As the world becomes growingly more concerned about the environment, you’re likely wondering how your moving day will contribute to your carbon footprint. From packing supplies to fumes emitted during transportation, relocating will inevitably affect the environment. However, you need packing supplies and you have to get your belongings to the new house one way or another. Fortunately, you don’t have to sacrifice your valuables or moving day experience. You just have to move smart and here’s how you can do just that.
Don’t Skip Out on Professional Movers
While there’s no denying the fumes emitted from moving trucks, avoiding them isn’t always a plausible option. In fact, using your own vehicle to transport your belongings can be worse for the environment, as you have to make several trips. So, don’t skip out on hiring professional movers. Being able to get all of your belongings to your new home in one shot is just as convenient for you as it is safe for the environment.
Declutter and Decrease the Size of Moving Truck
Speaking of moving trucks, an excellent tip to achieving an eco-friendly move is to use the smallest truck size possible. Now, it’s important to avoid getting a moving truck too small for you. So, the secret is to declutter. Donate, sell or trash items that you won’t need in your new home. Fewer boxes can result in a smaller truck and less harm done on the environment. Just be sure to schedule your in-home moving estimate after you declutter. This way your moving company will know exactly what size of moving truck to use.
Repurpose Items in Your Home as Packing Materials
With a quick look around your home, you’ll find a plethora of items that can be repurposed as packing materials. Old clothes can be ripped and stuffed in breakable items such as vases, towels can line the bottoms of boxes, and newspaper can be used to add a protective layer to belongings. So, explore your home and channel your inner repurposing skills. If you can’t find anything, ask your friends and neighbors if they have any packing materials for you to use.
Purchase Packing Materials with The Intent to Reuse Them
With the prior mentioned, it’s important to know that there are some items you certainly don’t want to jeopardize on moving day. Fragile items that are near and dear to you should always be wrapped properly and with appropriate packing materials.
When you are purchasing packing materials, do so with the intention of reusing or recycling them. Better yet, look for biodegradable materials. Whatever you do, purchase packing materials you can turn into crafts, you can reuse for something else or can recycle at the end of the day.
Unplug All Appliances During the Move
There’s no need for an empty refrigerator to sit running while you move. The same can be said about all major appliances, and even more so if they’re making the move to your new home. Either way, there’s no point in having them soak up energy for no reason at all. So, unplug major appliances during the move and only plug them in once you’re settled in your new destination.
Moving day is unavoidable. You have to get your belongings over to your new home and the only way to do so is with some packing materials and a moving truck. However, with these tips, you can decrease the carbon footprint your moving day leaves on the earth while enjoying some savings along the way. When you can use a smaller truck, reuse packing supplies, and decrease electricity bills, the benefits are just as amazing for you as they are for the environment. A smart move is the best option for everyone and everything involved.
