Between single-use moving supplies ending up in landfills and the emissions generated by large box trucks adding to air pollution, the moving industry has a pretty big carbon footprint. But people still need to relocate to new homes. So what can you do to reduce the environmental impact of your next move?
First, read on to learn just how tough wasteful moving practices can be on the planet. Then, equip yourself with a helpful zero-waste moving checklist and find Chicago movers who care as much about the environment as you do!
Are Single-Use Moving Supplies Really That Wasteful?
The moving industry is massive, and it’s gained a bad rap for being wasteful. According to some moving statistics published in 2025, the estimated annual trash created by moving includes:
- 900 million cardboard boxes
- 90 million pounds of packing paper
- 30 million rolls of tape
While some of these materials can be reused or recycled, many are used once and then thrown away. Single-use moving supplies really are that wasteful, but there’s good news on the horizon: you have alternative options that will help lessen your environmental impact.
Alternatives to Single-Use Moving Supplies
There’s a revolution brewing in the moving industry, and it involves sustainable moving trends that reduce the trash generated by home and office relocations. More and more Chicagoans are choosing to rent plastic moving boxes instead of using cardboard. As a bonus, these moving totes don’t require any tape that’ll have to be tossed after your move.
You can also rent other multi-use packing materials. These reusable items include strong wheeled dollies, file folder hangers for your home or corporate office, and wardrobe boxes for the hanging clothes in your closets.
A lot of moves throughout the Chicagoland Area do require at least a small handful of single-use moving supplies. And that’s ok! You can still manage your move’s environmental impact with eco-friendly materials. Ask your Chicago moving company if they can provide or recommend recyclable packing paper, biodegradable boxes, and water-soluble padding like corn starch packing peanuts or mushroom-based foam.
How Chicago Residents can Reduce their Environmental Impact When Moving
Planning a zero-waste move is easier than you might think. Here are a few ways to reduce your environmental impact next time you’re moving to a new home or office:
- Declutter your space so you’re packing and moving fewer items. Donate or sell the stuff you don’t want instead of throwing it in the trash.
- Ditch single-use moving supplies in favor of rentable options.
- If you do need some single-use supplies, find green ones. Try not to use plastics like tape and bubble wrap that can’t be recycled and won’t biodegrade.
- Talk to your moving company about their green initiatives, including the moving supplies they’ll provide and the eco-friendliness of their fleet.
Here’s a fringe benefit: environmentally-friendly materials like rental plastic totes can save you money on your move. When you weigh the options between wasteful single-use moving supplies and their green alternatives, there’s really no contest. Eco-friendly supplies for the win!
Reduce the Environmental Impact of Your Chicago Move With Our Eco-Friendly Moving Materials
Our customers trust us as their partners in smooth, eco-friendly, and cost-efficient moves. We strive to help our customers plan zero-waste relocations so they can settle into their new homes quickly, knowing they’ve done their part to protect the planet.
Place your order today or give us a call to discuss your move. We can’t wait to chat about how we can reduce your environmental impact with a move completely free of single-use moving supplies!