Eco-Friendly Moving Tips for International Relocations

Whether you’re moving across the city or across the globe, relocating can significantly impact the environment. Packing materials and the use of gas-powered vehicles are just two factors influencing sustainability during moves. But as consumers become more concerned about the planet's health, they're exploring ways to move internationally while honoring nature.

This guide covers the basics of adopting eco-friendly moving practices which can reduce your carbon footprint, minimize waste and find the perfect international moving service.

Minimizing Waste and Consumption

International moves require that you pay special attention to wrapping and packing your belongings. You can reduce or even eliminate reliance on single-use packing materials by being strategic in how you pack and transport everything from books to bedroom sets.

Decluttering and Downsizing

Your first step should be tossing, donating or selling all the items you can live without. This automatically translates to fewer packing materials and less space on a moving truck or in a cargo bay. To further lessen the environmental impact:

• Recycle where possible. Anything you can recycle should be driven to your local recycling center or put out for weekly pickup.
• Donate gently used items. Local charitable organizations are almost always looking for children’s clothes, household goods, tools and art supplies. Consider gifting small items with less resale value to individuals in neighborhood buy-nothing groups.
• Sell items of value. The vintage boots you haven’t worn in years and your collection of childhood VHS tapes could make another person or family very happy. Sell locally via social media marketplaces to avoid shipping fees and upping your carbon footprint by sending items across the country.

Reusing and Repurposing Packing Materials

Packing materials are expensive and often used only once. You can save money and skip some of the paper, Bubble Wrap and Styrofoam peanuts by using household items to safeguard fragile goods. 

• Layer dishes between wash clothes or kitchen towels.
• Place collectibles inside socks.
• Save the original boxes for small appliances and reuse them during your move.
• Rent moving blankets for large furniture, such as armoires and upright pianos.
• Pack clothing and shoes in spare suitcases and trunks.

Reducing Single-Use Plastics

Consider honeycomb wraps and corrugated paper products as an alternative to plastic packing materials. Rely on cloth laundry sacks and reusable grocery bags to tote items that don’t fit into boxes. You can avoid single-use plastic bottles on the road and in airports by bringing a refillable stainless steel or glass drinking vessel.

Sometimes, packing items in their original containers can help you skip one-purpose packing containers altogether. For example, cereal boxes can be taped up instead of transferring dry goods to plastic baggies. Put everything else in reusable bins that can double as holiday storage when you reach your destination.

Sustainable Packing and Transportation

How you pack and arrange boxes is as important as the materials you plan to use. Since larger crates and vehicles generally equal larger carbon footprints, taking up less space is a win for you and the environment.

Optimizing Packing Efficiency

Make the most of your boxes, bins and luggage by packing items into every available space. Tuck scarves and hats between stacks of books. Vacuum pack soft goods, such as your children’s stuffed animals, so they account for less overall volume.

Continue the trend by hiring an eco-friendly moving company with experience maximizing space. They can arrange boxes in their trucks or moving containers so no corner or crevice is wasted.

Opting for Eco-Friendly Transportation

Eco-friendly shipping methods, such as sea freight, are far kinder to the environment than air freight. Large cargo ships produce far lower carbon emissions per ton of goods than airplanes. Ships can also hold more cargo, using less fuel to move more items. 

Sea freight takes longer than air transport, so plan ahead and expect longer delivery times. You can also split your items between air and freight, only putting everyday essentials on the airplane.

Partnering With Green Service Providers

Part of executing an eco-friendly international move is partnering with a company that shares your commitment to sustainability.

Selecting an Eco-Conscious Moving Company

 To identify and vet moving companies, take the time to assess their values and practices.

• Review their mission statement. Read through potential partners’ About Us pages on their websites. Look for discussions about eco-friendly practices or details about environmental initiatives.
• Ask about overall eco-friendly practices. Sustainability occurs throughout a company and isn't just applied to one specific action or department. See whether your potential movers are trying to transition some of their fleet to biodiesel or if they recycle used packing supplies consumers no longer need. Moving companies that rent multiuse moving blankets, plastic tarps, packing bins and other supplies likely understand it's important to limit consumption and refuse.
• Look into green practices and certifications. Eco-friendly moving companies may have evidence of their beliefs in action. This could be certifications from third-party organizations experienced in assessing sustainability practices or press releases about changes made to reduce company-generated greenhouse gasses.

Supporting Eco-Friendly Local Businesses

The concept of “buying local” isn’t limited to fruits and vegetables from the farmers market. Source packing supplies from local providers instead of having large flats of boxes and bubble wrap shipped in from regional warehouses. Working with local providers to help with cleaning your home, packing items and other key tasks can also help limit relocation-related environmental impact. Committing to local businesses also supports the local economy. 

Learn More About Your Green Relocation Options

Planning an eco-friendly international relocation requires a solid strategy and passion for sustainable practices. Add a dash of creativity, and you may soon discover the bulk store boxes you saved months ago can help your pots and pans arrive at their destination safe and sound. 

You can’t complete your eco-conscious moving puzzle without a company that also supports sustainable relocation. Atlas International’s comprehensive moving services are designed to complement your planning and resources. The Atlas team is fast, experienced and knowledgeable about global moves. Whether you’re curious about customer clearance issues or want information on green logistics, Atlas International has you covered.

For more information about eco-friendly moving options or to discuss your specific move, contact Atlas International for a free international moving quote today.