts from Zero-Waste Influencer Gittemary Johansen, and Grounded recycled honeycomb rolls.

Another essential step is decluttering before you start packing. This will help you consolidate items into fewer containers and minimize the number of trips needed to transport your belongings between homes. You can also reduce the amount of packaging material used by choosing reusable packing paper and fabric blankets for wrapping and padding your belongings.

If you need boxes for your move, consider using reusable ones from local rental companies. They typically offer a drop-off and pick-up service, so you don’t have to worry about returning them after the move. These companies also have a variety of sizes to accommodate any size home.

Recycle

The moving process can generate much waste, from decluttering and discarding items to using and throwing out packing materials. However, minimizing your environmental impact during a move is accessible by taking a few steps that will help keep your home and the environment clean.

Look for used items to repurpose in your new home to reduce trash. For example, you can use old boxes to store things like books and toys and recycle your used wrapping paper to make gift wrap. You can also buy items like reusable grocery bags or biodegradable plastic bubble wrap instead of traditional Styrofoam to pack fragile items.

Another way to reduce trash is to limit the trips you must take during your move. This will save on gas and help the environment by reducing emissions from your vehicle. If you’re moving a long distance, consider hiring a professional packer and moving company to transport your items. They can use a tow-behind trailer to reduce the time you need to spend on the road.

In addition to using recycled boxes, consider buying eco-friendly packing materials like reusable bubble wrap and paper tape. Some companies rent crate-like bins for your move; you can even use them to hold your clothes when moving them. Buying and using only eco-friendly packaging will save you money in the long run.

Donate

People are more aware of their carbon footprint than ever before, but moving can contribute to the waste you generate. Moving creates much waste, from the countless cardboard boxes to the bubble wrap that protects your belongings. You can reduce your environmental effects during a move by recycling and decluttering before you start packing.

One of the best things you can do is donate items you don’t need or want in your new home. You can have a garage sale, post your stuff on a community buy-and-sell site, or visit a local charity organization that accepts donations. Decluttering your home before you move will also help you pack fewer boxes, which can cut down on waste.

Another way to make your move more eco-friendly is to use reusable moving supplies. You can find eco-friendly packing materials online or at local stores. Look for recycled paper and biodegradable plastics to reduce your environmental impact. You can also choose a green moving company that uses environmentally friendly biodiesel-powered trucks.

While going green won’t solve the climate crisis, it’s a good start. Using less stuff means you’ll have fewer boxes to move, reducing your carbon footprint. You can also reduce your emissions by using public transit, biking or walking to work, or choosing a green power source for your home.