If you have moved before, you probably know that moving is one of the most hectic things you can do. Whether you are moving to a neighboring town or overseas, moving creates a lot of waste. However, you don’t have to harm the environment in the process of moving. You may be using a moving company or moving, but there are eco-friendly ways you can use to ensure you have a sustainable move. Here are ways you can conduct an environmentally friendly move.
- Downsize
Many people use moving as a chance to start afresh. People sell stuff, donate or leave a lot of things behind. Before you move, it will be a good idea to downsize your items. Figure out what you need and what you might not need when you move. You can donate, recycle, or throw away some stuff if you don’t need it. Downsizing may take some time, but you will be happy with less stuff.
- Use Reusable Boxes
You can reduce environmental impact when moving by using reusable moving boxes. For example, cardboard boxes can be reused for various purposes. However, if yours are too old, don’t worry. You can always take them to a recycling joint in the new place. You can also get reusable plastic boxes or crates. Most moving companies will drop the boxes in your new place then pick them up later when done. Others will want you to pick the boxes and return them after use.
- Use Cardboard Boxes
Boxes made from cardboard are a good option for environmentally conscious people. When not moving on short notice, you can check with your local shops or wine stress if they have cardboard boxes. You can get them for free and pack even heavy or fragile items.
- Use Paper Tape
Avoid using plastic by choosing paper tape to wrap your boxes. Paper tape and its glue are biodegradable and that means they are friendly to the environment. The good thing is that the tape will soak off during recycling, and you can use the boxes for other purposes.
- Check Your Car
Fossil fuels contribute a large percentage to environmental pollution. Whether you are moving for hours or days, your car will use a lot of fuel, and the emissions cause harm to the environment. Therefore, ensure you check your car first before moving. Don’t pack too many items to ensure you don’t slow down the car.
- Use Eco-friendly Packing Materials
Before buying packing materials, start with using what you have in the house. Newspapers, towels, and t-shirts can be used to pack items like glassware, silverware, and such. If you have to buy these materials, choose eco-friendly ones instead of those big non-biodegradable ones. Buy packing materials that you can use after moving for other purposes. Instead of renting moving blankets, use duvets, towels, bedsheets, or other linens for the boxes.
Conclusion
These are simple eco-friendly ways of moving. You have the responsibility of taking care of the environment in every way, and relocating should be part of it. So, use recyclable boxes, choose paper tapes, and ensure to check your car before moving.
