4 Tips For a Zero Waste Move

You can produce a lot of waste when you move if you’re not paying close attention. From single-use packing supplies to the piles of unwanted belongings that often get thrown in the trash as closets and drawers get cleared out, moving is usually a pretty waste-heavy undertaking. But does it have to be? As it turns out, all you need is a little bit of planning for a zero waste move that minimizes your footprint while still getting you from point A to point B. And it’s easier to do than you might assume.

The impact of moving on the environment is hard to quantify, but it’s easy to see how a relocation adds up in terms of waste and pollution. Packing, organizing, and moving itself all include some degree of waste, and with about 10% of the U.S. population moving every year, any effort that you can take to reduce your individual impact is definitely worth it.

The good news: the moving industry is evolving to include more green practices, and thanks to the internet, it’s easier than it’s ever been to find a new home for items that might have otherwise ended up in a landfill. Here are our four best tips for a zero waste move that’s friendlier to the planet (and, as a bonus, to your wallet too).

Take Inventory Early—And Make a Plan For Your Stuff

Buy or Rent Plastic Moving Bins

Use Sustainable Packing Supplies

Work With a Green Moving Company

A Zero Waste Move is Possible

Whether you go zero waste or just low waste with your move, there are always things that you can do to reduce your negative impact on the environment during a relocation. And as you can see from the tips above, it doesn’t require any sort of sacrifice on your part—just a little bit of planning and a commitment to alternate moving materials.

Committing to a low or zero waste move is a smart way to do your part for the planet. In addition to the tips provided, come up with your own best practices that align with your goals and your lifestyle. There are always way to minimize your moving footprint, and always great reasons for doing so.