It’s no secret that moving to a new home can create a lot of waste. Traditional packing materials like tape, cardboard, and bubble wrap often end up in landfills, contributing to the moving industry’s carbon footprint.
The good news is that there are plenty of low-waste moving tips and materials that can make your move easier. To get you started on the path to a smooth and eco-friendly home relocation, here’s your very own zero-waste moving checklist.
Declutter Your Home Before You Pack
Just about every move includes some sort of decluttering. As you go through the cabinets, drawers, and closets throughout your home, you’ll almost certainly find items you’ve forgotten about or haven’t used in a few years—and there’s no need to bring them to your new place.
Instead of packing and moving the stuff you don’t need or want, check off the first box on your zero-waste moving checklist by donating it. There are plenty of charities throughout the Chicago Area that may be thrilled to take your second-hand items, and many of them will pick them up so you don’t even have to leave home.
You might also consider making a little extra cash by selling some of those possessions. Hold a garage or yard sale, or post on social media. Moving can be expensive, so many Chicagoland residents opt to make a few extra dollars with a pre-move sale.
Use Sustainable Moving and Packing Materials
The next item on your zero-waste moving checklist is to find environmentally friendly supplies that will protect your belongings without creating a ton of emissions or trash. While you might need to spend a little money to rent or buy these materials, there are also some creative DIY eco-friendly packing hacks that are easier on your wallet.
Rent Reusable Moving Crates
One of the best low-waste moving tips you can take advantage of is to rent reusable moving crates. These sturdy and water-resistant plastic bins are strong enough to safely hold a huge variety of items, so everything from your breakables to your linens and books will be protected.
But the advantages don’t end there. Reusable moving crates nest together so they take up less room when you’re packing, they conveniently stack in the moving truck, and they tend to be less expensive than buying brand-new supplies. You can even have them delivered to your home before your move and picked up from your new place after you’ve unpacked.
Look for Sustainable Moving Kits Online
In addition to renting reusable moving totes, you can also find sustainable packing kits that include:
- The recommended quantity of bins for your home’s size
- Wheeled steel dollies so you can easily move the bins around
- Recyclable packing paper
- Reusable wardrobe boxes for your hanging clothes
- Mattress bags to protect your twin, queen, and king mattresses
- File hangers for your organized documents
Just pick the kit that suits you best, and feel free to add a few a la carte items to customize your package.
Research Helpful DIY Eco-Friendly Packing Hacks
Your home is a treasure trove of environmentally friendly packing supplies. Use towels and blankets to wrap delicate or breakable items like glassware, small picture frames, and your prized collection of decorative ceramic figurines. Bulky coats and comforters are outstanding lightweight fillers for your reusable moving crates that already contain heavy items like books and dishes.
Keep in mind that you can also use household items as additional bins to pack your belongings into. Suitcases and duffle bags make great containers for just about anything you need to protect and bring to your new place.
Know What Packing Supplies to Avoid
As you cross more and more items off of your zero-waste moving checklist, it’s important to be aware of the packing supplies you’ll want to avoid as much as possible.
Single-use plastic packing and moving materials like tape, bubble wrap, and shrink wrap will instantly increase your move’s carbon footprint. Additionally, cardboard isn’t recycled as often as we’d like to think, so many used boxes end up in our planet’s landfills. And although foam packing peanuts should be an instant no-go, you can find biodegradable ones that are made of cornstarch or wheat starch.
Hire Professional and Eco-Conscious Movers
Alright, you’ve decluttered your home and used all the eco-friendly packing and moving supplies you could get your hands on. Well done! You’re on your way to having a smooth—and green—move.
The next item on your zero-waste moving checklist is to find eco-conscious and professional movers in Chicago. These companies are experts in the moving process…and they share your concern for the environment.
It’s usually a best practice to obtain about three moving estimates to ensure you’re getting the best service. As you talk to each moving company during the estimate process, ask them about their green efforts. When you find eco-conscious movers who are making strides to protect the Earth, you’ll know you’re in good hands.
Let’s Conquer Your Zero-Waste Moving Checklist Together
The Box Beaters team shares your goal of having a smooth, eco-friendly, and budget-friendly moving experience. Our reusable plastic bins, recyclable packing paper, and other packing supplies can help you conquer your zero-waste moving checklist.
Drop us a line today to learn more about our products, which we’ll deliver to and pick up from your door!