We are in the midst of a big move. It’s a daunting task, especially when you look at all of the typical non-eco-friendly moving supplies.
But there are lots of greener moving options, if you think outside of the box.
Speaking of boxes, don’t buy them! Find used boxes on craigslist, or look at the local liquor or grocery store. These boxes are obviously sturdy, and are a pretty good size. You should also look around your house for storage ideas. We have two storage ottomans and a few crates that hold lots of stuff. We also had several bigger boxes from items that we bought in bulk.
Once we arrive at our new location, we plan to put the boxes that are in good shape back up on craigslist or freecycle, and recycle the ones that are beyond repair.
Another way to cut down on your moving waste is to stay away from packing materials like styrofoam, bubble wrap and nerdles. Instead, use newspaper or popcorn to cushion your breakables. I also love to use washcloths and hand towels for some of our more fragile pieces. (I’ve also been known to use thick socks and t-shirts in a pinch!) I save the big towels and blankets for big pictures and mirrors, and the quilts and sheets for big pieces of furniture, like dressers.
If you are moving in town, it might be better to rent a truck that uses bio-diesel fuel instead of making several trips shuttling your stuff. All that mileage and gas adds up. These trucks are not known for great mileage, so you might want to do the math to find out which option uses less fuel.
Our move will take several hours, so we are renting a truck. But we are renting the smallest truck that we can, and plan on packing it as tightly as possible. We are also renting a trailer to hitch one car behind the truck. That way, we aren’t using quite as much gas.
Another green moving idea is to cut back. We’ve kept craigslist very busy with the items we are giving away and selling. It’s amazing the stuff you can collect over a 3-year period!
Do you have any extra tips that I may have forgotten? We have one week left before the big move and I would love any suggestions!
