4 Tips for a Green Move
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average American moves 12 times during his/her lifetime. When you consider the dozens of cardboard boxes, rolls of packing tape, piles of packing peanuts, and gallons of fuel that are used during each move, it’s no surprise that moving has a negative effect on the environment.
But did you know that by making a few small changes during your next move, you can greatly reduce your environmental impact? This month, My Tucson Movers brings you 4 eco-friendly moving tips to ensure a more “green” move.
1. Declutter and Donate
One of the most important green moving tips we can offer is to make sure that you get rid of any items you don’t need well before moving day.
One simple way to do this is to give away your items to friends or family members that may want them. Alternatively, you can host a garage sale or donate any reusable items to local nonprofit organizations. Not only will this help diminish the amount you will need to move, but you will be able to write off any charitable giving as deductions during tax-return season.
Another great resource for getting rid of unwanted items in a “green” way is to list them online, on websites like “freecycle.org or Craigslist’s Tucson free stuff page.
2. Seek Out Green Moving Materials
If you plan to buy your moving boxes, be sure to recycle them.
According to Earth 911, one person can save 7 trees, 18,480 KW of energy, 35 gallons of oil, 26 gallons of air pollution, 3,080 gallons of water and 1 cu. yard of landfill in their lifetime by simply recycling their moving boxes.
Another more “green” alternative to purchasing new boxes is to reuse boxes that are still in good condition. Check with local restaurants and grocery stores to see if they have any shipment boxes they no longer need before you think about purchasing. usedcardboardboxes.com is one website that recycles and sells cardboard boxes for a fraction of the cost of new boxes.
You can also eliminate the need for Styrofoam packing peanuts and bubble wrap by simply using towels, bedding, and old clothing to pack your fragile belongings. You can use old newspapers or eco-friendly packing materials like recycled paper cubes that can be composted, instead.
3. Make One Trip
To make your trip as fuel efficient as possible, be sure to lighten your load before you move. The less things you have, the smaller truck you can use.
We recommend hiring movers and using a moving van, rather than using your car for several cross-town trips. Not only will this greatly reduce the amount of gas and carbon dioxide emitted, but it will save you valuable time and money.
4. Use Green Cleaning Supplies
Avoid health hazards and improve the quality of your home environment by using green cleaning supplies during your next move.
Whether you are trying to get your security deposit back or just want to clean your new home before settling in, we all know that cleaning is a big part of the moving process. Consider using environmentally-conscious brands or natural cleaners like baking soda or vinegar. Check out this list of eco-friendly cleaning products for your next move.
Professional Moving Services in Tucson, AZ
At My Tucson Movers we strive to provide affordable moving services to our customers while maintaining a sustainable relationship with the environment.
Let our team of highly trained professional movers help you with your next local or long distance move. Give us a call today at (520) 822-6140 for more information about our moving services or to schedule your free quote!
Getting ready for your big move but feel like the stress is starting to get to you? Fill out the form below to receive our guide to the "Most Common Moving Day Mistakes," so you can learn how to avoid unnecessary stressors.
