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How to Prepare for a Long-Distance Move

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What’s the difference between preparing for a local move and planning a long-distance move? If you guessed “time,” that’s only part of the equation. When it comes to moving long distances, it takes a lot more planning, preparation, and money.

There are many, many more steps to take than a local move, and it can get a little overwhelming. That’s what this guide is for! Learn everything about how to move long-distance, including tips on moving across the country and packing up your things.

How Much Do Long-Distance Moves Cost?

a person looks at their phone while holding a credit card

Interstate and long-distance moving companies charge based on weight, distance, and any extra equipment or insurance options you opt into.

The average cost of an interstate move is $4,300 for an average distance of 1,225 miles and a shipment weight of 7,400 pounds, according to the American Moving and Storage Association and as reported by numerous outlets.

Ultimately, the price will depend on:

  • Your exact starting and ending points
  • How much stuff you need to move
  • Modes of transportation
  • Who, if anyone, you decide to hire

One more big factor to consider is if you have any specialty items to move, such as a baby grand piano or gun safe.

What counts as a long-distance move? Generally, a long-distance move is one that is 400 miles or more. However, the exact number used to determine “local or long-distance” may vary from one moving company to the next.

Cost-Cutting Long-Distance Moving Tips

a person looking at their laptop while using a calculator

Here are some money-saving pro tips to keep in mind as you collect estimates and plan your long-distance move:

1. Start a Moving Fund

If you have time before your move, try to start a moving fund to prepare yourself for the upcoming expense of moving long-distance. This may not necessarily save you money, but it’ll help ensure you have the nest egg you need when the time comes.

2. Understand Binding vs. Non-Binding Estimates

It’s important to understand the difference between a binding and non-binding estimate when working with a full-service moving company.

  • A binding estimate means you’ll pay the final price of the estimate regardless of whether your stuff ends up weighing less or more than expected.
  • A non-binding estimate means you could end up with a different final tally, either less or more, depending on the weight.

3. Take Advantage of Off-Season Moving Rates

Summer is the most popular time to move and, as a result, moving rates are typically the highest during that season. You can bring the price down by being flexible with your moving dates and scheduling your move during weekdays, especially in the winter (or at least not during the summer).

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4. Ask for Discounts and Promotions

Ask moving companies about any discounts or current promotions that you could take advantage of. For example, members of the military and veterans often get cheaper rates for rental trucks and containers.

5. Get Multiple Quotes

Always get moving quotes from at least three different companies, whether you’re moving with a rental truck, portable moving containers, or a full-service moving company. Just remember that cheaper isn’t always better. It’s a good idea to take a look at online reviews and customer satisfaction scores as well.

6. Inquire About Corporate Relocations

Those who are moving for work should see if their employer offers reimbursements for any or all of the move.

7. Make a Budget and Stick to It

Once you have a clear idea of what it’s going to cost to move long-distance, put together a budget. Be sure to keep track of spending along the way, saving receipts and noting expenses, to keep moving costs from getting out of control.

What Kind of Transportation Do I Need?

You have a number of options when planning a long-distance move, and all of them will depend on these three things:

  • How much stuff you’re hauling
  • Your budget
  • Personal preference

Unless you’re selling everything you own and driving into the sunset, you’re going to need something safe and reliable to get all your stuff to your new place.

But don’t worry, you’ve got choices. Here are your best transportation options for a long-distance move.

Driving Yourself

Driving yourself and your stuff in your car is by far the cheapest option. People sometimes decide to take this approach when their long-distance move involves bringing a car or two. If you’re thinking about going this route, there are a few things you should consider first:

  • The age and mileage of the car
  • Whether the car can handle a long trip without breaking down
  • How many people and things need to fit in the car

If you need to get repairs ahead of time, then trust us, do that first. If you don’t have money to sink into repairs, or you just don’t want to add hundreds of miles to your car, consider getting your car shipped.

 

“Bubble wrap is an attractive option for particularly expensive or hard-to-replace breakables, but it’s bulky and becomes expensive quickly (not to mention, it’s not great for the environment). Packing paper is more than adequate for packing most things.”

 

If you decide this is the end of the road for your car, consider selling it or trading it in before your move (or you could donate it).

Are you driving with small children? Transporting pets? Using an RV? All of these situations involve special considerations. You can check out those articles for more details on what you should know first.

  • Pros: Most affordable long-distance moving option
  • Cons: Way more time investment, adds mileage to your car(s), limited space for your stuff, very difficult without movers
  • Price: $

Rental Truck

A Budget rental truck parked with the back open, ready to be loaded

Driving your own car might be the cheapest option, but it’s one that dpesn’t afford a lot of room for your other stuff. Sometimes, a truck is necessary if you want to take all your things with you.

The three major rental truck companies you’re likely to have access to are U-Haul, Penske, and Budget. But, there might be alternatives near you.

If you decide to rent a moving truck, you’ll get a better mileage rate for doing a “one-way” drive (picking up a rental vehicle at one location and returning it to another). Of course, keep in mind that getting and driving the truck is only one aspect. You still have to pack and load everything in there yourself.

  • Pros: More affordable than most other long-distance moving options
  • Cons: Much fewer customer service options, no labor estimate, difficult without movers to help, more expensive than just driving your car.
  • Price: $$

Long-Distance Movers With a Truck

What if you don’t want to figure out where to get the truck or you don’t want to drive it? Then you can hire long-distance movers to transport everything for you.

