Eco-Friendly Moving: Expert Tips on Zero-Waste Packing, Donating, and Building a Sustainable Life

Moving is often a chance to embrace a new beginning, but it’s also an event that can generate tons of waste. What we purchase and consume during a move, like packing materials, can have a significant impact on the environment. Not to mention, the vehicles we use to transport all our stuff also increase the carbon footprint of a relocation.

But if you want your move to be eco-friendly, there are definitely ways to do it! With a little planning and creativity, you can minimize waste and make your move more sustainable and budget-friendly.

Meet the Experts

Declutter With Mother Nature in Mind

Put your best sustainability foot forward by decluttering before you move and taking a waste-conscious approach to sorting and evaluating your belongings. According to Luke Rooks, head writer at Greener Ideal, the best approach is to:

“Start by taking stock of what you own. The less you move, the less fuel you burn (and the less money you spend!). Donate, sell, or recycle anything you don’t truly need.”

Consider Upcycling

Instead of buying new items, think about how you could breathe fresh life into items you already have. Founder of The Honest Consumer, Emily Waddell, encourages practicing underconsumption by repurposing items when possible.

“This could include getting furniture reupholstered, giving pieces a new paint job, or completely upcycling items.”

That doesn’t mean you’ll never buy a new-to-you piece again, though.

“If you’re still hoping to get some new pieces,” explains Waddell, “consider shopping secondhand stores or looking at yard sales in your area. These are sustainable ways to find unique pieces and keep home goods out of landfills.”

Danielle Alvarado, founder of Sustainably Kind Living and Toxic Free Choice, agrees with Waddell’s take on secondhand shopping but has her own suggestions for places to look.

“For furniture, local Facebook groups, Buy Nothing communities, or Habitat for Humanity ReStores are fantastic resources. I always recommend listing items with a story — why you’re letting it go and how it could help someone else. It sounds simple, but it helps keep that object in use longer and builds a more connected community in the process.”

Be Mindful of What You’re Throwing Away

True decluttering will likely include throwing away older items that are no longer useful (to you or anyone else). But trashing old belongings should be done responsibly, with recycling attempted first when and where it makes sense.

Erin Rhoads, founder of the Rogue Ginger blog, stresses the importance of disposing of certain items properly.

“Many electronics contain valuable materials alongside potentially unsafe components, such as batteries. When we take the time to responsibly recycle these items, we can help reduce the fires caused by batteries when compacted in garbage trucks and also in landfill sites.”

Recycling batteries can also prevent soil and water contamination and help minimize the need to mine new materials.

Pack Sustainably

Moving supplies are a major component of relocation waste. Often, we think we have to purchase items that will be thrown away as soon as we unpack after a move. Bubble wrap, boxes, and packing paper — these are just some of the supplies that wind up in landfills unnecessarily.

Plan ahead to make sure you don’t add to the planet’s already overflowing stash of trash.

Reuse When You Can

Instead of going straight to a big box store to load your cart with paper and bubble wrap, consider how you could reuse items you already have access to.

“Instead of using brand-new cardboard boxes, consider reusing old boxes and recycling them when you’re done,” recommends Kristen McCalla, founder of Earth Friendly Tips. “You can wrap your glasses and dishes in towels and sheets to keep them protected and cut down on the number of boxes you need to use.”

Rooks agrees. “Borrow boxes from friends, local stores, or buy secondhand. Skip the bubble wrap and use towels, sheets, and clothing to protect fragile items.”

When Buying New, Choose Environmentally Friendly Options

Of course, not every part of the moving process can leverage secondhand supplies. When you must buy new, perhaps due to a lack of availability or something requires specialty goods, choose environmentally friendly materials.

“Honeycomb-style kraft paper is another good option for protecting delicate items,” says McCalla. “It stretches and wraps securely without the need for tape. Biodegradable packing peanuts made from cornstarch dissolve in water and are a much safer choice than Styrofoam.”

Other eco-friendly materials on the market include:

• Compostable bioplastics, including containers made from cornstarch, potato starch, or sugarcane.
• Biodegradable mushroom-based packaging materials, including packing peanuts and molded cushioning.
• Bamboo and hemp fiber boxes and padding.

Keep in mind that the packaging you choose should still make sense in terms of durability. Bamboo boxes may not be sturdy enough when moving dinnerware or canned goods. But they could be perfect for packing lighter items and organizing smaller goods inside a larger box.

