By Jenn Ryan | Published 3:32 PM, October 27, 2021

Approximately 40 million Americans move every year, and when they move from one residence to another, they generate a lot of garbage. In fact, the materials required for these movements require approximately 90 million pounds of packaging paper, 30 million rolls of tape, and 900 million cardboard boxes each year. Since moving house generates so much waste, it is necessary to reduce the use of materials to reduce waste and improve moving efficiency. This is more gentle on the environment and can even save you a lot of money. Here are seven ways you can reduce waste in the next step.

It doesn't make sense to pack things you don't need. Moving the items you end up throwing away or donating at your destination will only result in more boxes, more packing tape, and more minivan (or mobile van) travel. Before moving, arrange your belongings first. This is a good time to get rid of unworn clothes, expired food, old sports equipment, and damaged furniture or tools. If possible, please postpone any bulk purchases before moving, so that you have to pack less.

Related: 10 things to stay next time you move

With so much online shopping nowadays, many people have no shortage of extra boxes in their homes. Once you know that you are moving, start collecting and storing cardboard boxes that can be used for luggage. Save big boxes from Amazon, pet supply companies, and electrical stores—you can even use shoe boxes. Depending on the size of your move, you can also transport items in storage boxes or baskets, laundry baskets, or luggage. By reusing boxes or baskets, you will not have to buy so many (or any) new boxes, so your move will reduce additional waste.

Related: 17 creative ways to reuse cardboard boxes

If you don’t have many boxes around, you can consult your local retailer to see if they have any boxes that they plan to recycle. Retailers such as grocery stores or warehouse stores usually receive items in boxes with extra items around, so please ask if you can own or buy some old boxes. If you still have to buy brand new boxes for your move in the end, choose boxes made of recycled materials to enhance eco-friendliness.

Related: The Best Moving Boxes of 2021

Instead of relying on peanuts or plastic foam packaging to protect fragile items, use creativity to cushion your items. Of course, you can buy biodegradable packaged peanuts, but why do you do this when you can reuse things around the house? To cushion delicate items, please use rags or old towels or blankets, old newspapers, used plastic bags, used foam packaging, or even the clothes or bedding you bring to your destination.

Related: 12 tips and tricks we learned from professional movers

The cardboard box can be folded at the top to limit the use of packaging tape made of plastic that is not recyclable. The homeowner can pass through several rolls of packaging tape during the move, and the more boxes there are, the more tape will be used. When you fold the top of the box, you can avoid using more tape, which will not only reduce your handling costs, but also help reduce waste and protect the environment. When you really need to buy packing tape, please choose paper tape to minimize the impact on the environment.

Related: 11 Packing Tips for Smooth Movement

After you finish unpacking all the items, please recycle as much material as possible. If you have used soft plastic materials, be sure to recycle these materials in accordance with the regulations of your county. Before you recycle the remaining boxes, please consider giving them to others who are moving. Any biodegradable packaged peanuts you use when you move are made of starch and can be safely thrown into the trash can.

Related: 20 surprising things that can't be recycled

If you are hiring professionals to move your belongings, you may want to consider environmentally friendly companies that use recycled materials and map effective routes to reduce fossil fuels and unnecessary waste. When getting a quote from a moving company, ask them what measures they have taken to make your move as efficient and environmentally friendly as possible.

Related: How to choose a moving company that best suits your needs

Moving company helps a family move out of their old home

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