4 Simple Ways to Make Your Move Greener

Many individuals are seeking out little ways to live a greener lifestyle, altering the way we relocate is a great place to start. While we may be in a rush when we move, there are minor adjustments we can make so the move is a little greener and sometimes even easier, cheaper and more efficient.

1) Get Rid of Stuff 

The less stuff you need to move, the easier the move. If you get rid of enough stuff, it can even mean needing a smaller moving truck and/or less trips you need to make with your own vehicle. With fewer trips and smaller moving vans, it means releasing less gas emissions into the environment. 

Go through your home with four boxes. Each one dedicated to selling, donating/giving away, recycling or just throwing away. Now is the time to purge. There is nothing more infuriating then needing to pack up junk, move junk then unpack the junk while you wonder why oh why you even bothered moving any of this stuff in the first place. Just keep in mind what you need versus what you are holding onto for no particular reason. 

2) Greener Boxes 

Buying new boxes can be a waste of money, energy and resources. Instead you can opt to rent green boxes,   

save boxes for your move or dumpster dive for boxes. Cardboard accounts for a lot of thrown away material in recycling and dumps yard. 

Also, remember to get green packing materials as well. If you know you are moving save cardboard egg cartons, newspapers, magazines and other materials to pack up more delicate items. You can also use clothing, bedding, towels and other soft materials most homes already have on hand. 

3) Clean Green 

Part of every move is cleaning up after yourself and cleaning your new home before you start unpacking. Consider purchasing some green cleaning supplies that have less chemicals that can be harmful to you and the environment. Although these type of supplies cost a little more, you can buy them in bulk through Amazon or Costco to save a little money. 

4) Waste no Food 

Before you move eat all the food in your fridge. Don't buy food you are not going to have time to prepare before the move. People frequently will empty everything in the fridge into the trashcan, because it is impossible to move perishable items long distances. Instead of wasting food, it is best to try to plan to eat as much of the perishable items as possible.  

Do not toss non-perishable items! Pack them with you or donate them to your local food bank. With so many in need, it is really a major shame to waste food. Not to mention generating food takes a lot of energy!