Environmentally friendly moving

There are many small tips and practices that can take some of the burden off of the environment when it comes to moving. Here are 10 tips for moving in a sustainable, environmentally friendly way this Earth Day.

1. Donate, Gift, and Sell

As you purge items that you no longer need or use, make sure that you avoid throwing items out. Many of the things that you don’t need could be very useful to someone else. Practice responsible recycling, gifting, donating, or selling items rather than throwing them out.

2. Use Pre-Loved Green Moving Supplies

Ask friends and family who have recently moved homes if they have moving materials that they no longer need. This eliminates the need for buying new supplies and ensures that nothing goes to waste. It is often the simplest actions that create huge impacts for good or harm. This is one of the easiest ways to have an eco-friendly, green move.

3. Use Eco-Friendly Packing Materials

This means cutting down on plastic and packing peanuts that have no other usage other than moving day before they join a landfill. Use dishcloths, towels, and soft blankets instead of disposable packing materials. Using what you have creates less waste, making your move sustainable and green.

4. Get Green Reusable Boxes & Bins

If you find that you do need additional boxes or bins for your move, make sure that you get ones that are reusable and won’t just immediately join a landfill after your move. Getting reusable boxes and bins means that after your move you will have more storage options in your new home.

5. Dispose of Chemicals in an Eco-Friendly Way

As you are cleaning your cupboards and getting rid of things that you won’t need in your new home, make sure that you are disposing of hazardous materials and cleaning chemicals in an environmentally friendly way. Most cleaning products and chemicals have instructions for safe disposal so make sure that you read and follow these instructions.

6. Recycle Moving Supplies Once the Move is Over

Green move over and done, avoid simply disposing of moving materials that you no longer need. Chances are someone else could get good use out of your moving supplies so post on Facebook or OfferUp about your moving supplies.

7. Plan Ahead

You’d be amazed at how much planning ahead can save you in terms of waste, disorganization, and buying things that you already have but can’t find. Plan your move in advance and strategically pack up your home so that everything you will need leading up to your move stays out of boxes — eliminating the need for you to repurchase items that have been packed away.

8. Avoid Unnecessary Trips Back and Forth

Fuel is unfortunately not very eco-friendly. This means that the more trips that you have to take back and forth to your new residence, the more impact you are going to have on the environment. Avoiding unnecessary trips and cutting down on driving between your old and new home is another way to have a green move. Can your issue be solved by calling the landlord? What about the neighbors? If you can avoid unnecessary trips you will be able to cut down on fuel and other emissions.

9. Hire Movers Who Care About the Environment

Hiring a moving company that cares about the environment is one of the best ways to have a green move. Moving companies that prioritize eco-friendly practices will have better equipment and knowledge to get your move done with the least amount of environmental impact. Knowing which moving companies in your area are committed to green moving practices is one of the best ways to have a sustainable move.

10. Make Your New Home Green

There are lots of creative ways that homeowners can make their new living spaces more environmentally friendly. Here are several tips for having a green, sustainable home:

Install LED light bulbs

- Turn off the lights when you leave a room - Unplug appliances that aren’t in use - Make sure that you aren’t losing heat through air cracks (seal any that may need it) - Use curtains to keep the heat indoors Using environmentally friendly practices like these will cut your bills down and is also a way to be kind to the environment.