Go Eco-Friendly on Moving Day

Planning an environmentally friendly move extends to the companies you choose to work with during relocation. Prioritize businesses committed to reducing carbon emissions as part of their overall ethos. Rooks details exactly what to look for.

“If you’re hiring movers, look for companies with eco-friendly practices like using biodiesel trucks or offsetting their carbon emissions.”

You can also reduce carbon emissions on moving day by being strategic about how you pack. Breaking down large items and maximizing space in your vehicle or moving truck can help ensure you only make a single trip. You can even rent an electronic or hybrid car to reduce environmental stress as you drive back and forth between properties.

Choose Green Habits in Your New Home

Your new home is also a new beginning, and this is the perfect time to establish new, environmentally conscious habits. Remember, you don’t have to be perfect — sustainability is not an all-or-nothing endeavor. Even an imperfectly eco-friendly home can make a big difference, as all those single, seemingly small actions add up quickly.

“The truth is,” explains Rooks, “it’s the small, mindful choices — taken together — that make the biggest difference. Moving is stressful enough without chasing perfection. Focus on progress, not perfection, and your move will be greener (and a lot more satisfying).”

Big Habits to Establish Early

As for the exact actions to take, it starts with establishing daily practices that the whole family can follow.

“Once you arrive,” says Rooks, “set up good habits early: energy-efficient lighting, composting, and zero-waste routines can all start on Day 1.”

Continue the trend by:

• Emphasizing the importance of conserving water when brushing teeth, taking a shower, and washing dishes
• Exploring solar options available in your new community
• Recycling as part of your weekly refuse routine
• Using natural cleaning products
• Upgrading to a programmable smart thermostat
• Setting up a vegetable garden
• Opting for sustainable landscaping

Incorporating just one or two habits per week can result in impressive changes over a few months or a year.

Going Green Starts in the Kitchen

You’ll quickly notice that many of your most impactful earth-friendly choices happen in your kitchen. Simona Paganetto, founder of I’m Plastic Free, recommends rethinking how you save and pack food, including leftovers and school lunches.

“Ditch any single-use plastics like containers, cling wrap, etc., in favor of reusable glass or stainless containers, cloth towels, and beeswax wraps. Don’t use the microwave with any plastic containers, as these are proven to leach toxic chemicals into your food.”

If you’re on a budget or want to further amplify your sustainability moves, reuse store-bought containers instead of buying new storage options.

“Save any large glass jars from your groceries like olives, pickles, etc. They will be handy for freezing food, storing dry food, and they will look gorgeous when displayed on a shelf.”

Continue the trend by ditching toxic cleaners and cleaning supplies that come in single-use containers.

“Opt for natural cleaning products that are also zero-waste,” suggests Paganetto, “like refillable forever bottles as dish washing detergent, tablets for your dishwasher, and natural luffah sponges or coconut scourers, instead of plastic sponges that release microplastic with every use.”

Try Composting

Composting helps reduce waste and ensures you get the most out of the food you purchase, but don’t ultimately consume. Compost can also significantly enrich the soil in your garden, facilitating better homegrown produce that often tastes better and costs less than what you buy from the store. Paganetto’s advice details an easy way to integrate composting into everyday life.

“Set up a clear recycling and composting system to make sustainable disposal easy from day one. Use a compost caddy on the kitchen bench and transfer the organic waste regularly into your large organic bin outside. Alternatively, opt for a bokashi bin, which is an airtight container that allows you to compost indoors.”

Make it a habit to toss food scraps like banana peels, eggshells, apple cores, and coffee grinds into the composting bin instead of the trash. You can even add uncoated paper products, old herbs, and dryer lint (but natural fibers only, please).

Final Thoughts

From rethinking packing materials to choosing moving companies that align with your sustainability values, there are so many ways to execute an eco-friendlier move. Just like taking up a new workout routine or studying a new subject, the best results often come about thanks to small but meaningful changes. Even if you have to mix-and-match bubble wrap with hemp packing paper or use your gas-powered car to pick up your new compost bin, those changes still count.

As you look forward, make your own sustainability game plan to put into practice before, during, and after your move. By laying out habits to adopt and including a checklist and timeline, you can embrace green living in a way that feels feasible and joyful.