Note: Long-distance movers with a truck are not van lines. There’s a difference!

With this option, you pack and load everything into the movers’ truck and they transport it to your new home. This frees you up to take a scenic road trip or fly to your new home with just your essentials. Moving this way is more expensive, but it takes a lot of time, effort, and planning off of your plate.

  • Pros: You don’t have to worry about driving a big moving truck
  • Cons: More expensive the more stuff you have, less affordable than other types of moves
  • Price: $$ to $$$

Van Lines

An ABV van line trailer sits a driveway

You’ve probably seen the van line trucks on the road before: ABF/UPack, Old Dominion, and more.

This is how it works: a semi-truck trailer is dropped off at your home, you load your stuff (or have someone load it for you), and you partition it off to keep it separate from other customers’ belongings.

A driver will come to take the trailer away and drive it to your new home. Sharing space on a trailer with other people who are moving is a cost-effective way to get your belongings across the country because you only pay for the space on the trailer you take up.

That said, because this moving option involves multiple individuals’ prize possessions packed inside in shared moving trucks, we highly recommend hiring movers to load the trailer for you. The pros have experience and know how to keep your stuff safe and take up the least amount of space possible.

  • Pros: You pay only for the space you use,and transportation is all taken care of.
  • Cons: More expensive the more stuff you have, some companies offer less flexibility with loading and unloading dates. Can have a high claims rate as your things may be unloaded and loaded multiple times during other deliveries, and there is a risk of your things getting mixed up with other customers’ belongings.
  • Price: $$$

PODS/Moving Containers

A PODS container sits curbside in front of a home

Moving containers are ultra-convenient for long-distance moves for a few important reasons.

Portable moving containers are like a freight trailer but a lot smaller. Your container is dropped off empty and picked up when full, then kept in storage untouched until you request delivery at your new home. One of the biggest benefits for moving containers is being able to load your belongings at your own pace. Companies like PODS bill you monthly (while others at least give you a few days).

 

“Both your departure and arrival towns likely have parking rules, which will come into play as you’re loading and unloading, especially if you’re leaving a PODS container somewhere for a week or more.”

 

If you’re planning to use a portable container for storage, be aware: unlike more traditional self-storage, access to your portable container is only easy if you keep it in your front yard. When kept at a storage facility, an appointment is generally necessary and may cost you extra, so plan ahead.

  • Pros: The most flexibility of any long-distance moving option, transportation is taken care of, storage options are built-in
  • Cons: More expensive than a moving truck rental, can add complexity if you keep your container in their storage centers
  • Price: $$$

Full-Service Movers

If money is no object, hire a full-service moving company. They can assess your home and schedule a crew of movers to come with the packing supplies to pack, load, drive, and unload your stuff within the month of your choosing. You can even pay for the movers to disassemble and reassemble furniture for you.

  • Pros: Aside from coordination with the moving company, your move is practically done for you
  • Cons: Almost always the costliest option, requires more time to plan (sometimes a month or more ahead of time)
  • Cost: $$$$

How Do I Pack for a Long-Distance Move?

Packed moving boxes and other household items are stacked against a wall

If you’ve already decided to hire full-service movers, you can skip ahead — they’ll take care of all the packing! Otherwise, read on. Below are some general estimates for how long it will take to pack, as well as some of our best tips for packing for a long-distance move.

How long does it take to pack for a long-distance move?

It’s important to know when to start packing, so here are time-requirement estimates for packing a home:

  • Studio/1BR Apt: 1 Day
  • 2BR Apt: 1–2 Days
  • 3BR Apt: 2–3 Days
  • 2BR House: 2–3 Days
  • 3BR House: 3–4 Days
  • 4BR House: 4–5 Days

In the estimates above, “one day” is about eight hours of one person packing. If you only have time to pack for four hours a day, double those estimates. With that in mind, the single best strategy for packing is to start well in advance of when you think you should start, no matter which transportation option you choose. In all my experience, I never heard someone say that packing took less time than they expected.

Long-Distance Moving Tips for Packing

Packing is one of the most time-consuming parts of any long-distance move. To save you time, and save your sanity, here are some tried and true packing tips for moving long distances.

Test your packing speed:

Pick a closet or a room, or even just part of one room, and time how long it takes to pack.

This may give you an idea of how long it will actually take you to pack up your entire home. It will probably start looking like it will take much longer than you originally thought.

Decide what your non-essentials are:

a woman examines packed boxes in a room

Make a list of the kinds of things you won’t need for a while. This will make it easy to decide what to pack first once you get started and are faced with that mountain of accumulation in the garage or spare room.

Things you don’t need for a while often include:

  • Out-of-season clothes
  • Holiday items
  • Books
  • Sentimental items
  • Decorations
  • Seasonal bedding

Even if you’re undecided about what to do with some of your belongings, other categories are a no-brainer. Get them packed up and out of your way.

Shelve the sentimental. You will undoubtedly come across items you think you might want to get rid of but aren’t quite sure about. Expect that. Instead of wasting time fretting over Grandma’s lace tablecloth, set it aside for later. The monstrous task of packing tends to help people clearly see what they really need and what they can let go of.

Pack an essentials bag for every member of the family:

The last thing you want is to realize you’ve packed every single sock you own or, worse yet, your emergency contact lenses. Make a list of the things everyone is going to need access to during the move and set those things aside. Before moving day, have everyone pack up a carry-on or duffel bag with what they’re going to need before the new house is unpacked.

