Tips For A “Green” Household Move

1. Be Mindful Of Supplies
2. The Transport Process Is Important

If you're environmentally conscious, which you should be these days to some extent, you will want to make sure that your household move is as “green” as possible. Having a green household move doesn't have to cost you extra money. In fact, if you get creative, it can actually save you money. It also doesn't take much effort to do. Here are some tips on how to have a green household move:

Be Mindful of Supplies

The vast majority of people who move use cardboard boxes. These are the standard boxes that you will be using in most instances. Consider that the average household move utilizes over 5 dozen cardboard boxes and you'll realize how much waste occurs.

Some of the main alternative options to traditional cardboard boxes are:

• Plastic bins:

Try and find plastic bins that are sturdy and can be reused over and over again or that have been made out of recycled materials. Many movers now offer recycled plastic bins for your use, which they can use again for another client.

• Biodegradable wraps:

Instead of using bubble wraps to pack away your goods, there are many green options available. The most popular and effective alternatives are made from bioplastics. There are green foam peanuts that are made from vegetable oils or corn starch, for example, that are much better for the environment. Once again, ask your mover about more eco-friendly wraps and “filler” inside of the boxes.

• Creativity:

Sometimes, the best options are in your household. If you have any old bed sheets, towels, or scarves that you don't use anymore and that don't have any sentimental value, you can use them to wrap up some fragile items. These items can include chinaware, picture frames, and other items that can get damaged easily. It not only saves you money on supplies, but it does zero harm to the environment!

The Transport Process is Important

One of the biggest detriments to the environment is a number of emissions released during most of our current methods of transportation. When arranging a move, you should make sure that you ask the company if they use biodiesel fuel in their trucks. This is not too common yet, but many companies now have trucks that use biodiesel fuel or have hybrid trucks at least. This can save them money as well and will make you feel less guilty if you're moving across the continent.

Another thing that you can do is to try and not overfill the truck with your items. A heavier truck means more fuel that it will end up using and needing. Plus, if you don't have too many items that you have to transport, a smaller truck can be used, which is also better for the environment. So make sure that you're only moving stuff that you really need and/or has sentimental value to you. If something isn't needed anymore, give it away or donate it if you can!

Being green during a household move is possible!