Moving to a new home — across town or the entire country — is exciting. The bad news, however, is that it’s not exactly great for the environment. Between driving a large truck, and using boxes, bubble wrap, and tape, your move can have a significant environmental impact.
Luckily, it’s not that difficult to reduce your carbon footprint when moving. Green moving is a new trend that seeks to incorporate eco-friendly practices into planning and executing a relocation. Whether you’re working on your own or hiring professional moving services, you can take actionable steps to simplify your move and make it better for the environment.
In this piece, we’ll explore the basics of how to make your move more sustainable, including:
- Sourcing moving materials that are easier to recycle or reuse.
- Donating or recycling items in your home to reduce your overall moving needs.
- Working with eco-friendly movers who prioritize alternative fuels or practices.
- Recycling your moving supplies when you’re settled.
What is Green Moving? Reducing Your Environmental Footprint
Green moving is a style of moving that reduces environmental impact. It’s an effort to be more sustainable and reduce carbon emissions and waste during a long-distance relocation.
However, eco-friendly moving is more than hiring a “green” company. It also involves making deliberate choices about packing materials, transportation, and disposal. Instead of buying new cardboard boxes, green moving encourages reusing existing containers. Second-hand supplies are also a good choice. Sometimes, it involves sharing a truck with other movers to reduce emissions. Finally, a green moving mindset influences what you choose to move through decluttering and donation.
As a rule of thumb, the less you have to move, the less complicated the process. That dovetails nicely with green moving’s focus on reducing your carbon footprint.
Key Components of an Eco-Friendly Move
The three main parts of eco-friendly moves are:
- Waste reduction: Sort your belongings thoroughly before your move. Donate anything usable to local charities and sell valuable pieces. Recycle anything that can’t be reused. These steps minimize landfill impact.
- Emissions minimization: Choose efficient transportation methods to reduce your carbon footprint. You can consolidate multiple trips into one, share truck space with other movers, or choose a company with fuel-efficient vehicles and eco-friendly practices to reduce emissions. If moving locally, consider renting a hybrid or electric vehicle.
- Sustainable materials: Pick environmentally conscious packing supplies. Instead of cardboard boxes, choose reusable plastic bins. Seek out biodegradable packing peanuts or recycled paper instead of plastic bubble wrap. Re-use boxes from stores or online marketplaces and opt for household items like blankets, towels, and clothing to pad your belongings.
Why Green Moving is Gaining Popularity
The surge in eco-friendly moving reflects how the environment is becoming a bigger priority. As climate change concerns intensify, people have reconsidered how even one-time events (like long-distance moves) can affect their carbon footprint.
Sustainability is essential, but cost-effectiveness is a major driver, too. Using secondhand boxes or renting reusable containers is often more economical than traditional box purchases or moving materials. That makes green moving even more attractive to those moving on a budget.
Planning an Eco-Friendly Move
If green moving is a priority, planning early for your eco-friendly move is essential. Early organization gives you the time to implement sustainable practices without last-minute rushing, which can lead to wasteful decisions.
Start by researching moving companies that prioritize environmental responsibility. Seek out those with fuel-efficient fleets, sustainable packing materials, and clear environmental policies. Because of their increasing demand, you should book your move well in advance.
Moving companies use this information to provide different estimates, such as non-binding, educated guesses based on average weights. Binding estimates are a guaranteed price based on your in-home inventory. A binding not-to-exceed estimate won’t exceed the estimate and could even be lower. In addition to this pricing, other common moving fees may be applicable, such as packing fees, lodging fees for movers, and hourly labor costs.
Moving brokers can help you facilitate multiple quotes from different movers at once, which can make the process of shopping for movers much less stressful.
Start Sourcing Eco-Friendly Supplies Early
Begin collecting sustainable packing materials as early as possible. Connect with friends, neighborhood social media groups, and local businesses to source used boxes. Getting boxes from local businesses is a great way to save money. If possible, rent reusable plastic containers or leverage ones you already own. When buying new materials is necessary, prioritize ones made from recycled content.
Set Up Recycling and Donation Options Ahead of Time
Finalizing your recycling and donation strategy before moving day is critical for sustainable relocations. Categorize your items into specific groups: furniture, clothing, electronics, hazardous materials, and recyclables. This can streamline the disposal process and ensure each item gets where it needs to go.
Donation is one of the easiest ways to get rid of things you don’t need or want anymore. Research local donation centers near you and their requirements. Some offer free pickups but require advance scheduling, while others might want different items.
For items that can’t be donated, identify appropriate recycling or disposal methods.
Materials require special handling:
- Electronics must go to certified e-waste recyclers.
