Green Moving: Sustainable Practices for an Eco-Friendly Move
Often, moving comes with an environmental cost, from the resources used while packing to the emissions produced by transportation. While nobody is perfect, there are some environmentally friendly moving practices you can follow to reduce the impact you make on the planet.
KO Storage is an industry leader in providing sustainable self storage and green moving options. We’ve put together this guide containing sustainable moving tips and eco-friendly packing practices to follow every step of the way. By following our advice, you can have a successful move that you can feel peace of mind about from start to finish.
What Does It Mean To Be Environmentally Friendly?
Being environmentally friendly means making conscious choices that minimize your impact on the planet, reduce waste, and conserve resources. In the context of moving, this involves thoughtful decisions about how you pack, transport, and declutter your belongings. Sustainable moving requires some thoughtful planning, but the end result is a less wasteful, more efficient move that’s better for you and the environment.
Key principles of green moving practices include reducing unnecessary waste, reusing materials whenever possible, and conserving energy whenever possible. From using recycled packing supplies to limiting the amount of trips you take in your car, every decision you make can contribute to a smaller carbon footprint. By considering these sustainable relocation tips, you can ensure a greener transition to your new home.
Eco-Friendly Packing Practices
As humans, we’re responsible for a lot of waste. According to a research study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the United States alone produced 110 million metric tons of paper and cardboard waste in 2019. Only 38% of this was recycled, with over half ending up in landfills and the rest getting burned. Moving may not account for all of this, but it’s certainly among the most wasteful periods of your life.
Packing is often the most wasteful part of moving, with piles of boxes, Bubble Wrap, and tape winding up in landfills. One of the simplest sustainable moving tips you can follow is to use items you already have, like suitcases, backpacks, and reusable bags for packing. Household items like blankets, towels, and clothes can double as padding for fragile belongings, reducing the need for wasteful packaging products.
If you do need to purchase packing materials, opt for recycled or biodegradable options. Many moving companies now offer boxes made from recycled cardboard, which can be reused or recycled after the move. You can also check local businesses like supermarkets and dollar stores to see if they have any boxes they plan to throw out.
Alternatives to Wasteful Packing Materials
Traditional packing materials like Bubble Wrap and foam peanuts are not environmentally friendly moving materials. Fortunately, there are sustainable alternatives you can choose instead. Biodegradable packing peanuts, made from natural materials like cornstarch, are a great option that breaks down easily after use. Another alternative is wrapping items in old newspapers, magazines, or reusable fabric instead of wasteful plastic.
Using recyclable or biodegradable tape instead of plastic tape is another one of the many simple, eco-friendly packing practices you can follow. Many companies offer paper tape made from renewable sources, which are durable and recyclable. By choosing these green moving options, you can pack your belongings securely without generating unnecessary waste.
Sustainable Relocation Tips for a Long Move
If your move involves a long-distance relocation, transportation can be one of the biggest contributors to your carbon footprint. A sustainable approach involves careful planning. For example, if possible, try to make fewer trips by consolidating your move into one or two loads. Renting a fuel-efficient moving truck can help reduce emissions, especially if you opt for a company that offers green moving options like hybrid or electric trucks.
Planning your route efficiently can also save fuel and time. Be sure to avoid unnecessary detours and use your phone’s GPS to find the shortest and most fuel-efficient path. Reducing the number of miles driven not only saves you money at the pump but also lessens the environmental impact of your move.
Recycling Containers, Tubs, and More Sustainable Moving Tips
One of the easiest sustainable moving tips is to utilize reusable containers and tubs instead of cardboard boxes. Plastic storage bins, which can be used for years to come, are a great alternative to single-use boxes. Some companies even offer reusable box rental services for moves, providing durable, stackable bins that reduce waste.
If you must use cardboard boxes, be sure to recycle them after your move. Many local recycling centers accept cardboard, or you can offer your boxes to a friend or family member who’s moving. You can also stash these boxes away in a closet or other storage space to keep them ready for your next move.
Ways To Make Your New Home Eco-Friendly
Once you’ve completed your move, it’s important you continue these eco-friendly habits in your new home. Start by making energy-efficient upgrades, such as installing LED light bulbs, using smart thermostats, and reducing water consumption with low-flow fixtures. These small changes can make a big difference in reducing your home’s environmental footprint.
Sustainably furnishing your home is another way to maintain an eco-friendly lifestyle. Buying secondhand furniture or choosing pieces made from sustainable materials can reduce the impact you make on the planet. Additionally, consider incorporating eco-friendly practices like composting and recycling to make your new home as green as possible.
You should also consider storing, selling, donating, or giving away any items you no longer need as you move. Reducing the number of things you move means less packing materials used, fewer trips taken, and an efficient overall relocation. Donating to local charities or organizing a yard sale helps keep items in use and out of a landfill.
How To Get the Most Out of Your Storage Space
If you need to rent a self storage unit during your move, choose one of KO Storage’s options that are energy-efficient and climate-controlled to protect your belongings while minimizing energy use. Organizing your storage space efficiently by using stackable containers and keeping an inventory can reduce the number of trips you make to your storage unit, saving you time and fuel.
Rent Sustainable Self Storage From KO Storage
KO Storage is your trusted source for secure and sustainable self storage. With our commitment to innovating environmentally friendly moving practices and our robust storage facility security measures, you can feel confident about keeping your things with us.
To get started, locate a sustainable self storage facility near you today! You can also check out our FAQ page and packing and moving tips for more resources.