Tips for the Most Eco-Friendly Move

Quick answer: Eco-friendly moving means reducing waste, reusing materials, and minimizing your carbon footprint throughout your move.

From decluttering and packing with sustainable materials to choosing green movers and adopting energy-smart habits in your new home, a few mindful steps can make a big environmental impact, and even save you money.

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Step-by-step eco-friendly moving checklist

Planning a sustainable move doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are the most important steps to keeping your relocation green and efficient:

  • Plan ahead: Schedule early, research green movers, and gather reusable moving supplies.
  • Declutter responsibly: Sort, donate, sell, or recycle unwanted items before packing for an eco-friendly decluttering process.
  • Choose sustainable packing: Use recycled, biodegradable, or reusable materials for boxing up your belongings.
  • Rent or source reusable moving boxes: Opt for plastic bins or gently used boxes instead of buying new.
  • Pack with purpose: Repurpose household linens and reduce single-use plastics as much as possible.
  • Book a green moving company: Look for movers with fuel-efficient fleets, certifications, and transparent eco policies.
  • Reduce transportation emissions: Consolidate trips, offset carbon, and choose efficient routes or vehicles.
  • Recycle or reuse supplies post-move: Donate, sell, or recycle all boxes and packing materials after unloading.
  • Adopt eco-friendly habits in your new home: Install energy-efficient appliances, use non-toxic cleaners, and keep minimizing waste.

Why eco-friendly moving matters

Most moves create unnecessary waste and emissions. Here’s what usually happens with a conventional move:

  • Single-use boxes and packing materials: Most end up in landfills after just one move.
  • Multiple trips in fuel-inefficient trucks: More travel means higher emissions.
  • Old furniture and unwanted items tossed: Items often get thrown away instead of being reused or recycled.

Choosing eco friendly moving means less waste, lower emissions, and often, a less expensive move. Small changes can add up, especially if more movers get on board.


Eco-friendly packing materials and practices

Environmental impact of traditional materials

Most packing supplies like bubble wrap, packing peanuts, and plastic tape are made from petroleum-based plastics. These can take centuries to break down and often aren’t recyclable.

Top sustainable packing alternatives

There are several greener options for packing your belongings. Instead of non-recyclable supplies, try purchasing the following:

  • Recycled cardboard boxes: Choose boxes made from post-consumer materials.
  • Biodegradable bubble wrap: Brands like Uline Bio Bubble offer options that break down naturally.
  • Recycled packing paper: Swap out plastic wrap for paper made from recycled content.
  • Reusable cloth: Use towels, blankets, or clothing to cushion fragile items.

Repurposing what you already have is a win-win. Old t-shirts, linens, and even socks work as excellent padding. This not only reduces single-use plastic waste but also helps you pack for less.

Packing tip:

Try wrapping fragile glassware in t-shirts, using bath towels for art frames, and filling empty suitcase space with soft goods. You’ll protect your items and cut down on waste at the same time.


How to reduce waste before you move

Declutter the eco-friendly way

Every item you bring requires packing, hauling, and unpacking. The less you move, the less you waste, and the less you pay. Here’s how to lighten your load sustainably:

  1. Sort: Go room-by-room and separate items into keep, donate, sell, recycle, or toss piles.
  2. Donate: Give usable goods to Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity ReStores, local shelters, or community organizations.
  3. Sell: List your unwanted stuff on Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist, or host a garage sale.
  4. Recycle: Electronics, batteries, and textiles can often be recycled. Check Earth911 for local options.

Learn more: Check out our full guide to charities that pick up donations to schedule your free pickup.

Minimizing landfill waste isn’t just good for the planet; it’s also good for your wallet. You’ll save on packing supplies and lower moving costs by reducing your load.


How to find reusable moving boxes and containers

Renting reusable plastic bins

Single-use cardboard costs you and the environment. Renting reusable plastic bins is a smarter, greener choice for most moves. Here’s why these bins are a favorite among eco-conscious movers:

  • Durability: Sturdy bins protect your belongings and stack easily.
  • Less waste: There are no boxes to break down or throw away after the move.
  • Convenience: Many services deliver and pick up bins from your home.

Comparison: Reusable bins vs. cardboard boxes

Here’s a quick look at how reusable bins stack up against cardboard boxes:

Feature Reusable Plastic Bins Cardboard Boxes
Durability High (multiple uses) Medium (1–3 uses)
Eco Impact Low waste, reusable Often single-use, recyclable but energy-intensive
Cost Rent for ~$1–$2/bin/week Buy new or source free/gently used
Convenience Delivered/picked up by rental companies Requires sourcing/disposal

Eco-friendly moving kits and supplies

These kits are designed to make sustainable packing easier. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Recycled-content or biodegradable boxes
  • Compostable packing peanuts (made from cornstarch or cellulose)
  • Biodegradable bubble wrap alternatives
  • Recycled packing paper
  • Packing tape made from plant-based adhesives

How to choose a green moving company

What makes a mover eco-friendly?

