Many of us have heard and used the famous slogan reduce, reuse, and recycle a few times here and there, but how does this phrase relate to packing for a move? There are plenty of ways for one to reduce the environmental impact of their moving, and the easiest place to start is with the Three R's.

Reducing Creates Change

When in the planning process of your packing, one of the first things you should think about is how much packing material you will need so that your items are packed safely. The number one material used for packing are boxes, and you can help the environment by reducing the amount that you purchase brand new. To reduce this amount of packing materials, you should ask your friends, family, and local commercial businesses if they have any leftover boxes that you can use for your move.

The next way to reduce the amount of materials used for packing is to utilize some of your softer household items for padding. Instead of buying bubble wrap and foam peanuts, you can wrap your valuables in t-shirts, pillows, towels, blankets, newspaper, and office paper.

Reusing Your Materials

After you have completed your move and are unpacked, you have a few options of what to do with your used packing materials. It is always best to try and increase the lifecycle of a product, as it will reduce the amount of new products that are produced in replace of it.

If you have available storage in your home or apartment, save your packing materials so you can use them again for your next move. If you are unable to store them or don't want these materials hanging around for so long, you can donate them to a friend or family member who may need them for their move. Some mailing centers such as The UPS Store will also accept used packing materials for reuse.

Recycling Your Move

If you have no option except to buy new packing materials, it is best to buy recycled materials for your long distance move. There are some long distance moving companies that provide recycled materials such as boxes, wrapping paper, and packing peanuts. Following your move, be sure to contact your local transfer station or recycling center to see how you can properly dispose of these packing materials.