10 Tips For An Eco-Friendly Move

Full Expert Q&A

Emily Waddell

What are your top tips for furnishing or setting up a new home in a sustainable, low-waste way?

One of the most eco-conscious ways to furnish your space is to use what you have. When moving into a new space, it can be easy to feel the urge to buy more stuff, especially if your new space has a different aesthetic.

However, I encourage you to try practicing underconsumption by using what you have or repurposing what you already own. This could include getting furniture reupholstered, giving pieces a new paint job, or completely upcycling items.

This gives you the opportunity to customize a furniture piece or home decor item to match your new space. Plus, it’s more meaningful when you’ve added your own personal touches.

If you’re still hoping to get some new pieces, consider shopping secondhand stores or looking at yard sales in your area. These are sustainable ways to find unique pieces and keep home goods out of landfills.

Repurposing and shopping secondhand are better choices for the planet and for your wallet. Since moving can be expensive, making these sustainable choices can help save money too.

Simona Paganetto

How can individuals build eco-conscious habits in their new home after the move?

Moving into a new home offers a great opportunity to start fresh with eco-conscious habits. Based on our experience around trying to live a healthy and plastic-free lifestyle, we’d like to provide some tips.

Let’s start with your kitchen, as it’s one of the areas where we spend most time and where most waste is generated. Ditch any single-use plastics like containers, cling wrap, etc., in favor of reusable glass or stainless containers, cloth towels, and beeswax wraps. Don’t use the microwave with any plastic containers, as these are proven to leach toxic chemicals into your food.

Tip if on a budget: save any large glass jars from your groceries like olives, pickles etc. They will be handy for freezing food, storing dry food, and they will look gorgeous when displayed on a shelf.

Set up a clear recycling and composting system to make sustainable disposal easy from day one. Use a compost caddy on the kitchen bench and transfer the organic waste regularly into your large organic bin outside. Alternatively, opt for a bokashi bin, which is an airtight container that allows you to compost indoors.

Last but not least, opt for natural cleaning products that are also zero-waste, like refillable for-ever bottles as dish washing detergent, tablets for your dishwasher, and natural luffah sponges or coconut scourers, instead of plastic sponges that release microplastic with every use.

Kristen McCalla

What eco-friendly alternatives do you recommend for traditional packing materials like bubble wrap and cardboard boxes?

If you’re looking to reduce waste while packing for a move, there are plenty of eco-friendly alternatives you can use. Instead of using brand-new cardboard boxes, consider reusing old boxes and recycling them when you’re done.

One unique option that’s starting to become more popular is mushroom packaging, which is made from agricultural waste and mycelium. It’s completely biodegradable and sturdy enough to protect fragile items.

Honeycomb-style kraft paper is another good option for protecting delicate items. It stretches and wraps securely without the need for tape. Biodegradable packing peanuts made from cornstarch dissolve in water and are a much safer choice than Styrofoam. Or you can use crumbled newspaper or magazine pages as filler.

Plus, don’t forget you can use what you’re already packing for protection. For example, you can wrap your glasses and dishes in towels and sheets to keep them protected and cut down on the number of boxes you need to use.

Erin Rhoads

What should people know about responsibly recycling items they can’t donate or move with them (e.g. batteries, paints, electronics)?

In recent years electronic waste has been steadily growing 3 times faster compared to other waste streams. Electronics are anything with a cord or battery. Many electronics contain valuable materials alongside potentially unsafe components, such as batteries.

When we take the time to responsibly recycle these items we can help reduce the fires caused by batteries when compacted in garbage trucks and also in landfill sites. Recycling batteries helps to reduce lead and nickel contaminating soil and water if they should leach out of landfills.

Electronics can contain precious components that can be reused to make new electronics and minimise the need to mine and manufacture materials. This will help build a truly circular economy, which is better for people and planet.

Contact your local Government to locate special drop off locations for electronics and batteries.

Luke Rooks

How can people assess the environmental impact of their move, and what small changes can make the biggest difference?

Moving is a great opportunity to hit reset — not just on where you live, but on how you live. Start by taking stock of what you own. The less you move, the less fuel you burn (and the less money you spend!). Donate, sell, or recycle anything you don’t truly need.

Next, think about your packing materials. Borrow boxes from friends, local stores, or buy secondhand. Skip the bubble wrap and use towels, sheets, and clothing to protect fragile items.

