Millions of people are moving house each year, which requires a significant amount of time, resources, energy and money. The process is tedious for many, and when done in the traditional manner it produces a considerable amount of waste. Some this waste includes plastic, cardboard boxes and other packing material. Below are some ways to relocate in a manner that is friendly towards the environment.

Reuse Packing Boxes

Moving boxes are commonly used when relocating, and many people throw them away after a single use. A better solution for these boxes is to either take them to a recycling center or purchase wood and plastic crates which don’t wear out easily and can be reused many times. Another even better option is to rent moving boxes when relocating.

Many people also use bubble wrap for packing material, but this is bad for the environment since it regrades slowly and creates pollution. A better, more eco-friendly and cost effective solution is to use old towels and newspapers.

Only Take What You Need

Many movers are under the impression that they need to move with everything they own. However, those who want to relocate in an eco-friendly manner should take only what they need. You will always have a few keepsakes and family heirlooms that you will want to take with you, but the more stuff you move, the bigger the load and the more gas you’ll consume. Relocating with a lighter load will also reduce your moving costs overall, and will make the process faster.

Hold A Garage Sale

In the days or weeks preceding your move, a great way to help the environment is by holding a garage sale. If you’ve lived in the same location for many years it is likely you have a lot of stuff you no longer need or want, and hosting a garage sale is a great way to raise some cash while making it easier and faster to relocate. With the power of the Internet you can advertise your garage sale on classified ad sites and this will maximize the number of people that show up.

Work With Moving Companies That Have Eco-Friendly Policies

A growing number of companies in various industries have embraced the green movement, and this includes many movement companies. Therefore, those who are looking to relocate have more options than ever when it comes to choosing a mover who will help them relocate, while impacting the environment as little as possible. An example of a green moving company would be one which powers its moving trucks via biodiesel as opposed to regular gasoline, or one which uses biodegradable moving materials.

These are just a few of the eco-friendly ideas you can employ when making your next move. There are many other solutions, and ultimately you are only limited by your creativity and imagination. Moving can be stressful and tedious, but by planning in advance and following environmentally sound principles you can make your move as streamlined and green as possible.