Around 8.4% of Americans have relocated in 2021 and it dramatically increased in 2022 during the pandemic. 

The truth is, regardless of the situation, people move now and then because of various reasons, such as lifestyle changes, getting married, wanderlust, family emergencies, work purposes, and so on. However, no matter how many times a person relocates, moving remains to be a tedious, strenuous, and stressful task to do. 

So if you're looking for ways to make your next relocation as easy (and eco-friendly) as possible, you're in the right place!

Eco-Friendly Moving Tips

You scrambled to collect all the necessary things, focused on checking all your boxes, and kept busy with everything not realizing that this move affects the environment. If this sounds familiar, don't worry! You're not alone. A lot of people don't often notice the effect of relocation on the ecosystem.

Based on environmental agencies, transportation is one of the leading contributors to greenhouse gas.

Greenhouse gasses absorb the sun’s heat that radiates from the Earth's surface, trap it in the atmosphere and prevent it from escaping into space. They also stay in the atmosphere for decades and increase atmospheric temperature known as global warming. It has a ranging effect on the environment and health through smog and air pollution that cause respiratory disease. There are also long-term effects such as:

• Experiencing heat waves more often
• Not enough water resources in some areas due to heat waves
• Worsen air and water quality
• Rising sea levels as arctic ice melts 
• Increased drought and poverty
• Loss of animal species

To prevent this forecast from happening, countries all over the world have agreed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. For instance, they hire an eco-friendly moving company. Not only does it make their life much easier, but it can also help the environment. 

Hiring eco-friendly moving companies go out of their way to reduce waste and lower emissions as much as possible. They eliminate waste, use trucks that utilize biofuel rather than gasoline, and take efficient routes. 

Going green takes effort but it’s not that difficult a thing to do. No matter how small our part is, it can definitely create a big impact on the environment.

Moving Boxes

Cardboard moving boxes require using plastic tape which can be wasteful and expensive that will cost more on your budget. There are several ways to pack your valuables and reduce waste on a move. 

You can try renting plastic bins or renting moving boxes. They will bring the boxes to you and take them back when you’re done. By doing this, you won’t be stuck with cardboard boxes after your move. 

Some rental boxes you can search include:

• Frogbox – They use reusable plastic moving boxes and when you are finished moving, they will pick up the boxes and reusable moving supplies, which are eco-friendly packaging materials that come from recycled bubble wrap, chair and sofa covers, and packaging paper. So, there is less waste than a traditional move. 
• Bin It – You can rent it 25% cheaper than purchasing cardboard boxes. It is stronger than boxes and more durable. They also sanitized each Bin It every after use, which can be nested and stacked, making moving easier for you. There is also no need for tapes, saving you time and money. 
• Rent-A-Green Box – They offer reusable boxes that come in different sizes. Choose what you think best fits your move. They also utilize zero waste moving practices by using plastic-free packings, such as recocubes (replacement for petroleum foam padding), geami (replacement for petroleum-based bubble wrap and styrofoam wrapping), and expandos (Styrofoam-based packing peanuts). 
• Gorilla Bins – Depending on your package, you can choose how many bins you get from 20 to 60 bins. They offer two weeks rental, which can be extended if you need more time to unpack your things.

Used Boxes

If you have used cardboard in your home, you can use it to pack your valuables without spending money. Search for them at your recycle bin, local stores, and restaurants. 

Most of these places will be happy to get the boxes off their hands and won’t charge you a dime for them. You should collect them in advance so you have time to prepare. Just make sure to pack it properly to avoid things from breaking and damaging. 

Upcycling Items for Packaging Materials

• Don’t be afraid to get creative. You can use what you have to cushion your belongings. You can use shirts, towels, and even socks to secure your belongings in the upcycled box. Used bubble wraps from deliveries you purchased to protect your fragile items. 
• Storage bins can also be reused over and over again. Investing in a storage bin might be more cost-efficient, especially if you still plan to move in the future. Look for storage bins that are weatherproof and sturdy enough to last the test of time. You can always resell them when you’re done with it. Remember, your trash is someone’s treasure. Try reselling it to local buy-and-sell groups. 

Donate What You Don’t Need And Have Sustainable Decluttering

Decluttering doesn’t have to mean throwing things in the trash. To declutter effectively, you may start by preparing four separate piles: 

• Trash Pile - Anything that's not worth keeping or donating can go directly to the trash. Remember to throw away trash responsibly.
• Donation Pile - Items that are used once or just a couple of times but are not worth keeping or selling can go to the donation pile. You can give your donations to charitable sites. It’s a win-win for you! You can help others at the same time let go of the items you won’t be needing.
• Sell Pile - Anything that is of value and worth can go straight to the sell pile. Easy-to-use apps for pre-owned belongings can help with that. 
• Storage Pile - For items that you won’t be needing anytime soon but are not yet ready to toss, you may put them in a storage pile.

Minimize Your Number of Trips

After you have packed everything, declutter, and organize your items, you still have to move them from your previous place to your new location. You can help the environment and be eco-friendly by minimizing your trips if possible to one trip or two. And, you can pay less for gas and reduce time on the road, saving you more time. 

Bottom line

Moving to a new home doesn't have to be overwhelming. It can be easy, exciting, and at the same time, economical. With these ideas, you can unpack wisely, declutter quickly, and move without any hassle.If you want to learn more tips like this, visit our website or call us at 317-316-8224 so we can assist you!