I am preparing for my seventh move in six years and this time I am trying to do it more sustainably. In past years I’ve bought brand new cardboard boxes, recklessly donated items (many of which should not have been donated), and hauled out bag after bag of trash to the dumpster. In this post you’ll find 15 practical low waste moving tips that I’ll be using when I move.

Low Waste Moving Tips Part 1: Utilize Your Community

Collect used boxes

There are a ton of places to gather cardboard boxes in your area. Ask local restaurants, grocery stores, and even your neighbors for their old cardboard boxes. Lots of people recommend liquor stores as well, as their boxes are apparently the cleanest! Save money and use less new resources by reusing boxes. I’m sure there are plenty of people out there who would be happy to let you take boxes off their hands.

Donate excess food

Donate unopened and fresh food to a local community fridge or to neighbors. It’s so easy to forget about food in your fridge when you’re moving, so try to think proactively about eating it and/or donating it! If you’re in Los Angeles, check where your closest community fridge is here.

Spend time on marketplaces

Use Facebook Marketplace, local buy nothing groups, apps like Offer Up, Nextdoor etc. to sell furniture you don’t need and buy things that you do! It’s a great way to make some money and reduce waste.

Low Waste Moving Tips Part 2: Pack Strategically

Try reusable totes

There are a variety of reusable tote options if you aren’t a big box fan. U-Haul has plastic boxes that you can rent for your moves. My mom has huge reusable plastic bags that you can fit a ton of clothes and bedding in. While reusing cardboard boxes is great, sometimes sturdier options work better.

Use your suitcases

Someone on Instagram recommended putting books or shoes in suitcases and it reminded me how helpful packing suitcases can make moving! In past moves I have forgotten about my suitcases and have put everything in boxes only to realize I have empty suitcases to move once I’ve finished packing. Make good use of those suitcases!

Use clothes & linens for packing delicates

Instead of buying bubble wrap or packing paper for packing delicate items like glasses, plates, or picture frames, use clothes and linens! Use socks to pack glasses. Pack tee shirts between plates. Use towels or blankets or even small throw pillows between other delicate things like lamps or art. While it may make unpacking a bit more complicated (you may end up with clothes in every place except your closet), it is a great way to use what you already have instead of searching for new materials.

Save packaging materials

If you aren’t a fan of the tip above, start saving materials you can use to pack items. Save newspapers, paper or bubble wrap from packages you order, junk mail, etc. for packing items in boxes.

Low Waste Moving Tips Part 3: Look At Your Waste

Responsibly dispose of what you don’t need

Eat perishable food before it goes bad and before you move. This will leave you with less to move and less food waste. Rinse and recycle items that can be recycled. Compost your food waste. Donate sheets, towels, and blankets to animal shelters. Donate books, business clothes, or other supplies to shelters, schools, or other community spaces in need of those items.

Waste Audit

Doing a waste audit is a great way to get a better idea of where you could easily reduce the waste you create at home. While moving out, look at the items you throw away or give away. Do you notice any trends? Is there a specific room in the house that creates the most waste or plastic packaging – like the bathroom or kitchen? Are there items you keep stocked because you go through them so quickly – like toilet paper or dish soap? Try to pay attention to the waste you create during the move (and after!) so you can set sustainability goals that make sense for where you are in your journey.

Low Waste Moving Tips Part 4: In Your New Place

Try new low waste swaps

If there are items you finished in your old apartment before moving (cleaning products, personal care products, etc.), consider replacing them with low-waste versions. Try refillable dish soap or a bamboo toothbrush! Always remember, though: the most sustainable option is what you already have. Don’t throw “unsustainable” products away just to buy more sustainable alternatives. Use up what you have first.

Get furniture / decor secondhand

Look on marketplaces, buy nothing groups, or even in the trash of your new apartment. I got one of my favorite shelves from right next to the dumpster at my old apartment!! Easily more than half of my apartment is furnished with things from Facebook Marketplace and I have found so many fun decor items in thrift stores. OfferUp is another great option for secondhand furniture and decor.

Be mindful of what you own

I am always shocked at the random items I find when I move. You can create a lot less waste when you move if you are mindful about the items you add into your home (and own in general) at all times. I am not a minimalist and likely never will be, but there is a lot we can learn from minimalists in this area!

Set new intentions

As you move into a new space, think about some ways you want to live more sustainably there. Research sustainability resources in your new surrounding area. Are there community gardens or composting services? Is there a regular farmer’s market or refill shop nearby? A move is a great opportunity to start fresh and establish some new habits.

Low Waste Moving Tips Part 5: Give Yourself Grace

Do your best

Last but not least, moving is hard. It’s virtually impossible to have a zero waste move. So just do your best! Moving is stressful enough as it is – there’s no need to add the pressure of creating zero waste on top of that. Do what you can to responsibly divert items to recycling, compost, and others before you send things straight to the landfill, but don’t expect yourself to be perfect. Everyone creates waste.

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