Did you know the average American moves about 11 times in their lifetime? Or that there were more than 15 million moves last year alone? That is a whole lot of packing, hauling, and heavy lifting happening across the country.

It’s pretty clear that the moving industry is giant, but with that size comes a lot of… well, junk. Just imagine the millions of boxes, all that fuel, and the huge amount of waste left behind.  Honestly, it’s an industry that can be pretty damaging to the environment if you aren’t careful.

At Eco Movers, we’re fully conscious of that impact. It’s why we do things differently on our end to cut down on waste, but a truly green move starts with how you prepare. Here’s what you can do to help.

What Can You Do to Make Your Move a Little Greener? 

1. Declutter and Then Declutter Again

The greenest way to move is to simply move less. Before you start packing, go through your things and be honest about what you really use. If you haven’t touched it in a year, it probably doesn’t need to make the trip to your new home.

This is a great opportunity to recycle and be more mindful of what you actually need. Every item you leave behind means less plastic wrap, fewer boxes, and it also lightens the load for the truck. 

2. Use What You Already Have

Before you go buying new packing supplies, check around your house for sturdy boxes you might already have. Maybe you kept the box your TV came in or have some shipping boxes from recent deliveries. As long as they’re still in good condition, using them for your move is a great way to give them a second life.

Also, beyond boxes, you may already have exactly what you need without even knowing it. Suitcases, laundry baskets, and even gym bags work well for packing. 

Consider Reusable Bins

If you run out of boxes and need more “packing power,” look for moving companies that offer recyclable bins. We actually have our very own Eco Boxes that you can rent! They are way sturdier than cardboard, don’t require any tape, and most importantly, they get used hundreds of times instead of being tossed after one move.

3. Go Digital

You’d be surprised at how much paper clutter builds up when you’re moving. Instead of printing out every contract or checklist, just keep them on your phone. It saves a lot of unnecessary waste and keeps things way more organized. Since you’ll probably toss those papers as soon as you unpack anyway, going digital is a much better move for the environment.

4. Dispose of Hazardous Materials the Right Way

While you’re clearing out the garage or under the kitchen sink, you’ll probably find things like old paint, batteries, or strong cleaning supplies. It’s tempting to just toss them in the trash, but they can actually be pretty harmful to the soil and water. What you can do is to find a local drop-off spot for hazardous waste to dispose of them safely. 

5. Find an Eco-friendly Moving Company

We aren’t trying to give ourselves a shout-out here (well, maybe a little), but it really helps to hire a team that cares about the planet as much as you do.

Try to find local movers who are already close by so they don’t waste fuel just getting to your house. Check if they do things like use smart driving routes or offer those reusable bins we mentioned. This will help make your move green without making things harder for yourself.

Ready to Move?

Going green doesn’t have to be another thing on your to-do list. In fact, most of these tips will help you stay organized and make things easier for you.

Plus, we believe you can have a great moving day and be kind to the earth at the same time. We work hard to keep your move eco-friendly by using practical ways to reduce waste while we get you settled in. Get in touch to get a free quote with us today!