Moving can be destructive to the environment thanks to the emissions from moving trucks, the cardboard wasted for boxing up belongings, and all of that packing material used to protect our stuff during transportation. The good news is you can still move while reducing the environmental impact of your efforts. Here are a few tips to consider:

Packing Tips

If you want to do greener packing, start with your boxes. Instead of buying cardboard boxes, pick some up at your local grocery store. Produce and egg carton boxes are sturdy and most are stackable. Call ahead, ask for the produce or dairy department, and just ask if they have any boxes you can take. They won’t charge you for them, and you’ll be keeping them from just going into the trash.

Another option is to purchase plastic storage containers. While plastic isn’t great for the environment, these containers can be reused for future moves or for storage. Even if you don’t want to use them for all of your packing, pick some up to store anything you want to place in a self-storage unit to free up space in your new place.

You can also choose greener packing materials. Collect used newspapers and wrap your breakable items in that or use the pages as stuffing to finish packing the box. If you do want to purchase packing material, choose ones made from recycled goods if possible.

Once you’re done with your moving materials, recycle them. Cardboard boxes are accepted by many recycling facilities, and some moving companies will take your Styrofoam peanuts off your hands so they can be reused. If nothing else, give your materials away on Craigslist to another mover. You can even store your old moving materials in a self-storage unit so they will be ready next time you want to change residences.

Movers and Moving Trucks

If you’ve ever been behind a moving truck with your window down, you know how much exhaust those things are pumping into the atmosphere. That cannot be doing good things for our environment. You can do something to reduce your impact here as well.

First, factor your desire for a greener move into your hiring decision. A few moving companies across the country are investing in hybrid moving trucks which use less gas and put out less emissions. Others take steps to stay carbon neutral. Make sure to ask these questions when you’re getting a quote for the moving services.