The environment is not always the first thing people think about when moving to a new home or apartment. The reality is that traditional moving strategies are very wasteful and contribute to pollution.

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The following six tips will help anyone to be kinder to nature when moving.

1. Rent or Reuse Cardboard Boxes

   
   It takes a large amount of resources to make the cardboard boxes used for moving. A simple alternative is to recycle old boxes or to get used boxes from retail stores.
   
   Another option is to use a moving company that allows people to rent boxes for just one move.
   
   

2. Fill Drawers, Cabinets, and Containers

   
   The number of boxes needed for a move can be reduced greatly by filling drawers, cabinets and other containers like garbage cans with personal possession.
   
   Filling everything that can be used as a container will make extra boxes unnecessary. This lowers the environmental impact of the move.
   
   

3. Plan for One Trip when Moving Household Goods

   
   Driving to and from the new home multiple times can double or triple the amount of emissions from a vehicle. It is better to plan for just one trip.
   
   Renting a large truck that can move everything in one trip will release fewer emissions into the air than making several trips in a smaller car or truck. As a bonus, you will save money by only renting a truck for one day rather than two or more.
   
   

4. Put Extra Items in a Storage Unit

   
   Every item that is loaded onto a truck adds weight. More weight means higher emissions and lower fuel efficiency. One way to avoid this is to place items that do not need to be moved into a storage unit.
   
   Another option for a storage unit is to keep packed items in one close to your current home. That way, you do not need to waste gas every time you want to bring something to the new home. You can just carry it over to your storage unit.
   
   

5. Use Clothes and Linens as Packaging Material

   
   It takes a large amount of energy and oil to produce the plastic used in bubble wrap and then it is usually thrown away after just one use.
   
   An alternative is to use clothes, towels, and linens as packaging inside of boxes. This reduces waste and the number of boxes needed just for clothes.
   
   

6. Save Used Moving Supplies for Next Time

   
   A final way to make a move more environmentally friendly is to save all moving supplies for next time. Reusing supplies across many different moves will preserve resources. The moving supplies can even be loaned or given to friends who are moving.

The key to an environmentally friendly move is conserving resources and energy whenever possible. Using as few supplies as necessary saves resources. Using only recycled or repurposed supplies helps as well. Remaining conscious of how many boxes and supplies are used will make a move greener.

Source:

• Extra Space® Storage Facility in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

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