Moving can be a stressful time for anyone. Whether you have planned your move for weeks (or even months), or are moving with little to no notice, it is always difficult to pack your entire life into boxes and transport it to your next abode. For those who are environmentally-responsible, minimizing your carbon footprint – the effect that your activities have on the environment – is an important consideration to make. Here are some suggestions on planning an effective, eco-friendly move:
Plan ahead. By taking the time to plan your move, and mapping out your exit strategy, you can solve problems before they arise. Plan your route with fuel-efficiency in mind, and if you have time, calculate your anticipated carbon footprint. If you find that you will be creating too large of a carbon footprint, it may be a good idea to rent a moving truck so you can get everything in one trip, rather than making repeated trips that waste fuel and increase your carbon dioxide output.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle! I have moved several times, and I have never bought boxes or packing materials. Free boxes can be found at most stores, or on websites like Craig’s List. Packing peanuts and foam wrap can be replaced with old newspapers, towels, or old t-shirts, which can be used to wrap delicate objects, and wadded up and stuffed into boxes to protect your valuables. Finally, don’t cover your boxes with tape. Securely tape the bottom, fold the flaps together at the top, and the box will be secure for your move. This will not only save money, but help the environment, as well.
Pack carefully. While you don’t want to cram everything into one box, it is a good idea to be as efficient as you can be, in order to have smaller loads and fewer trips whenever possible. If you will be moving from state-to-state or have a lot of belongings, I suggest hiring professional movers. They know how to pack boxes and a truck properly, which will reduce wasted fuel.
Idle hands – and idle cars – are not good. Sitting in traffic is not only frustrating, but a waste of fuel, as well. I have always made an effort to move during late morning and early afternoon hours in order to avoid traffic congestion. Additionally, when you arrive at your destination, turn your engine off. Vehicles waste more fuel when idling than any other time.
Waste not, want not. Move during day hours so you don’t need to turn lights on. Unless temperatures are dangerously high, try to avoid using air conditioning, both in your vehicle and in your old and new residences. While this may cause some minor discomfort, you will be reducing your carbon dioxide emissions, which will be worth it in the long run. Finally, pass your boxes and packing materials onto a future mover if possible, in order to continue the recycling chain.
While these may seem like commonsense suggestions to some, not everyone is aware of the effect that such small details can have on our environment. By being knowledgeable about your carbon footprint and being proactive whenever possible, you can make the world a slightly better place one day and action at a time. Good luck, and happy moving!