5 Ways to Go Green on Moving Day

You might consider yourself a “green” person — someone who recycles regularly, reduces waste, and chooses alternatives to driving whenever possible. But when moving day arrives, environmental concerns can easily be overshadowed by the stress of packing, planning, and transporting your belongings. It’s easy to overlook the environmental impact of a move, especially when you’re focused on logistics.

The good news? A sustainable moving day doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few intentional choices, you can reduce waste, cut fuel use, and make your entire move more eco-friendly. Here are five practical ways to embrace sustainable moving from start to finish.

1. Start With Sustainable Moving Supplies

An eco-friendly move starts with the right materials. That doesn’t mean driving from store to store hoping to score leftover cardboard boxes (which can waste gas and time). Instead, look for reliable reuse programs and sustainable moving boxes that help reduce waste.

A great place to start is with U-Haul’s reuse options: the Take a Box, Leave a Box® program and the Online Box Exchange let you pick up free, gently used boxes from other customers.

If you want a sturdier, more eco-friendly solution, consider renting Ready-To-Go Boxes: durable plastic bins that replace traditional cardboard boxes entirely. These reusable containers reduce waste and help keep your belongings organized throughout the move.

When purchasing supplies, choose items made with recycled or biodegradable materials whenever possible. Small swaps such as recycled packing paper, biodegradable packing peanuts, and recycled bubble packing wrap go a long way toward reducing your environmental footprint.

2. Choose Fuel-Efficient Equipment

Not all moving trucks have the same environmental impact. Fuel efficiency can vary significantly across  models, and choosing the right vehicle is one of the most effective ways to support a sustainable move.

U-Haul rental trucks are engineered to maximize efficiency. For example, our rental trucks feature a low profile, rounded corners, and advanced chassis skirts that reduce wind drag and improve fuel economy. Some models even include a fuel economy gauge to help you monitor your driving habits in real time.

Learn more about How to Save Money on Truck Rentals.

3. Choose Pickup & Drop-Off Locations Wisely

Planning your pickup and drop-off locations ahead of time can significantly reduce emissions during your move. Look for a truck rental company with convenient neighborhood locations so you don’t have to drive long distances to get or drop off your equipment.

If you’re moving to a new city, check the map for both your starting and ending locations. The shorter the route to return your truck or trailer, the less fuel you’ll burn, and the more sustainable your move will be.

4. Minimize What You Move

One of the easiest ways to make a move more sustainable is simply to move less. The fewer items you pack, the smaller the truck you’ll need, and the less fuel you’ll use.

Before you start packing, donate or recycle items you no longer need. Clothing, small appliances, and furniture in good condition can be donated to local charities or reuse centers. Electronics, cardboard, and scrap metal can often be recycled. Decluttering not only supports sustainable moving practices but also helps you easily organize your new home.

Learn more about Your Ultimate Yard Sale Guide.

5. Be Mindful of Waste on Moving Day

Even with careful planning, moving day can generate a lot of waste. Set aside separate bags or bins for recyclables like cardboard, plastic wrap, and paper. Make sure hazardous materials (like old cleaning products, paint, or batteries) are disposed of properly through local collection programs.

Once the move is complete, return or recycle your boxes and packing materials so they can be used again. Reusing supplies is one of the simplest ways to keep waste out of landfills and support more eco-friendly moving habits. At U-Haul, we’ll buy back any unused moving supplies at 100% of what you paid to help you reduce waste. 

Sustainable Moving with U-Haul

If you’re aiming for a greener move, choosing the right supplies and equipment can make all the difference. From reusable boxes to fuel-efficient trucks, you’ll find plenty of eco-friendly options at U-Haul to help you move more sustainably.