Moving Mindfully: Sometimes, it isn’t easy being green.

So, you’re moving to a new home.

Maybe you’re switching jobs, opting to live with your partner, or headed to a picture-perfect dreamhouse in an epic location you can’t wait to share. Or maybe you’re just moving because your current rent’s too high. Cheers to that.

Whatever the case, moving can be a stressful process, and perhaps being environmentally mindful has fallen to the bottom of your very lengthy to-do list. If you keep some helpful tips in mind from the start, though, they’ll be easier to fit in amidst the transitional chaos.

Ditch the Packing Peanuts

Seriously. Experts are unsure of how long styrofoam packing materials will linger in landfills, but whether its a thousand years or a million, they’re going to clutter up our earth for a super long time. Plus, they’re very difficult to recycle and only seldom reused. Instead, consider using your pillows and blankets, which have to be moved anyway, to safely pad and wrap your fragile items.

Donate

When was the last time you wore your floral sequined sweater? Last week? Wow, what shoes did you wear with that, and do you have a fashion blog? If your answer is more like, “um, forever ago,” however, then consider donating it and your other gently used items. A recent survey shows that on average Americans wear only 20% of their clothing on a regular basis, which means you could save some serious cardboard moving boxes by rehoming what you don’t reach for. Save a box, save a tree.

Use the Containers You Already Have

You may not need to buy as many boxes as you think. Consider using duffle bags, suitcases, reusable grocery bags and removable dresser drawers to pack away your stuff. If you do need boxes, choose one made of recycled materials.

Hire a Green Moving Company

You might think you’d save money and fuel hauling your things yourself, but if you’ll have to make several back-and-forth trips, hiring an eco-friendly moving company is worth investigating. Movers committed to green practices can get your moving finished in the fewest trips possible, using biodiesel fuel instead of gasoline. This will help minimize the environmental impact of your traveling.

You’re in the middle of a life change, of course you’re busy. Moving presents some of the most important opportunities to be mindful of the environment, though and you can be a huge help by making some simple swaps and choices.

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