3 Eco-Friendly Moving Tips

Many people are unaware that moving, like most other activities in our lives, has some impact on the environment. Therefore, if we are not indifferent to its fate, it is worth learning how to transport things not only ecologically but also safely.

Which has the greatest impact on the environment when moving

When moving, we carry out many different activities, most of which have a greater or lesser impact on the environment. Virtually everything we do, from transporting things to throwing away unnecessary items, has an impact on the environment.

Undoubtedly, the biggest impact on the environment when moving is having to carry your belongings. Depending on the car used for the move, the impact may be minimal or quite high. Additionally, when packing, we use a large number of packages, tapes, and films that decompose for a very long time. Things like polystyrene can take up to 50 years to decompose. So as you can see when moving, there is a lot of room for improvement when it comes to reducing our impact on the natural environment.

Give away or recycle what you don’t need

Before you start packing, go through your clothes, kitchen items, and furniture, and stack or collect piles of what you no longer need. Find services like OfferUp and Facebook Marketplace to help you sell furniture or home furnishings locally. Another option? Give them back. I had to stuff my large chest of drawers in the back of my friend’s car. Was it easy? Not, but it was good to know that my items were being reused. As for the clothes, if they are in good serviceable condition, give them to homeless shelters, Goodwill, or the Salvation Army.

If you plan to throw away old appliances or batteries, remember that e-waste causes terrible damage to the environment. Earth911 is a service that finds the closest recycling destination based on the type of battery you need to throw away. You can also visit your nearest Best Buy (or other large-scale electronics stores) – they allow you to bring your old phones, chargers, and generic gadgets and recycle them on your behalf.

Hire green moving companies If you need a moving truck

look for green moving companies that often use biodiesel trucks instead of conventional gasoline. For example, Movegreen in Southern California and Green Van Lines in Texas use hybrid vehicles as well as adopt other sustainable practices. The best time to start an llc in california is when you have a good idea for the business, and you have the necessary capital to start the business. If you are moving locally and transporting items to a new location, consider fewer travel options back and forth to reduce emissions. Local moving companies can help streamline the process, minimizing both trips and environmental impact.

Wrap delicate items in clothes and underwear

This trick is as old as the world, but believe me, it always works. Pads for packing spoons, ceramic plates, and items that break in clothes or bedding are the perfect replacement for bubble wrap. I even wrapped some wine glasses in thick winter socks and they made it to my door unscathed. Whether it’s towels, blankets, or clothes, protect fragile items with what you already have before purchasing disposable supplies.

Tips to Prepare Before a Moving Company Arrives

Moving day is around the corner, and you’re likely feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. While the moving company is there to handle the heavy lifting, a bit of preparation on your end can make the whole process go smoother and faster. Here are some tried-and-true tips to get ready before the movers arrive, ensuring that your moving day is organized, stress-free, and maybe even enjoyable.

1. Declutter Before You Pack

Before the moving company steps through the door, take the opportunity to sort through your belongings. Moving unwanted items only adds to the time, cost, and effort required. Decluttering allows you to start fresh in your new space, and it makes the job easier for your movers by reducing the number of items they’ll need to transport.

Practical Tip:

Create “keep,” “donate,” and “discard” piles, and be ruthless about what stays and goes. Old clothes, unused kitchen gadgets, and forgotten decor items are prime candidates for donating. Plus, the less you move, the less you pay!

2. Label Everything Clearly

Clearly labeling each box can make unpacking a breeze. Write the room each box belongs to (e.g., “kitchen” or “bedroom”), and be specific about fragile items. Labels help movers know where things go, saving time and reducing the chance of items ending up in the wrong room.

Practical Tip:

Use color-coded stickers or markers for each room, and label each box on the top and at least one side for easy visibility. Labels like “Books,” “Winter Clothes,” or “Bathroom Essentials” give you a head start on unpacking without the guesswork.