Things you will likely need to keep on hand:

  • Clothing
  • Toiletries
  • Essential electronics and chargers
  • Medications
  • Child’s favorite toys
  • Shower rod, rings, and curtain
  • Towels
  • Coffee maker, coffee, and your favorite mug

This list can get pretty subjective, so think about what you can’t live without during your move and add to it as needed.

DO NOT pack important paperwork, documents, and irreplaceable items:

When it comes to sensitive documents, shred those you don’t need and secure (and keep with you) the things you do.

Things not to pack away include:

  • Cash, credit cards, checkbooks
  • Bank and other financial statements
  • Insurance documents
  • Jewelry
  • Expensive or high-end jackets/coats
  • Laptops/tablets w/cords, data backups
  • Medical/dental records, prescriptions/medicine
  • Personal documents, professional files/papers
  • Cell phones, chargers
  • Car and house keys
  • Family photos
  • Identifying documents such as birth certificates, social security cards, driver’s licenses, passports

These items should stay with you during your move, secured in suitcases, safes, and binders.

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Don’t pack your boxes too heavy:

You want to be able to actually move your moving boxes, so avoid packing boxes that weigh more than you (or the movers) can comfortably carry. Using small boxes for heavy items and large boxes for lighter items is a good rule of thumb.

Label boxes as you go and keep an inventory:

If you’re thinking, “I’ll unpack these boxes in a week. I know what’s in there,” trust me — at the end of your move, you’ll have no idea what’s in all those boxes.

Do yourself a favor and get a pack of Sharpies, labels, and a fresh spiral notebook.

Label your boxes with the following on two sides:

      • A unique number (1, 2, 3…)
      • Which room it belongs in
      • What you’ve packed inside

Then note all that down in your inventory notebook. This will make unpacking much easier and you’ll be patting yourself on the back when move-in day comes.

Use packing paper, towels, and linens instead of bubble wrap:

Bubble wrap is an attractive option for particularly expensive or hard-to-replace breakables, but it’s bulky and becomes expensive quickly (not to mention, it’s not great for the environment). Packing paper is more than adequate for packing most things. It’s also easier to handle. Make sure you use the right kind of tape, too.

For some extra padding and protection for your most important and fragile items, consider using clothing, linens, or towels to wrap those items and line your boxes. You have to pack those things anyway, so might as well use them to protect your favorite mugs.

 

Experts suggest taking photographs, especially for anything of great value. You may want proof of exactly what condition the items you keep are in before they are packed away on the moving truck (or whatever mode of transportation you choose).

Where Can I Get Packing Materials for a Long-Distance Move?

The easiest way to get clean, sturdy boxes and packing paper is usually to buy them from your moving service provider. Many self-storage facilities also offer these items, along with tape and other packing essentials. However, from a price perspective, you could probably save some money by getting your packing supplies from a home improvement store instead.

If you’re looking to shave some dollars off your move, there are ways to get free moving boxes too.

Can I Just Ship All My Stuff?

You could theoretically choose to ship some of your things via UPS, FedEx, or the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). Yes, it’s cheapest to send through USPS, but pricing typically levels out for packages weighing more than two pounds.

Should I Get Rid of My Things?

You might recognize by now that the less stuff you have to move, the better off you’ll be. After all, professional moving companies generally charge you based on the weight of the stuff being transported. In other words, both literally and figuratively, you will lift a weight off your shoulders if you downsize before moving.

Some ways you can unload your stuff before moving day:

      • Sell stuff online through Craigslist, eBay, or Etsy
      • Have a traditional garage sale
      • Give away things to your friends and family
      • Donate items through charities or religious organizations
      • Recycle old, worn-out clothes at a local recycling center

How To Pack the Truck (If You’re Doing It Yourself)

If you’ve decided to DIY your move with a rental truck and now have to load it yourself, remember these two pro tips:

1. Keep the Heavy Boxes on the Bottom

The idea is to avoid anything being crushed. Heavy boxes of books? Those should be packed under the China tea set. Flatscreen TV? That should be secured upright between the couch cushions without anything on top of it.

2. Load Your Belongings in “Tiers”

This means building walls, i.e., vertical layers of furniture, boxes, and assorted loose items. Furniture pads are crucial for this.

For example, set down your dresser and a desk (wrapped in padding, of course), with some not-too-heavy boxes set on top of them, and top it off with outdoor equipment, pillows in plastic bags, etc. This all makes up one tier.

Build one tier at a time, mixing furniture, boxes, and miscellaneous stuff. It’s critical to pack tightly to avoid damage from everything shifting and bouncing around in transit. Naturally, not all your tiers will be uniform, but do your best to balance the weight throughout the truck as you pack.

Other Considerations When Moving Across State Lanes

Interstate moves are particularly complicated due to differences in state laws. You still legally have to know what you’re responsible for when moving to a new state, so the first step is to do your homework. Here are some

Moving Company Licenses

Hiring movers? Some moving companies can’t even provide service for interstate moves because they lack the proper license. Check-in with your mover ahead of time. (Of course, the HireAHelper search tool filters all that stuff automatically once you input your zip code.)

Parking During Your Move

It’s important to know both state and local laws and ordinances that may be relevant to you during your move. Both your departure and arrival towns likely have parking rules, which will come into play as you’re loading and unloading, especially if you’re leaving a PODS container somewhere for a week or more.