If you’re hiring movers, look for companies with eco-friendly practices like using biodiesel trucks or offsetting their carbon emissions.

Once you arrive, set up good habits early: energy-efficient lighting, composting, and zero-waste routines can all start on Day 1.

The truth is, it’s the small, mindful choices — taken together — that make the biggest difference. Moving is stressful enough without chasing perfection. Focus on progress, not perfection, and your move will be greener (and a lot more satisfying).

Danielle Alvarado

Many people declutter before a move. What’s the most sustainable way to donate or dispose of unwanted items like clothing, electronics, or furniture?

When preparing for a move, decluttering can be such a powerful opportunity to practice conscious living. The most sustainable way to donate or dispose of unwanted items is to approach it with intention and care for the item’s next life.

For clothing, start with local organizations that directly support your community—such as women’s shelters, refugee centers, and job readiness programs. If you have high-quality pieces, consider hosting a clothing swap with friends or using resale platforms like Poshmark or ThredUp. And always avoid dumping unwearable items at donation centers; instead, check for textile recycling options in your area or upcycle what you can into rags or DIY projects.

With electronics, sustainability starts with data protection. Wipe everything clean and see if local repair shops, schools, or tech recycling events will accept them. Many municipalities or electronics stores offer e-waste recycling programs—just make sure they’re certified by e-Stewards or R2 standards so you know your old device won’t end up harming a community elsewhere.

For furniture, local Facebook groups, Buy Nothing communities, or Habitat for Humanity ReStores are fantastic resources. I always recommend listing items with a story—why you’re letting it go and how it could help someone else. It sounds simple, but it helps keep that object in use longer and builds a more connected community in the process.

Ultimately, sustainability isn’t just about avoiding waste—it’s about passing value forward. By thinking locally and being selective with how we give things away, we honor both the item and the planet.

Sarah Cieslinski

What’s one overlooked but impactful tip about zero-waste or sustainable moving that you wish more people followed?

When it comes to moving sustainably, here are two underrated tips that can make a big difference. First, don’t buy new moving supplies if you don’t have to. Check out local ‘buy nothing’ groups, Facebook marketplace, the Craigslist free section, or even nearby businesses for used boxes, tape, or packing materials. You’d be surprised how many people are giving this stuff away. It cuts down on waste and saves you money.

Second tip: as you pack, create three piles—trash/recycle, donate, and sell. It’s easy to toss everything when you’re in a rush, but lots of things you no longer want could still be useful to someone else. Whether it’s clothes, kitchen supplies, or furniture, try giving it a second life instead of sending it to the landfill.

Kellie Falbo

What are your top recommendations for minimizing waste during a move?

Moving is a great time to rethink what you really need and minimize waste in the process. Start by decluttering early and donating or selling items you no longer use. Instead of buying new boxes, reuse cardboard from local stores or ask friends who’ve recently moved. Pack with purpose using what you already have, think towels, blankets, and storage bins instead of bubble wrap and plastic.

Choose recyclable or compostable materials when possible, and avoid single-use plastics. For anything you don’t want to move, consider hosting a free “take it” day for neighbors or using online platforms like Freecycle or Facebook Marketplace.On moving day, plan ahead to recycle properly and avoid dumping usable items, and if you’re hiring movers, look for eco-conscious companies that use reusable crates and fuel-efficient vehicles. With a little intention, your move can be lighter on both you and the planet.

Kelly Pemberton

What mindset shifts do you think are most important for people wanting to live more sustainably during big life changes like moving?

Big life changes like moving are often seen as a time of chaos, but they can also be a time of clarity. One powerful mindset shift you can cultivate is to reframe your relationship with “stuff.” Rather than rushing to pack everything, use the move as a chance to ask yourself: Will this really serve me well in the future? Letting go of excess not only creates more physical space; it also creates mental space for more intentional living.

Sustainability during a move also means thinking in terms of circular, not disposable. That could mean donating, selling, or repurposing what no longer fits your life, and choosing secondhand or reclaimed items for your new space. The goal isn’t to achieve some “perfect” standard, but to reduce waste while keeping useful items in circulation.

Finally, adopting a minimalist mindset during your move can help you discern what’s really important from what might be holding you back. Be thoughtful about what comes with you, how it’s packed, and what habits you want to carry into your new home. Living sustainably isn’t just about what you own. It’s also about how you think, adapt, and become more resilient through change.