Going Green with Your Moving Experience

Moving can be an exciting adventure in a new place, but it can also be an expensive, wasteful process. These days we all worry about the impact we’re having on the environment with each choice we make and moving should be no different. Whether you are moving yourself or employing a moving service, you can choose cost-effective ways to reduce your carbon footprint while moving.

Reusable Packing Materials

Cardboard boxes are not in short supply. Rather than buy new boxes, ask your local grocer or “big box” store if you can have the empty boxes their goods came out of. If moving in the popular summer months, check sidewalks in local suburbs for discarded moving boxes of new residents. No luck? Check Craigslist for listings of free boxes. When building boxes, use biodegradable natural rubber packing tapes as these will break down faster than plastic based tapes. Natural rubber is also a renewable resource, making them the greenest choice from creation to waste.

When packing the boxes, use what you have. Using towels, sheets, old newspapers, and other items in your home will cut down on packing supply waste. Old newspapers used to pack with can then be recycled once you unpack to clean windows and mirrors in your new home, too. This saves you money, time, and prevents unnecessary waste.

Moving Trucks

When contacting moving companies, look for places that use hybrid or bio-fueled trucks. If none are available in your area, you can still cut down on carbon dioxide emissions from your move by being very specific about your space needs for a moving truck. Moving with a single, large truck and trailer is better than using two smaller trucks to do the same job. Research your new neighborhood and know the route from your previous home to your new home.

Don’t be afraid to interview different moving services to find the one that best suits your needs and preferences. Ask about their facilities and whether or not they use solar power. How much paperwork is involved and does the company use paperless options when possible? While some moving companies offer Green options, they may not be following through on making environmentally conscious choices in their in-office business practice.

By recycling, reusing materials, and making conscious choices about moving vehicles you can reduce your carbon footprint. You can also encourage businesses to reduce their carbon footprint by supporting moving services that have already made that effort. Do your research and ask questions. Knowledge is power and the more you are prepared the better choices you can make in going green!

Patrick Whalen is a part of an elite team of writers who have contributed to hundreds of blogs and news sites. Follow him @2patwhalen.

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