State-Specific Restrictions

Also, some states have certain laws restricting what you can bring in. For instance, there are several items that are illegal to bring into California, including certain firearms, fruits, and certain pets, like ferrets.

Moving Long-Distance with a Pet

Interstate moving with a pet adds one more tricky factor to the moving mix. It’s not impossible, though, and these tips can help make it a lot easier

Where Can I Find Free Moving Boxes?

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Free moving boxes are kind of like four-leaf clovers: they’re out there, but it takes a lot of looking and a little bit of luck to find them. 

There are plenty of places to buy moving boxes, but anyone who has moved before knows that A) they don’t come cheap, and B) you’ll always need a lot more boxes than you initially thought. Scoring yourself a pile of free boxes will save you a wad of cash – and add some extra in case you’re short on your estimate of how much space your stuff would take up.

So where can you actually find free moving boxes? There are a few places to start (including ones you’ve never thought would provide boxes) in the list below, and some advice on making your search easier. 

What Kind of Moving Boxes Should I Get? labeled moving boxes of varying sizes and types are stacked together in a small space

Before you really start searching, be sure you know what you’re actually looking for. Moving boxes come in several standard sizes, and are used to pack different things. It’s best to have a general idea of what types of boxes you need, mainly to avoid getting boxes that are too small or too big for most of your things. 

  • Book Boxes (1.5 x 3ft) are for books, along with any other relatively heavy items like CDs, small photo frames, nicknacks, beer mugs, and bottles of wine.
  • Medium Cartons (3 x 3ft ) are most often used for clothing and all the non-breakable stuff in your kitchen.
  • Large Cartons (4.5 x 3ft) are for bedding, pillows, bulky clothing like winter coats, and kids’ toys like Legos, board games, and stuffed animals, among other larger, lighter items.
  • Dishpacks (4.5 x 3ft) are made with double-thick cardboard for packing all the breakable stuff in your kitchen. They’re also useful for electronics and large photo frames.
  • Mirror Cartons usually come in four corner pieces that overlap to fit snugly around large pictures and mirrors. 

So whether you’re a bookworm or have antique tea sets, knowing what kind of boxes you need will help make your search a lot less frustrating. 

First Step? Go Social

free moving boxes

Let the people you are connected with know that you are moving, and that it would be a huge help if anyone had any leads on used boxes.

The wording is key! Instead of asking people if they themselves have used boxes (although it couldn’t hurt), ask them to help you by sharing, retweeting, or reposting your request. You’ll reach a lot more people this way, and increase your chances that someone has a ton of boxes lying around, or knows a business that does. If you use Facebook, search for local groups with keywords like “buy sell trade”, “no buy”, and “free” in their names.

 

“…the most extensive supply of used boxes anywhere will be at your local agency for one of the big van lines…[you’d be] hard-pressed to find certain types of moving boxes, namely dishpacks and mirror cartons, anywhere else.”

 

Granted, searching for free boxes on social media is totally hit or miss. It only takes a few minutes to spread the word and see what’s out there, but it can take a lot longer for anyone to respond – if they do at all.

In other words, hope your social media posts work, but act like they won’t, and start looking through other potential resources.

Best businesses for sturdy boxes

free moving boxes

Books are heavy. Mugs and a lot else in your kitchen can break. For these, you want sturdy boxes, and because these businesses deal in similar products, they’re your best place to look. 

  • Bookstores: Check the chains like Barnes & Noble along with any small independent bookstore in your city. University bookstores are another decent bet, particularly at the start or end of a semester.
  • Office Supply Stores: Office Depot, Kinko’s, FedEx, and similar stores have strong printer paper boxes with lids. Print shops might also have heavy-duty cartons to unload.
  • Restaurants: Fast-food joints especially will have plenty of sturdy “fry boxes” that are usually clean inside since they are typically used for frozen food.
  • Liquor Stores: Boxes for wine and liquor are not only very sturdy but may come with cardboard dividers inserts that help with packing things like mugs and glassware. 

Any mover will tell you that kitchen stuff should go in dishpacks. However, they can be pretty hard to find (except at moving companies, which we’ll get into later) so strong, stout boxes like the ones mentioned may be your next best bet. Make sure to label them “fragile” or “kitchen” so they can be given due attention, and pack them with plenty of cushion. 

Where to find medium and large moving boxes

free moving boxes

To pack items like clothing, bath towels, and bedding, you’ll want bigger boxes. As with the previous types of boxes, it’s a good idea to look for them at places that sell the same or similar things. 

  • Specialty Retailers: Clothing stores and shops that sell bedding are obvious starters. Drug stores, dollar stores, and sporting goods shops are also good ones to add to your list of possibilities.
  • Retail Giants: Stores like Costco, Walmart, Sam’s Club, and Target take in tons of bulk inventory. And they have to do something with all those emptied boxes.
  • Supermarkets: You may find they have boxes lying around after they’ve restocked their shelves. But, you’ll want to stay away from produce boxes, which usually have holes and bits of leftover organic matter in them. Instead, look for the big cardboard cartons used for paper towels, diapers, Kleenex, toilet paper, and dry foods like cereal.
  • Recycling Centers: Some (but not all) will have cardboard boxes accessible. If this is the case in your area, you might have your pick from boxes of all sizes and shapes, so it’s a good idea to check. 