3. Pack an Essentials Box

The last thing you want after a long day of moving is to dig through boxes looking for a toothbrush or your phone charger. Packing an essentials box with items you’ll need immediately — like toiletries, a change of clothes, important documents, and some snacks — can make the first night in your new home much more comfortable.

Practical Tip:

Consider packing a small toolkit, cleaning supplies, and any daily medication in your essentials box. Think of it as your moving survival kit, keeping everything you’ll need right at hand.

4. Take Photos of Your Electronics Setup

Unpacking and reassembling electronics can be tricky, especially when you’re dealing with a tangled mess of cables. Before you start packing, snap a few photos of your TV, computer, and other electronics’ cable setups. These photos will serve as a handy reference, making it easy to reconnect everything exactly as it was.

Practical Tip:

Keep cables and small parts in labeled zip-lock bags, and tape them to the corresponding device so they don’t get lost in transit.

5. Make Space for the Movers to Work

Movers need clear pathways to move large pieces of furniture and boxes out of the house efficiently. Make sure doorways, hallways, and stairs are free from clutter. This will help the movers work safely and quickly, reducing the time needed to load up the truck.

Practical Tip:

If you live in an apartment or condo, reserve an elevator ahead of time if possible. This can prevent delays on moving day, as the movers won’t have to wait for elevator access.

6. Secure Parking for the Moving Truck

Parking can be a hassle on moving day, especially in busy areas. Make sure you’ve arranged a convenient, legal parking spot for the moving truck close to your home. The closer the truck, the faster the movers can load your belongings, saving you time and potentially lowering your bill.

Practical Tip:

If you’re in a residential neighborhood, consider putting cones or signs to hold a parking space. In some cities, you might need to contact the local authorities for a temporary parking permit.

7. Take Inventory of Your Belongings

A quick inventory helps you keep track of what you’re moving and gives you peace of mind. This is especially useful if you’re using a full-service moving company that will be handling valuable items. With a list, you can double-check that everything arrives safely at your new home.

Practical Tip:

If possible, take photos of high-value items. In case anything goes missing or gets damaged during the move, these photos can serve as documentation for insurance claims.

8. Protect Floors and Walls

Moving large furniture and boxes can sometimes result in scuffs or scratches on floors and walls. To avoid any damage, take precautions by laying down mats or towels on high-traffic areas, especially if you’re renting and want to avoid extra charges.

Practical Tip:

If you have delicate hardwood floors, consider putting down cardboard or plastic sheeting. Door frames can be protected with foam or bubble wrap for added protection.

9. Double-Check the Movers’ Contact Information

Communication is key on moving day. Make sure you have the contact information for your moving company, as well as the names of any team members you’ve been in touch with. If there are any last-minute changes or questions, you’ll be able to reach them without hassle.

Practical Tip:

Confirm details like the moving company’s arrival time, services included, and payment methods the day before. It’s also helpful to get an estimated arrival time for the movers at your new place.

10. Prepare Snacks and Water for Everyone

Moving is physically demanding work, not just for you but for the movers as well. Offering bottled water and a few snacks is a thoughtful gesture that’s sure to be appreciated. Keeping everyone refreshed can even help maintain energy and keep the process moving efficiently.

Practical Tip:

Stock up on easy-to-grab snacks like granola bars, fruit, or nuts. A little hospitality goes a long way and makes for a smoother, more positive moving experience.

Set Yourself Up for a Smooth Move

Preparing before a moving company arrives can make a world of difference, helping to reduce stress, save time, and keep things organized. From labeling boxes to creating a pathway for the movers, each step adds up to a smoother, more efficient move. So as moving day approaches, take a few extra moments to get ready — you’ll thank yourself later.

With these tips, you’ll be ready to greet the movers, confident that everything’s in place. Here’s to a seamless, stress-free move into your new home!

Summary

As already mentioned, when packing for a move, we use many accessories that are not very environmentally friendly. Packing tapes, stretch films, and bubble wrap or polystyrene filling for cartons take a long time to decompose. Therefore, it is worth taking care of the environment and ourselves, especially in these heavy quarters, we have some reckoning because of “covid-19”.

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