Moving is an extensive process that inadvertently hurts the planet. If you live a sustainable lifestyle or want to become more eco-friendly, plan a few simple changes to your upcoming move.
You’ll reduce your carbon footprint without complicating any of your moving plans.
1. Donate Old Belongings
You might feel tempted to bring everything you own to your new place, but think about how much it weighs. Your collection of boxes will make your moving vehicle heavier. Research shows that light-duty vehicles use 5%-9% more gas when carrying an extra 100 kilograms.
Donating older belongings will lighten your collection of moving boxes so your trip requires fewer fossil fuels.
2. Collected Used Boxes
Ask your loved ones or local stores if they have cardboard boxes they don’t want anymore. Using donated boxes is a greener strategy than buying new ones. You’ll give them a second purpose and save money. Business owners could be particularly helpful because giving you their extra boxes saves them from traveling to a local recycling center.
If you purchase any new cardboard boxes, remember to repurpose them sustainably. They could become long-term storage solutions for your attic, packing materials if you know anyone who’s moving or recycling center donations. If you compost, tear your moving boxes apart and compost them after stripping off any plastic labels.
3. Clean With Sustainable Products
You’ll likely give your home one last cleaning before leaving it for its new owners. When that moment comes, have sustainable solutions ready. You could look for seals from reputable organizations on sanitization products to ensure they meet leading environmental standards. If your counter spray has a Green Seal, you’ll know it’s not hurting the planet while you wipe grime off surfaces.
You could also make DIY cleaning solutions with powerful supplies like white vinegar. Explore potential recipe options by browsing videos made by people with eco-friendly lifestyles. They’ll show you how to make alternatives to leading products so your move is better for the planet.
4. Rely on Green Businesses
You may have to do a road trip if you’re moving between states or across the country. Find the most sustainable businesses for support along the way. A 2024 Sustainable Travel report found that 75% of travelers will be more eco-friendly over the next year.
Look for hotels with sustainability pledges on their websites or restaurants that describe their food waste reduction practices. When you need to eat and sleep during your road trip, your activities won’t compromise your carbon footprint.
5. Strategize Your Packing
The National Association of Realtors notes that 41% of people need 15-40 hours to pack their belongings for a move. Even if packing stresses you out, try getting creative with your strategies. You’ll rely on fewer single-use materials if you reduce your per-box supplies.
You could skip plastic bubble wrap and cushion your dishes in beach towels instead. Put breakable objects inside older hoodies or throw blankets. As long as they’re safe, the contents of each moving box don’t need to look professionally packed.
6. Donate to Climate Action Programs
People sometimes donate to carbon offsetting organizations to mitigate their carbon dioxide emissions. Environmental experts agree that offsetting is less effective than donating to organizations actively doing positive things for the environment. They’re held to a higher standard and continue their work long-term compared to corporations that pledge to plant trees.
You could donate the equivalent amount of gas money your moving truck will use to reduce environmental impact. Consider which forms of activism make you most excited. You might send money to an ocean-cleaning organization or a group enacting carbon capture strategies. You’ll make a verifiable difference for the planet to balance any waste your move creates.
Plan an Eco-Friendly Move
Relocating can temporarily increase your carbon footprint. Keep yours small by strategizing eco-friendly solutions to common moving challenges. If you rely on donated boxes, give money to sustainable organizations and get creative with packing materials, you’ll transform your move into one that’s better for the planet.