- Batteries and paint require hazardous waste facilities.
- Furniture might qualify for specialized recycling.
- Paper and cardboard often have sorting and bundling requirements.
How to Choose Eco-Friendly Movers: Key Considerations
Evaluate an eco-friendly mover based on things like sustainable practices and green certifications. Many companies might claim to be eco-friendly, but true green movers integrate sustainability into every aspect of their operations.
Why hire a green moving company? There are benefits beyond environmental sustainability. These companies often employ more efficient packing methods that can reduce the number of trips required. They minimize waste, too, meaning there’s less to clean up after your move is complete.
Certifications to Look for in a Green Moving Company
When you evaluate green moving companies, look for these key certifications and commitments:
- EPA SmartWay Transport Partnership: EPA SmartWay indicates the company meets federal fuel efficiency and emissions reduction standards.
- LEED Certification: While it’s mainly for buildings, some moving companies might have LEED-certified warehouses and storage facilities.
- Green Business Benchmark Certification: Green Business Benchmark allows companies to prioritize impactful environmental initiatives.
- Carbon Neutral Certification: Several carbon-neutral certifications exist and showcase companies’ commitment to offsetting their emissions.
- ISO 14001 Certification: An ISO 14001 certification indicates that environmental management systems meet international standards.
While concrete certifications are important, some smaller local companies might practice excellent environmental stewardship without formal acknowledgment. Consider their actual practices alongside any official credentials.
Questions to ask Eco-Friendly Movers
Before you hire eco-friendly movers, consider asking them the following questions:
- What specific sustainable practices do you use during moves?
- How do you reduce fuel consumption and emissions during transport?
- What types of green packing materials do you use? Are they included in the quote?
- Do you have a recycling program for used packing materials?
- How do you measure and track each move’s environmental impact?
- Can you provide documentation for environmental certifications?
- Do you offer carbon offset options for long-distance moves?
- What percent of your fleet uses alternative fuels?
Not being able to answer one or two of the above questions shouldn’t automatically disqualify a mover, but it can help inform your decision when comparing multiple companies. Don’t forget other important questions to ask movers, including their insurance options and other assorted fees.
Declutter and Donate: Minimize What You Move
What to Donate and How
Reducing the number of items you move with is a classic way to minimize moving costs and environmental impacts. Zero-waste moving is a massive priority for the green moving movement. Eliminating unnecessary boxes and packing materials can help.
How do you know what to donate? Popular categories include undamaged or lightly used furniture, clothing, and kitchenware. Some donation centers also take children’s books, toys, and electronics. While donation centers can vary based on your location, popular organizations like Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity, and local shelters can always benefit. Sometimes, you can even receive tax write-offs for these donations.
Packing Smart: Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Packing Supplies
Recycled, biodegradable, and reusable materials help reduce your move’s overall environmental impact. Eco-friendly shipping boxes are made from recycled materials but are often just as sturdy as new ones. Sometimes, you may not even need to use boxes. Items you already have on hand can work just as well.
Recycle and Reuse Along the Way
Consider using suitcases, plastic totes, duffel bags, pillowcases, and other items in your home to pack soft goods. Those plastic totes can also work well for storage after you complete your move. Break down cardboard boxes in a way that allows you to store them conveniently behind furniture or in closets. If you know you won’t use them again, post on social media to see if anyone in your community needs them. When all else fails, break them down properly for recycling.
Small Steps for a Greener, More Sustainable Move
Eco-friendly moving does not have to be an “all or nothing” proposition. Even small steps toward green moving can quickly add up. Incorporate as many sustainable moving practices into your move as possible, including:
- Reusable or recycled packaging
- Reduced trips or alternative fuel sources
- Reducing the number of things you need to move
Green moving companies can help achieve these goals. Finding eco-friendly movers, however, can feel like a challenge if you’re unsure what to look for. A moving broker like Safe Ship can help source green movers and answer any questions.
Our commitment to service helps you find licensed cross-country movers within our carrier network at fair, competitive prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I reduce the waste associated with moving?
Reduce moving waste by eliminating items to move and then use reusable containers and household items like towels or blankets to pack them. When you do need boxes, use biodegradable packing materials and save or recycle them when finished.
What is a green move?
A green move involves minimizing the environmental impact of your relocation with sustainable practices. That means sustainable packing materials, reducing emissions, and donating your unwanted items.
How can I have an eco-friendly move?
Plan your eco-friendly move by decluttering early, shopping for reusable or biodegradable packing materials, and hiring a green moving company to help transport your belongings. As you prepare and pack, set aside items you can recycle, donate, or sell. For long-distance relocations, consider buying carbon offsets.
