8 Tips to Make Your Move More Sustainable

Moving to a new home or city is exciting, but it often comes with some not-so-exciting environmental consequences. From gas-guzzling moving trucks to single-use products like moving boxes and packing peanuts, the process can be far from green. 

In fact, over 25 million Americans move to a new home each year. Along the way, they waste various materials, drive repeatedly back and forth, and accumulate tons of trash. The result is an excess of waste and carbon emissions.

However, moving doesn’t have to be an environmentally damaging process. With thoughtful planning and a commitment to sustainability, you can save money, reduce stress, minimize your ecological footprint, and make your transition a more environmentally friendly, green move.

1. Declutter and Downsize Beforehand

One of the most effective ways to ensure sustainable moving is to declutter and downsize before you start packing. Moving fewer items means less packing materials to purchase, fewer trips back and forth, and a smaller moving truck. Additionally, you’ll avoid transporting items you no longer need or use.

Begin by taking a good look at everything you own. Items that no longer bring you joy or serve a purpose can be sold, donated, or recycled. Use these tips to help you declutter more efficiently:

• Sort and Categorize: To avoid overwhelm, tackle one room at a time and sort items into categories: keep, donate, sell, recycle, and discard.
• Sell: Selling items you no longer need can help reduce waste and add a little cash to your moving budget.
• Donate: Many organizations will happily take your gently used items, ensuring your old belongings get a second life rather than ending up in a landfill.
• Recycle Responsibly: Properly recycle items that cannot be reused. Electronics, batteries, and certain plastics require special disposal methods.

2. Upcycle Moving Materials

Traditional packing materials like cardboard boxes, bubble wrap, and packing peanuts are not only wasteful, but they also tend to end up in landfills. Upcycling and reusing materials can make your move significantly more sustainable.

Instead of buying new packing materials, protect your belongings with items you already own — from old towels, bed sheets, and clothes to newspapers and bubble wrap from previously delivered packages. 

For example, delicate items like dishes, glassware, and electronics can be wrapped in fabric materials instead of bubble wrap or packing peanuts. Duffel bags, suitcases, and backpacks can also be used in place of boxes, saving precious space in your moving truck. 

3. Use Eco-Friendly Moving Supplies

If you need to buy packing materials, seek out eco-friendly alternatives. For instance, traditional packing peanuts are made from polystyrene, which is not biodegradable and can harm the environment. Instead, you’ll want to use biodegradable packing peanuts, which are made from natural, non-toxic materials and can be composted after use. 

Additionally, common packing tape is made from plastic and can be difficult to recycle. Opt for non-plastic alternatives like paper tape or biodegradable tape. These options are just as effective and much kinder to the environment.

You might also consider packing box alternatives. Here are a few options: 

• Reusable Bins: Reusable bins are sturdier than traditional cardboard boxes. They can be used for organizational purposes in your new home or for a future move. 
• Box Rentals: Can you rent moving boxes? Absolutely! Standalone box rental businesses and some moving companies offer sturdy, stackable bins that can be reused multiple times, reducing waste.
• Used Boxes: If none of these options work for you, try to find used boxes. Friends, family, and many local stores or online communities offer free or cheap used boxes. This gives them a second life and reduces the demand for new ones.

4. Maximize Trips Between Houses

If you need to make multiple trips between your old and new homes, plan to maximize each trip’s efficiency. Planning in advance can save time and fuel and reduce your carbon footprint.

• Plan your route and moving time in advance: Map out the most efficient route between your old and new home to minimize travel time and fuel consumption. Avoiding traffic-heavy times can also help reduce emissions.
• Combine trips and errands where possible: If you need to pick up supplies or run errands, try to combine these trips to make the most of each journey.
• Load your moving truck efficiently: Use all available space. Stack moving totes and boxes as high as safe to do so, disassemble furniture, and fill any gaps with smaller items. This will reduce the number of trips you’ll need to take.
• Use a larger vehicle if needed: Renting a larger moving truck might seem less eco-friendly, but if it means fewer trips, it may actually save on emissions overall.

5. Manage Utilities Wisely

Be mindful of your utility usage during the move. Turn off lights, unplug appliances, and adjust thermostats in both homes to prevent unnecessary energy consumption. 

• Schedule Utility Transfers: Coordinate with utility companies to ensure services at your old home are disconnected the day after you move out and connected at your new home the day before you arrive.
• Smart Thermostats: If possible, install smart thermostats in your new home so you can optimize energy efficiency by controlling heating and cooling remotely.
• Energy-Efficient Upgrades: Consider upgrading to energy-efficient appliances and lighting in your new home. These can reduce your energy consumption and save on utility bills in the long run.

6. Opt for Sustainable Cleaning Products During the Move

Both your old and new homes will likely need a good clean. Choose eco-friendly cleaning products to reduce your impact. Many conventional options contain harmful chemicals that can contribute to pollution. Instead, make your own cleaners with natural ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice, and opt for washable cloths instead of disposable, single-use options.

7. Reduce Waste When Unpacking

Once you arrive at your new home, aim to unpack in a way that minimizes waste. Save boxes, packing paper, and other materials for future use or give them to someone else who is moving.

Break down cardboard boxes and recycle them. Also, recycle any paper or plastic used during the move. And if you find items you don’t need in your new home, consider donating them instead of throwing them away.

8. For Temporary Moves, Opt for Furniture Rental with CORT

Moving can feel like a pretty unsustainable process. It involves single-use items, tons of fuel for moving trucks, and large amounts of waste. Some of these might be unavoidable, but there are ways to make your move a bit more sustainable. One of those ways is to opt for furniture rental from CORT.

Furniture rental from CORT is a great way to furnish your home when your move is temporary, such as a military move, work relocation, change in life circumstances, or off-campus student housing. While we can’t move your current house full of furniture for you, CORT can help you furnish your entire space temporarily with our selection of furniture and home goods. All you have to bring is your toothbrush!

CORT furniture is built to our high construction standards and designed to last through multiple rental lifecycles – typically from two to six. This intentional longevity reduces furniture waste. At the end of their rental life, furniture is delivered to a CORT Furniture Outlet to be sold to its forever home. This process of circularity, or keeping items in circulation by repurposing them, helps keep our furniture more eco-friendly and reduces waste from single-use items.

Ready to get started? Browse the furniture and decor you want to rent online or in-store. After you create a furniture package tailored to your space and needs, our team will deliver and set up furniture for you. Then, when you’re ready, you can schedule a pickup date, and our team will haul the furniture away. Start browsing online or in-store today!