It seems like everyone these days is going green. It’s good for the planet, and good for you! So, if you are getting ready to relocate, there are some things that can green up your move. As you probably know, moving creates waste and takes a lot of energy. Of course, one of the greenest moves you can make is to not move at all, but if you must relocate, here’s how you can make the entire process more environmentally sound.
General Tips
• Try to move into a home that is more eco-friendly than the one you are in now. It sounds like a no-brainer, but thinking about your new home’s environmental impact is a solid step in the right direction.
• Before you relocate, reduce how much stuff you have – get rid of things you no longer use. When you clear the clutter it will likely also help your current home sell faster.
• Make an effort to limit disposables during the move. Use bins instead of boxes when possible. And, keep clothes in drawers rather than cardboard boxes.
• If you have perishable foods you cannot take with you, give them to friends and neighbors. They will appreciate the gift and the landfill stays empty.
Green Packing Tips
• Reuse boxes from the local liquor store, grocery store, and bookstores rather than buying new ones.
• Find a box exchange site or a retailer that sells recycled boxes if you cannot hunt for recycled boxes.
• Use only biodegradable packing peanuts or padded paper.
• Before you move, start saving bubble wrap that comes in shipments and deliveries.
While these aren’t all the ways you can green up your move, they do provide a good start. If you are getting ready to relocate and want to leave as small a carbon footprint as possible, do a little research on other ways to move in an environmentally friendly way.
– Lance Grooms
