Interstate moving is not something that is generally thought about as being an eco-friendly process. Sure, you can recycle moving boxes, but during the relocation process, movers can generate a lot of trash and travel a lot of kilometers. What’s more, the average US resident move more than 11 times during their lifetime. So, people can make a big impact on the environment throughout the many moves in their lifetimes.
The good news is that it can be relatively simple to lower your moving carbon footprint, especially if you are prepared with an out of state moving checklist. Opting for green moving is a great way to play your small part in trying to save the planet. Furthermore, green moving can cost less than traditional moves in many cases. To help you get started planning a green move, here are some eco-friendly out of state moving tips:
1. Use containers you already own for packing
We are not saying that you won’t need to use any boxes, but you can reduce the waste generated during your move by packing your items in containers you already own such as suitcases, gym bags, plastic bins, dresser drawers, reusable grocery totes, and duffel bags. Any belongings you have that hold other items should be used for packing. The more stuff you can fit into existing containers, the less you will have to spend on purchasing moving boxes.
2. Start collecting boxes throughout the year
If you do online shopping, you likely have lots of boxes coming to your home throughout the year. While online shopping is certainly not the most environmentally friendly way to shop, it’s a part of modern life, so you might as well put all the boxes your products arrive in, to good use. It can be helpful to dedicate a room in your home for storing packaging material and boxes from your online orders. Keep in mind that you can break big boxes down, so they take up less space. Many people store flattened boxes in the basement or the garage.
3. Hire a green moving firm
One of the easiest ways to make your move less damaging to the environment is to hire an out of state moving company that is committed to undertaking eco-friendly practices. Such a company will use biodiesel fuel moving trucks instead of trucks that run off traditional gas, as biodiesel is better for the environment. Furthermore, they can provide you with as many reusable boxes as you need, so you don’t have to use cardboard boxes. It should be easy to find green movers in your area by searching online moving company directories.
4. Do are few trips as possible
The fewer trips back and forth you make during your move, the better. It is environmentally feasible to avoid multiple small trips and instead get all your items shipped to your new location by professional movers , like those you can find with Muval. If you plan to go down the DIY route, you should aim to pack as much as possible into your vehicle during each tip. Alternatively, you could hire a van that fits all of your belongings at once.
5. De-clutter before your move
The less stuff you have to transport to your new place, the eco-friendlier your move will be. When it comes to de-cluttering your home, however, be sure not to throw things away that can be donated or recycled. There are charities in just about every state willing to accept all unwanted items as long as they are in relatively good condition. For more valuable items, you could consider holding a garage sale or listing the items on eBay.
6. Pack up your kitchen last
Almost all out of state moving checklist suggest that it would help if you always pack up your kitchen last as once all your glasses, cups, plates, and cutlery are packed up; you will have to use plastic utensils, plates, and cups — all items that are not good for the environment. You don’t want to spend any more time than necessary using any non-sustainable products for your meals. You might be surprised at how many movers decide to pack up their kitchen first without thinking about how they are going to prepare meals leading up to moving day.
7. Used boxes
If you have to buy any boxes, you should never purchase brand new moving boxes. Instead, it would be best if you looked to obtain used cardboard boxes from friends, family members, local businesses, work colleagues, and more. Many people have boxes they don’t need and will be happy to see them being used for a green move. If you have to buy brand new moving boxes, be sure to order from a green company.
8. Be creative when it comes to packing material
Lots of packing material that people use to protect fragile items during a move is not very easy to recycle. You should avoid bubble wrap, polystyrene foam, plastic bags, and other items that are non-sustainable. Instead, it would be best if you used scrunched up newspapers, towels, sheets, and even clothes to wrap up your items safely for your move.
With a bit of planning, an eco-friendly interstate move is nowhere near as difficult as many people think. If you are short of time and don’t have time to follow some of the tips presented above, you can hire an environmentally friendly moving company to take care of everything associated with your move in a greenway. It takes less than 2 minutes to request a free green moving quote from the best companies.
Article Submitted By Community Writer