Moving to a new home requires the use of boxes and packing materials, and some of these materials may end up getting thrown away. If you are concerned about the impact your move might have on the environment, here are a few options you can use to reduce waste when you move to a new home.

Rent Reusable Containers

Reusable plastic containers eliminate the need for cardboard boxes during your move. These containers are typically made from durable plastic, and they come in a range of sizes. They are designed to stack neatly in your moving truck, which makes it easier to arrange your items as you load the vehicle. You can arrange to have these boxes delivered to your home when you are ready to begin packing, and the rental company can pick them up from your new home once your move is complete.

Use Linens As Packing Materials

Instead of using tissue paper or packing peanuts to wrap fragile items, consider using household linens instead. Towels, dishcloths, sheets and clothing can help to cushion your dishes and other delicate items, and they can be washed and folded once your move is complete. This helps to reduce the amount of waste you produce during your move, and it can help you to save on the cost of packing materials. You can also use blankets and comforters to cushion your furniture after it has been loaded into your moving van.

Buy Specialty Moving Boxes

Some cardboard moving boxes can be used well after your move is complete. Wardrobe boxes have built-in dowel rods that let you hang your clothing to keep your items free from wrinkles. This unique design can also be handy when you need to store seasonal clothing in a basement or storage area. Purchase a few of these boxes to move your clothing, and reuse them to store coats and other seasonal items. You can also find specialty boxes for dishes and glassware that feature individual compartments for fragile items. These boxes can be reused to store Christmas decorations or your heirloom dishes that only get used occasionally. Talk to your moving company about different types of specialty boxes, and consider the different ways they can be used after your move.

Contact A Recycling Center

Instead of placing cardboard boxes and other moving materials in your dumpster or garbage cans, arrange with your local recycling center to have these items picked up and recycled. This eliminates waste that might otherwise go into a landfill, and it leaves plenty of room in your trash bins for actual garbage.

Work with your moving company to come up with other eco-friendly moving options. With a bit of resourcefulness and creativity, you can reduce the amount of waste you produce when you move to a new home. For more information, contact Route 37 Self-Storage or a similar company.