How to Move Sustainably: The Greenest Ways to Move
Last Updated:
Moving to a new home is exciting. But between logistics and costs, it can feel overwhelming. On top of that, there’s the environmental impact to consider. Transportation emissions, waste from packing materials, and inefficiencies all add up, making the process hard on the planet.
The good news is that moving smartly and sustainably is possible, and it’s easier than you may think! With the right resources and planning, you can significantly reduce your move’s carbon footprint. As the innovator in sustainable moving, U-Haul® created this guide to walk you through how to move in an eco-friendly and efficient manner.
It Starts with Transportation
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), transportation is the single biggest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Since transportation is a major element of the residential moving process, it’s a key factor to consider during your sustainable move.
The Truck Size Matters
Choosing your moving equipment based on your load size will eliminate excess carbon emissions during your move. Renting a truck that is too large or small (too small will result in multiple round trips to your destination) will result in wasted fuel. Whether you decide to rent a truck, trailer, or U-Box® portable moving containers, do the calculations up front to determine the right size truck or trailer (or right number of U-Box containers) to fit your belongings.
Cargo and Utility Trailers
Trailers are one of the most environmentally efficient ways to move, since they don’t emit greenhouse gases. Towing a trailer does increase your vehicle’s fuel usage and emissions, but it’s still the most eco-friendly option compared with using additional vehicles or making extra trips. Bonus: It also tends to be one of the most affordable moving solutions available.
Community Suppliers, Close Proximity
U-Haul Truck Sharing® and Trailer Sharing®, the core services of U-Haul Company’s 80-year-old sustainable business model that encourage communities to share the use of a moving truck or trailer rather than personal ownership, are proven to reduce traffic and carbon emissions. Drivers plan trips more carefully and drive less when they rent and pay for mileage and usage hours. Additionally, fewer people need to own large-capacity trucks and SUVs when affordable and accessible rental equipment is nearby. Opting for your closest local moving supplier is convenient and good for the planet.
Green Approach to Moving Supplies
Moving supplies often require significant natural resources and energy to make, yet many of them end up in landfills after only one use. With millions of people moving every year, that adds up. Aside from environmental costs, moving supplies can get expensive quickly. Protect the planet and your wallet with an eco-friendly approach to acquiring and utilizing moving supplies.
Moving Supply Alternatives
The most sustainable moving supplies are no moving supplies. Sometimes you may be able to use items you already own to pack your things.
- Wrap fragile items such as dishes with towels and clean clothing like T-shirts instead of packing paper or bubble wrap.
- Use household items like suitcases and laundry hampers to pack and carry items before using cardboard boxes.
Reusable Moving Supplies
After getting creative with what you have, reusable moving products are the next best option.
Used Moving Supplies: Traditional moving supplies like cardboard boxes can be used multiple times. Ask friends and family if they have extras or check out local resources — we have linked some below.
Rentable Moving Supplies: Moving supply rentals are another great option. Since products like furniture pads can be reused for hundreds of moves, they are often available to rent. Rentals keep products out of landfills, are more economical, and spare you the dilemma of storing those supplies after moving.
U-Haul Ready-To-Go Boxes® are heavy-duty plastic moving bins, reused by countless customers and then recycled at the end of their lifecycle. As an added benefit, spacious Ready-To-Go Box rentals are easier to stack and carry than cardboard boxes.
Sustainable Moving Supplies
If you decide to purchase moving supplies, consider sustainably made and recyclable options such as:
- Biodegradable packing peanuts: dissolve in water for easy disposal.
- Recycled fabric furniture pads: protect your items and prevent textile waste.
- Cardboard moving boxes and packing paper: usually recyclable when they are no longer usable.
- Enviro-Bubble®: U-Haul Company’s recyclable bubble wrap.
Use Local Resources
- Many U-Haul centers offer the free Take a Box, Leave a Box® program. It’s exactly what it sounds like, empowering eco-conscious community members to take and leave used cardboard boxes.
- U-Haul hosts a nationwide moving supply exchange site. Search for or list used supplies in your area.
More Tips for Making Your Move Greener
Declutter
The more belongings you have to move, the less green your move will be. Excess belongings equate to higher environmental impacts due to both transportation and supplies. Declutter your home in the months and weeks leading up to your move. You can do this and still save the belongings important to you by renting a self-storage unit. Reducing your belongings also simplifies the packing process.
For the items you no longer want or need, declutter responsibly by donating or selling your items locally so they can be reused. Throwing away unwanted things creates massive amounts of waste in landfills and contributes to excess consumption.
Help Make Moving More Sustainable with U-Haul
By planning ahead and making conscious choices, you can drastically reduce the environmental impact of your move. Every small sustainable step adds up to a greener future — for your home and the planet. Thank you for sharing our goals!