Going green isn’t always about sticking up posters and turning off light bulbs when not needed, but ensuring that whatever you do does not harm the environment in any way. And one major instance where people don’t actually follow the eco-friendly rules is when they are relocating.

Quite frankly, it’s pretty easy to pack your things inside cardboard boxes and secure your fragile items in bubble wrap. But, little do you know, many of these practices adversely impact our environment.

So, how do you move when you are on a mission to go green? Before finding a moving company in Maryland, follow these eco-friendly moving tips for a green move.

Sell Or Donate As Much As You Can

Before you get started with the actual moving process, take some time to declutter your house. Open your drawers, assess your cupboards, and purge the things you don’t need anymore.

It can be anything from books, magazines, clothes, utensils, electronics, or wall hangings. Donate your clothes and books to charity shops and sell your unwanted electronics and furniture. You can also give things away that no longer serve you.

So, before contacting movers in Rockville, MD, take out your reusable moving boxes and eco-friendly packing materials and take a drive to the donation centers.

Dispose Of Hazardous Material In An Eco-Friendly Manner

During your green move, it’s pretty common to come across certain harmful chemicals that you cannot simply throw into the trash and walk away. You need to dispose of these items safely and in the proper manner.

Do your research to safely discard such products. If you have solutions like ammonia, motor oil or kerosene, read the label carefully to know how to dispose of the chemical. If you’re not able to figure it out, you can call a green moving company in Maryland and they’ll do it for you. However, make sure they follow eco-friendly practices to dispose of these items.

Use Environmentally Friendly Packing Materials

The best way to make your move green is by using eco-friendly packing materials. If you don’t want to purchase them, you can likely rent reusable moving boxes and recycled plastic to get started. However, make sure to stay away from plastic bags. They are the worst choice when it comes to green moving.

You can contact a green moving company to help you find a place where you can purchase or rent eco-friendly packaging materials. Try not to use new cardboard boxes and instead, make the most of recycled moving boxes. To make the entire move greener, you can give the leftover boxes to someone else who needs it.

Collect Used Cardboards and Boxes From Local Shops

Chances are your local stores might have a few boxes that are just sitting in the corner. You can ask the store manager or owner to give them to you or offer a nominal fee, so you don’t need to buy new ones.

This will not only help you save money but also make your move even greener.

Use Eco-Alternatives Instead of Conventional Wrapping

While it’s pretty natural to wrap your fragile items in bubble wrap, it’s not always eco-friendly. These wraps may be made from recycled plastic, which is still bad for the environment. Instead, make your products shock-proof by adding shredded paper inside the boxes. While these are not entirely environmentally friendly, it’s a better alternative to recycled plastic. You could also consider using honeycomb paper wrap.

Rather than using plastic tapes, try using strings or paper tape to seal-proof your moving boxes. Paper tape is a greener alternative to conventional tape and has some exceptional eco-friendly properties, not to mention it’s very cost effective.

Hire An Environmentally Friendly Moving Company

Search for a moving company that actually cares about the environment in Maryland. You can find various movers in your specific area and ask them about their practices. Not only can an eco-friendly company reduce the greenhouse gasses released into the atmosphere, they can likely set you up with reusable moving boxes that will further reduce any waste from your move.

Go Green To Your New Home Too

Going green should not be limited to your move. If possible, continue eco-friendly practices in your new home as well. Install LED light bulbs, turn off lights when not needed, and unplug appliances when not in use to save energy and also make the world a little more greener. You can also cut back on your fuel consumption, install suitable window treatment to prevent energy loss, and stay away from single-use plastic.

Need more information or help making an eco-friendly move, contact Blake Moving and Storage to plan your move today.