Look for these features when you’re vetting sustainable movers:

  • Fuel-efficient or electric vehicles
  • Carbon offset programs (tree planting or verified credits)
  • Use of recycled and biodegradable packing materials
  • Eco-certifications and clear sustainability policies

Top-rated green moving companies

Several movers stand out for their sustainability efforts. For more options, check our best moving companies page.

  • Ekomovers: Plants a tree for every move, uses biodiesel trucks, 100% recycled boxes, and biodegradable supplies.
  • U-Pack: Offers flexible container options, allowing customers to optimize space and reduce trips.
  • College Hunks Hauling Junk: Focuses on donation, recycling, and landfill diversion.

“I chose U-Pack for my move because I could control how much space I used and avoided unnecessary trips. That meant less fuel and less waste overall.”

— Ryan Wisnor, Portland to Westlake (read more)

How to verify a moving company’s green claims

It’s important to confirm that a moving company’s sustainability efforts are real. Here’s how to check:

  • Look for third-party certifications
  • Ask movers for a written sustainability policy
  • Check if they participate in carbon offset programs
  • Read reviews and Better Moves Project experiences

Minimizing your move’s carbon footprint

Smart strategies

You can take these steps to further reduce your environmental impact on moving day:

  • Reduce trips: Pack efficiently and consolidate loads to minimize travel.
  • Choose fuel-efficient vehicles: Some companies offer hybrid, biodiesel, or electric trucks.
  • Plan your route in advance: Avoid backtracking or unnecessary detours.

Carbon offsetting: How and why

Even with the best intentions, moving often requires burning fossil fuels. You can offset what you can’t reduce by:


Sustainable moving trends and industry certifications

What’s new in eco friendly moving?

The moving industry is making real progress toward sustainability. Some of the latest trends include:

  • Electric and hybrid moving fleets
  • Zero-waste policies and reusable packing systems
  • Digital paperwork to reduce paper waste

Key certifications to look for

Third-party certifications can help you identify truly green companies:

  • Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI): Indicates verified green practices
  • EPA SmartWay Transport: Recognizes fuel-efficient carriers
  • CarbonNeutral® certification: Demonstrates offset projects and verified carbon reduction

Ask your mover to show proof of certification and explain what steps they take to reduce emissions and waste.


How to dispose and recycle moving supplies after the move

How to recycle or reuse moving materials

After your move, don’t let your supplies go to waste. Here are some ways to give your packing materials a second life:

  • Flatten and donate boxes to local schools, libraries, or community groups
  • Sell or give away packing materials on Craigslist or Freecycle
  • Return rented bins to the supplier for reuse
  • Recycle paper, cardboard, and plastics via your local municipal program

Donation and recycling resources

These organizations and tools can help you find responsible disposal and donation options:


Post-move sustainability tips

Once you’re settled in, keep up the momentum with these eco-friendly habits:

  • Switch to energy-efficient LED lighting and appliances
  • Use non-toxic, biodegradable cleaning supplies (like vinegar and baking soda)
  • Compost food waste and recycle diligently
  • Shop second-hand for furniture and household goods
  • Maintain your reduce-reuse-recycle habits in your new neighborhood

Frequently asked questions about eco friendly moving

How do I move sustainably?toggle

Start by decluttering, then pack with recycled or reusable materials, rent plastic bins, and choose a green moving company. Minimize trips, offset your move’s carbon emissions, and recycle or donate all your packing materials after you’re done.

Where can I rent reusable moving boxes?toggle

National services like Rentacrate offer bin rentals. You can also check for local companies that deliver and pick up bins at your door.

What are the best sustainable packing materials?toggle

Look for recycled cardboard, biodegradable bubble wrap, recycled packing paper, and reusable cloth items. Brands like EcoEnclose and Nature Pack offer excellent options, and using what you already have is always a good move.

Are there certifications for green moving companies?toggle

Yes. Look for Green Business Certification, EPA SmartWay, or CarbonNeutral® certification. These show the mover’s sustainability is verified by a third party.

How do I offset my move’s carbon footprint?toggle

Use a carbon calculator to estimate emissions, then purchase carbon offsets through organizations like Carbonfund.org or TerraPass. Some green movers also offer offset programs as part of their services.

Moving green made easy

You don’t have to overhaul your entire move to make a difference. Even swapping out one or two habits, like renting bins or donating unwanted items, helps cut waste and costs. Plus, you’ll save money, stress less, and feel good about your move.

Ready to plan your sustainable move? Use our moving cost calculator to get personalized quotes and see how eco-friendly options fit your budget.

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