Are you about to embark on a cross-country move and feeling concerned about its environmental impact? Don’t worry, because several steps can be taken to minimize your carbon footprint in order to make your move eco-friendly! Let us help guide you to a green, eco-friendly move!
Here are some of the ways you can make your cross-country move eco-friendly:
1. Choose Eco-Friendly Moving Companies
The first step to ensuring your cross country move is sustainable is deciding on a mover. You should hire cross-country movers who focus on green moving practices. Incorporating green transportation options into your relocation plan can significantly reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a greener future.
When traveling short distances, it opting hybrid or electric vehicle may be beneficial. For longer journeys, focus on finding companies that emphasize fuel-efficient trucks or utilize bio-fuels.
When deciding on your future mover, ask for their green credentials. Some companies do not mention their sustainability, so it’s important to ask about their practices.
Deciding on a mover also depends on the cost the move will incur. Ask for advanced moving quotes so that you can get your hands on the best deal out there.
2. Donate Unwanted Items
Before packing, we advise going over your belongings and looking for any unnecessary items. These items should be either donated or sold. Donating unwanted items when moving leads not only to waste reduction, but also extends a helping hand to the community, creating a win-win situation for everyone involved.
Moving such items will require additional packing material and lead to higher moving costs.
3. Green Packaging
According to a report, in 2018, the US alone generated about 12% of the world’s waste, for a country housing only 4% of the world’s population. About 1/3rd of the waste was packaging material of some sort.
One way of ensuring the eco-friendly nature of your move is to prioritize the use of sustainable packing materials. Try to avoid the usage of single-use plastics and instead use eco-friendly packaging. This can include biodegradable packing peanuts, reusable crates, or recycled cardboard boxes.
In order to reduce the use of plastic bubble wrap, use towels, blankets, and cloths for wrapping fragile materials. This will reduce the amount of waste generated.
Making a conscious effort to recycle and reuse materials can go a long way in preserving the planet for the future.
Here Are a Few Cross Country Packing Tips:
- Label your boxes. For example, boxes can be labeled according to the rooms they belong to or the equipment they contain.
- Keep fragile items like electronics separate.
- The weight of the boxes needs to be balanced to avoid extra-heavy boxes.
- Use suitcases to store your clothes.
4. Use Energy-Efficient Appliances
If you need to purchase new appliances for your new home, make sure that you opt for energy-efficient models. Always look for the Energy Star label, as they are designed to consume less power.
Buying a future-proof product that you know will be sustainable in the long run will not just save you money, but will also help sustain the environment.
5. Rent Reusable Moving Boxes
Instead of buying cardboard boxes, consider renting or buying reusable plastic moving boxes.
Whereas cardboard boxes often end up in the trash after a single use, plastic boxes can be reused by others.
Many moving companies provide recycled sustainable plastic boxes for you to use during the move.
6. Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
Moving long distances can significantly influence your carbon footprint. Luckily, there are ways in which you can offset carbon emissions during a move and contribute to neutralizing emissions.
Consider buying carbon offsets to compensate for the emissions generated during transportation. These offsets compensate for your emissions by reducing the emissions somewhere else in the world.
These companies or groups aid in reducing emissions by investing in or supporting projects related to renewables, methane capture, or waste management.
Factors to Be Kept in Mind When Buying Carbon Offset
- Check for legitimate standard certification of the company or non-profit organization by groups like The Gold Standard or Green-e.
- Look for its local impact. Ensure the offset projects support local communities and promote long-term environmental co-benefits.
- Ensure the carbon offset project details are transparent and accessible.
7. Eco-Friendly Cleaning
Clean your old home with eco-friendly products. Use biodegradable products that are safe and have a minor impact on the environment.
Most biodegradable products contain less toxic formulations and are safe for children and pets. Try to look at environmental certifications when choosing a cleaning agent.
8. Renewable Energy
If possible, transition to a renewable energy source in your new home. Energy generated through solar and wind is more environmentally friendly.
9. Plant a Tree
This can act as a great symbol of your commitment to the environment and can induce others to follow suit. Also, as you settle in, you’ll have the opportunity to build relationships with your community and develop a tree-planting initiative that benefits the local area.
FAQs
Why should I consider making my cross-country move eco-friendly?
Moving is known for generating waste and consuming lots of resources. Minimizing the impact of moving and using eco-friendly practices helps reduce your carbon footprint and sustain the environment for future generations.
What is the average cost to hire moving companies?
The average cost may vary depending on various factors, such as the date of the move, size of the move, travel fees (fuel, labor, company rate), add-on services, and so on. For example, when moving a 2-3 bedroom house over a distance of 2500 miles, the average cost could be anywhere between $3900 and $7500.
Average Cost of Coast to Coast Moving (Style Reference)
| Distance | 1 Bedroom | 2 – 3 Bedroom | 4 – 5 Bedroom |
| 2000 miles | $1700 – $3300 | $3300 – $6900 | $6500 – $8900 |
| 2500 miles | $1900 – $3700 | $3900 – $7500 | $8500 – $11000 |
| 3000 miles | $2200 – $4500 | $4600 – $9500 | $12000+ |
How can I minimize my carbon emissions during the move?
You can consider downsizing your belongings into smaller trucks, as large trucks consume more fuel. On top of that, plan your route carefully to avoid snags.
What should I do with the hazardous materials or items that can’t be donated or sold?
Hazardous materials should be disposed of safely before leaving your home. Carefully go through your local community disposal options, or if possible, donate them for recycling.
How can I be more eco-conscious when settling into my new house?
Consider using energy-efficient appliances like LEDs and renewable energy sources in your new home. Setting up recycling systems is also recommended.
Is an Eco-Friendly Cross-Country Move Worth It?
Making an eco-friendly move is necessary for a sustainable future. Caring for the environment and taking responsibility for your choices can change society’s approach to green energy.
By implementing the eco-friendly measures mentioned above into your cross-country move, you’ll play a small role in ensuring a sustainable future. We wish you a happy and green move!