Other not-so-obvious places to look

free moving boxes

  • Apartment Buildings/Complexes/Leasing Offices: Who will probably have a lot of boxes they’d love to get rid of? People who just moved! Your best bet would be to call the leasing, rental, or management office.
  • Hospitals & Medical Centers: Hospitals go through tons of supplies and produce mountains of cardboard boxes, but make sure you call a non-emergency number ahead of time to ask if they have boxes on hand and where you can safely pick them up.  
  • Marketplace Websites: Online resources for freebies do exist. Freecycle is one such site. Craigslist also has “free stuff” pages.

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Where to find the best variety of moving boxes 

As a former mover, I am willing to bet that the most extensive supply of used boxes anywhere will be at your local agency for one of the big van lines. United, Atlas, North American, Allied, Mayflower: any of them will very likely have stacks and stacks of used boxes, in all sizes and in decent, usable condition.

 

“You may find [supermarkets] have boxes lying around after they’ve restocked their shelves. But, you’ll want to stay away from produce boxes, which usually have holes and bits of leftover organic matter in them.”

 

You’d also be hard-pressed to find certain types of moving boxes, namely dishpacks and mirror cartons, anywhere else.

However, while there is a chance these places may offer boxes for nothing, you might also have to pay around a dollar a piece for them. This is definitely a buck more than free. However, if you’ve looked everywhere else and can’t find a particular type of box you need (like dishpacks or tall boxes for jackets and clothing you don’t want wrinkled) one dollar is certainly less than you’ll pay at specialty stores or elsewhere. 

Of course, these aren’t the only places you can find moving boxes. Any business in your area that might get a lot of supplies in several kinds of boxes is a good bet to try. Also, even if you can’t get all the boxes you need for your move with the free options, whatever you do manage to get will still help you save, since you don’t have to get as many boxes as before. 

How To Seriously Lessen Your Carbon Footprint When You Move

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With a migration rate of 8.7%, nearly 30 million people moved within the United States. That’s a lot of moving and shaking, and it puts a lot of moving and shaking, and it’s a lot of extra strain on the environment. An increasing number of Americans are committing to doing more to protect the environment, and green moving is becoming a popular topic. 

Eco-friendly moving—and especially zero-waste moving—requires some time and detailed planning. But that’s a good thing because you’ll have all of your ducks in a row by moving day, which means you’ll have an easy time of it. Here at Hire a Helper, we’re all about making your life easier, but we’re also about doing our part to take a load off the environment. This guide will help you achieve a green relocation, no matter how far you have to go.

Before You Move: You Need a Smart Downsize

moving boxes

Moving houses is a great opportunity to go through everything you’ve collected since you moved into your current place. Depending on how long you’ve been there, this may be a quick task, or it may take some serious time. Either way, taking the time to do it right is better for the environment, since you’ll be less likely to toss stuff in the trash just to be rid of it—you’ll have more time to dispose of your discards in a more eco-friendly way. Here’s how to do it right.

The eco-friendly plan

Make your plan—and write it down. Maybe you’ll do a room each week, or a closet each day. Allow yourself more time for basement and attic storage spaces and closets that send an avalanche of stuff down on top of you when you open them.  

Create a space for these specific piles

Before you start decluttering, set aside space in your home, or label some boxes to put things in that you’re planning on getting rid of. Have a clearly labeled box, bag, or pile for:

  • Things you’ll donate to charity
  • Things you can sell
  • Things you want to give to specific people
  • Trash
  • Things you can (surprisingly!) recycle
    • Old carpeting
    • Old mattresses
    • Scratched CDs, game discs, and DVDs
    • Stained or torn clothing or bedding
    • Large and small appliances, from the dryer to the microwave
    • Electronics, including old cell phones, TVs, computers, printers, and stereos
    • Crayons and dried-up markers
    • Ink cartridges
    • Working and non-working holiday lights
  • Hazardous waste 
    • Call your local hazmat office and ask where you can drop them off. These items include:
      • Paints
      • Fertilizers
      • Cleaners
      • Solvents
      • Motor oil
      • Pesticides

Eco-friendly Moves Really Happen During the Packing

eco friendly packing

Leaving packing for the last minute means you’ll probably end up shoving things into garbage bags, which makes it less likely you’ll sort stuff correctly (and it’s super annoying to unpack). The sooner you get started on packing, the more time you can take to do it right and in a way that’s environmentally friendly.

If you’re going to have movers pack you up, and if they’re bringing all of the supplies, choose a moving company that uses sustainable packing materials and reusable or recyclable boxes. (Just ask!) Find out how to best prepare for their arrival. If you’re packing yourself, planning is everything. Are you going to jam through your whole house over the course of a week, or will spend the month before the move getting packed? Decide on your game plan, and use these tips to make your packing adventure as green as possible.

Only use these eco-friendly packing materials

What, exactly, does “eco-friendly” mean when it comes to packing and packing supplies? It means that everything you use to pack your things—boxes, wrapping, padding, tape—is made from recycled materials and/or is recyclable, biodegradable, or compostable.

Eco-friendly packing supplies include:

Cardboard boxes. When you’re done unpacking, pass your boxes on to someone else who’s moving, or put them out for recycling. When possible, source used cardboard boxes. If you must purchase new ones, choose boxes that are made from post-consumer recycled materials.

