How to Make Moving an Environmentally Friendly Operation

I haven’t moved in years and just feel sick with dread at the thought of ever doing it again – until I move into my million dollar mansion, that is! :-). Today’s guest author brings up a great point that I had not considered – how to be as environmentally responsible as possible whenever we do start dragging in the boxes. If the environment isn’t a strong-enough reason for you, then how about saving money?

When a person moves from one home to another, they often will find that they have to organize and deal with many aspects in order to be successful in the overall move. Because there is so much stress, and there are many things that have to get done in order to complete the process, people often take short cuts that might not be as environmentally friendly as they might want. What such individuals do not realize, however, is that moving really can be made to be green, which can save a person hundreds of dollars at the same time.

Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle

Perhaps the best way to help the Earth, and avoid waste throughout the course of your move, is to look at the packing materials that you plan on using for your move. Most people choose to purchase moving boxes that are specifically made to pack household goods in, while other people find a more economical and environmentally friendly option. Reusing boxes from local grocery stores can save you the money that you would have spent on moving boxes, and it can prevent that much more waste from ending up in the local landfill.

Weed Out

Of course, the best way to reduce the space that your things will take up, along with the packing materials that they will require, is to simply not move as many things as you were going to originally. Moving is the perfect time to weed out your possessions. Not only can you make more room for other things that you want to keep, but you might even be able to make some money on things if you choose to sell them. Remember, moving companies often charge based on how much your things weigh, so it is a good idea to move as little as you can if you want to save money.

Use Your Own Packing Materials

Ever priced packing materials such as packing paper or bubble wrap? Not only are these things expensive, but they can often produce more waste and pollution that is not good for the planet. If you want to make your move even greener than it already might be, then consider using your own materials and possessions as padding for those things that need extra protection when you pack them. Using your towels to wrap the dishes, and using linens as padding, instead of purchasing something specifically for this purpose, can greatly reduce the money that you spend on moving, along with the waste that you have left after you have moved. Thus, this is just another way that you can make moving green rather than wasteful.