Cornstarch peanuts. If you’ve got to use peanuts for extra-fragile items, choose the eco-friendly variety instead of styrofoam peanuts, which don’t biodegrade—at least, not in our lifetime. Green packing peanuts are made from non-toxic materials like cornstarch or wheat. They’re biodegradable and dissolve in water, and you can compost them. As an added bonus, eco-friendly packing peanuts don’t have an electrostatic charge, so they won’t stick to everything.

Eco-friendly bubble wrap. Traditional bubble wrap is made from low-density polyethylene film, which generally isn’t picked up by your curbside recycler but can be recycled with your plastic bags when you take them to your local drop-off location. Eco-friendly bubble wrap is greener than traditional because it’s made, in part, from recycled materials. But it’s not biodegradable or compostable, so if you don’t recycle it, it’s hardly green at all.corrugated cardboard

Corrugated cardboard wrap. Made from 100 percent recycled cardboard, corrugated cardboard wrap is sturdy, protective, biodegradable, and recyclable. (See picture!)

Non-plastic tape. Plastic tape isn’t biodegradable, but paper and cellulose tape, which are made from trees, are. Paper tape typically comes with a water-activated adhesive and requires a special dispenser that wets the tape as you pull it out. Cellulose tape looks like plastic, but it’s made from trees, and you can tear it like paper. Both types of tape are biodegradable.

The zero-waste packing method

If you’re hardcore, you can achieve zero-waste moving by packing carefully. Plan ahead with these tips:

  • Use your clothes, towels, sheets, pillows, cushions, and linens to protect fragile items. Bonus: you won’t have to pack these items
  • Save your newspapers and junk magazines and inserts to wrap items in, and recycle them after you unpack
  • Rent reusable containers. Moving companies often rent reusable, heavy-duty moving crates that come in many shapes and sizes, including a wardrobe box to make moving your clothes easier than ever. When you’re done moving, return the boxes
  • Pack what you can in empty drawers, laundry baskets, suitcases, buckets, tote bags, and other receptacles you already have on hand
  • Source free cardboard boxes from friends and local stores. Close them by interlocking the flaps, and recycle or pass the boxes along to someone else when you’re done
  • For mattresses and other large items you might otherwise wrap in non-biodegradable plastic sheeting, opt instead to drape blankets, sheets, or a cloth drop cloth over these pieces

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Moving Day Must-do’s

It’s the big day! You’ve downsized your belongings without adding unnecessary waste to the local landfill, and you’ve packed your things in the most eco-friendly way you could. Now it’s time to finish up the move with the smallest possible environmental impact, which will be easy as pie if you follow these tips:

Turn off the HVAC while you load

Since your doors will be wide open while you’re loading boxes into the moving truck, turn off the heat or A/C while you load to save energy. Keep the lights off unless you need them on. To empty out the house faster so you can get the heat or A/C back on, move everything as close to the door as you can before you start moving it out. 

Save on gas and reduce exhaust

If you’ve hired a moving company, you don’t have much control over how much fuel they consume during your move, but you can rest assured that your company will want to conserve gas if only to boost their bottom line. Moving companies plan their loads and routes carefully for that reason. Depending on how much stuff you have and how far you’re moving, hiring a moving company may be your best option for an eco-friendly relocation.

If you’re moving yourself, here’s what you can do to save on gas:

Plan your route. Take a route to your new place that will use the least amount of gas. The best route may be the shortest, or it may be a long one that has the least traffic congestion and therefore the fewest idling stops. 

Make as few trips as possible. The fewer trips you need to take to get your stuff to your new place, the more eco-friendly your move will be. When you’re packing, fill your containers as full as possible so you’ll need fewer of them, which will require fewer trips. Pack your things in the vehicle(s) carefully so there’s little wasted space. 

Recycle those packaging materials

Eco-friendly moving isn’t really eco-friendly until you deal with the aftermath—the boxes and the packing materials. As you unpack each box, set the packing materials aside—designate a pile for what can be recycled curbside and a pile for what you’ll need to drop off. Remove any tape from these materials and from your boxes before you break them down. Give the boxes to friends, or put them up on a free online marketplace for people to claim. If they’re beaten up, set them out for recycling. 

A New Start: Going Green for Good

Now that you’re all settled in, take a deep breath, relax, and take a good look around your new place. What can you do to reduce your carbon footprint—and your utility bills—as you begin a new era? We’re glad you asked. 

Protect your air quality

Poor air quality in your home is bad for your health and for the environment. Keep your indoor air quality as high as possible for a reduced footprint and increased well-being.

Use eco-friendly paints for walls. Paint is notorious for off-gassing volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, into your home, and the production of conventional paint has serious environmental consequences. When it’s time to decorate, choose low-VOC paint, which is less harmful to the environment and your health.

Use non-toxic cleaners. Conventional home cleaning products are rife with toxic chemicals, and when they go down the drain, they can end up in our natural waterways and poison aquatic wildlife. You can either buy non-toxic cleaners or use ingredients from the kitchen, like vinegar and baking soda, to get the entire place sparkling clean without putting your health at risk.

Change the HVAC filter. The air filter in your HVAC system traps impurities as your home’s air moves through it. A dirty filter is far less efficient than a clean one at catching particles like pollen, mold, bacteria, and viruses. Only use high-quality air filters in your system. Inspect your filter each month, and replace it when it’s dirty.

Conserve energy and lower your utility bills

The less energy you use at home, the better for the environment—and the lower your gas and electricity bills will be. 

Maintain your furnace and A/C. Your HVAC system is responsible for a large portion of your home’s energy consumption, so keeping it in tip-top shape will not only lower your utility bills but also reduce your home’s use of non-renewable resources and its emissions of greenhouse gases. Have your furnace professionally tuned up before you need it each fall, and have your A/C serviced before it’s time to turn it on in the spring. 

Install solar panels. When it’s time to make upgrades, consider installing solar panels on your home. Solar power has come a long way in the past decade, and it’s less expensive and more reliable than ever before. It is pollution-free and less expensive than the non-renewable alternatives.

Invest in ENERGY STAR appliances. As you move through life in your new home, replace appliances that break down with new ENERGY STAR appliances. ENERGY STAR is a program by the U.S. Department of Energy that clearly identifies the household appliances with the highest energy efficiency and, therefore, the lowest operating costs. 

Conserve water better

xeriscape

Less than one percent of the earth’s water is available for human use, and our current global civilization is quickly depleting the supply. It’s up to everyone to conserve water, and here are some ways to do it at home.

Low-flow fixtures. Low-flow fixtures, including showerheads, dishwashers, and toilets, are easy to install, and they don’t affect the quality of your showers, the cleanliness of your dishes, or the force of your flush. However, they do conserve water, using considerably less than their conventional counterparts.

Run the shortest cycles on the dishwasher and washing machine. Unless your clothes or dishes are heavily soiled, the shortest cycle on the washer or dishwasher will get them just as clean as a longer cycle, but it’ll save a lot of water over time.

Re-think your lawn. Lawns are one of the worst offenders when it comes to environmental damage. Maintaining a lawn involves fertilizers and pesticides that leach into groundwater, and keeping it green and barefoot-worthy requires a lot of water. Mowing requires non-renewable gasoline and emits greenhouse gases. Consider ditching your lawn for a beautiful, low-maintenance xeriscape, which requires little to no water.

Finally get your household waste under control

Every year, the U.S. produces 268 million tons of waste—almost five pounds per person per day. . With a recycling and composting rate of just 32.1 percent, America sends the majority of its solid waste to landfills, where it produces methane, carbon dioxide, and other poisonous gases. So your first order of business in your new place is to recycle religiously if you don’t already. Also:

Go paperless. Paper accounts create a huge amount of waste, and although most paper can be recycled, much of it isn’t, or can’t be. Reduce your paper consumption as much as possible—opt for paperless bill paying, invoicing, and receipts, and opt out of junk mail. Clean up spills with microfiber instead of paper towels or disposable wipes, and invest in a stack of cloth napkins instead of using disposable ones.

Compost. A backyard compost pile provides rich compost for your garden and helps you dramatically reduce food waste, which accounts for a large portion of household waste. But food isn’t the only thing you can compost. Other things you can toss on the compost pile include non-glossy paper, cardboard, natural fabrics, dryer lint, and wine corks. Shred these items into small pieces before adding them to the heap.

Buy in bulk. Food packaging has a giant, terrible impact on the environment. It comprises half of all municipal waste, and it ends up in waterways and inside wildlife as microplastics. It strangles sea creatures, traps land critters, and breaks down into toxic chemicals in the soil. Whenever possible, buy your food in bulk. Bring your own bags to the store with you, and skip the produce bags—or reuse them. 

Change your mindset. Being a consumer is fun, there’s no doubt about it. But if you tend to buy things mainly for the quick hit of dopamine it provides—and if most of those baubles quickly end up in the back of closets and drawers, unseen until you move again in 10 years—it’s time to change your ways. When you pick up that shiny thing at your favorite big box store, ask yourself: Do I really need this? If the answer is a (reluctant) no, save your money for something spectacular later on.

From the moment you decide to move, it’s easy to honor your commitment to reducing your impact on the environment. With some planning ahead, you can easily achieve an eco-friendly or zero-waste move. Once you’re unpacked, a few tweaks of some old habits and some brand-new habits are all it takes to start your new life on the right foot—one with a lighter print.

Too Big, Too Small, or Just Right — Find the Right Size and Type of Moving Box for Your Move

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In a way, moving boxes can be considered the unsung heroes of a successful move. Quietly, they play a vital role in ensuring your belongings reach their new destination intact. But do the types of boxes you move with really matter? Yes, they can. 

(Looking for where to get free moving boxes? Here’s our guide to where to get moving boxes.)

Especially if you’re moving long-distance or have delicate items in your inventory, your choice of moving boxes can make or break  — pun intended — your move, making a significant difference in the safety of your possessions. If you have the time and budget to order the right boxes, you can increase the likelihood that your items arrive in one piece, saving you time, hassle, and money in the long term.

So, let’s explore the world of moving boxes with a guide that will not only help you choose the right types of moving boxes for your move but also help you pack them right.

Moving Box Sizes

a stack of moving boxes under a window that are all of different sizes

Appropriately sized boxes prevent over-packing, ensuring that each box remains manageable in weight. This not only allows for ease of handling but also helps maintain the structural integrity of the box itself — which means you don’t have to worry about collapsed or busted boxes. 

 

“You can find cheap or free boxes on websites such as Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, or OfferUp, and even at local retailers like grocery or liquor stores.”

 

Overloading a box can lead to it breaking or items getting damaged during the move. On the other hand, using boxes that are too large for the items being packed can result in inadequate support, increasing shifting during transit. 

So before you start packing, take a look at this rundown of the most common moving box sixes to make sure you’re selecting the right size for your items.

Book Boxes

  • Dimensions: 12” x 12” x 12” or up to 1.5 cubic feet
  • Volume: Holds up to 65 lbs.

Book boxes are light, durable, and compact, which makes them suitable for carrying small but dense items. You can use these boxes to transport your books, photo albums, puzzles, board games, DVD collections, and small picture frames. 

There are also best practices for packing your books during a move, which can be helpful no matter the type of box you use.

Three-Cubic Boxes

  • Dimensions: 18 ⅛” x 18″ x16″ 
  • Volume: Holds up to 65 lbs.

Three-cubic boxes are sturdy enough to contain common household items of various weights and sizes. You can use these boxes to transport kitchenware, home decor, linens, towels, pillows, medium appliances, children’s toys, and craft or office supplies. 

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Large Cartons

  • Dimensions: 18″ x 18″ x 24″ (or 4.5 cubic feet)
  • Volume: Holds up to 65 lbs.

Large cartons are made for tall, bulky, or oblong items that require a considerable amount of space. Think: clothing, desk lamps, heavy blankets, curtains, stereo speakers, and small to medium electronics.

Extra-Large Cartons

  • Dimensions: 24″ x 18″ x 24″ (or 6 cubic feet)
  • Volume: Holds up to 65 lbs.

Extra-large cartons have both the depth and roominess to hold your most cumbersome items. You can use these boxes to transport large home decor, TV monitors, floor lamps, curtain rods, winter coats, bed comforters, and other hefty objects.

Moving Box Types

a woman stacks a box on top of a pile. all of them are of different sizes and uses and are labeled for different rooms

Now that we’ve explored all the moving box sizes to be aware of, let’s talk about the types of moving boxes. 

Here’s a guide to the most common moving boxes and how best to pack them to maximize space and ensure your valuables remain intact during transport. There’s no one-size-fits-all formula for how to pack and move your items, but these tips can definitely streamline the process for you.

Wardrobe Boxes

What They’re For: Clothes on hangers (coats, blouses, skirts, dresses, pants, suits)

How to Pack Them: 

  • It’s basically like packing a portable closet: Hang each piece of clothing on the box’s horizontal metal bar, spacing the items close together to prevent wrinkling during transit
  • Place accessories like belts or shoes at the bottom of the wardrobe box to optimize space
  • Alternatives: The main benefit of using a wardrobe box is that it’ll keep your clothes organized, clean, and virtually wrinkle-free, while never taking them off their hangers. But there are certainly other ways to pack clothes! Consider vacuum-sealed bags, especially for bulkier coats or winter garments that would otherwise take up a lot of space, or use pieces of clothing (like sweatshirts) as a cushion to pack other delicate items. You can also use plastic storage boxes, as demonstrated in this video

Dishware Boxes

a man packs mugs in a dish ware box

What They’re For: Plates, bowls glasses, utensils, coffee mugs, other cookware

How to Pack Them: 

  • Bundle each item securely in newspaper or bubble wrap to create a protective cushion 
  • Place the heaviest items at the bottom of the box, then stack each piece of kitchenware as tightly as possible so there’s no excess room for the items to shift around while in transit
  • Check out this kitchen packing video playlist for more tips
  • Alternative: Since most kitchenware is fragile, you need a firm, durable box to keep them safe. But if you’re on a budget for this move (or you don’t want the hassle of ordering a specialty box), check out the U-Haul Box Exchange. This online resource will connect you with local residents who are giving away their boxes and moving supplies — or selling them at a discounted rate. You may just find some free dishware boxes, or some sturdy alternatives    

Frame and Mirror Boxes

Church Hill Classics

What They’re For: Photographs, artwork, plaques, mirrors, other framed objects

How to Pack Them: 

  • Bundle each item securely in a blanket, towel, or bubble wrap to reinforce the glass
  • Place the heaviest pictures at the bottom of the box, then stack the others horizontally on top of each other 
  • Make sure there’s no excess room for the items to shift around in transit
  • Got an odd-shaped mirror? Here’s a video on how to pack it 
  • Alternative: Because glass is famously breakable, it’s crucial to protect your framed mirrors and other wall decor as much as possible. But if you don’t have a tall enough box, you can transport them individually. Reinforce each side of the frame with a foam sheet or another cushion material, then double-wrap it in a heavy blanket and tightly secure the corners with moving tape.

Flat-panel TV Boxes

a couple prepares to pack a flatscreen tv into a box

What They’re For: Television and large computer screens (between 32–70 inches) 

How to Pack Them: 

  • Place all electronic cables, remotes, routers, modems, surge protectors, and other external devices in a plastic bag ( and take a picture before you disassemble your setup!) 
  • Detach the monitor’s stand or wall mount, then bundle the screen in a blanket, bubble wrap, or foam sleeve 
  • Need a visual aid? This video shows how the pros pack TVs
  • Alternative: Similar to packing frames and mirrors, you can also transport a television or computer monitor without a box if you use the right protective materials. Bundle the screen with bubble wrap, then reinforce the corners with foam cushioning. Double-wrap the screen in a heavy blanket and tightly secure it with moving tape. This isn’t as effective as a box, but it works in a pinch

Electronics Boxes

uhaul.com

What They’re For: Computers, game consoles, microwaves, stereo systems, other electric appliances or devices

How to Pack Them: 

  • Remove the batteries or cartridges from all electronics to prevent leakage and corrosion
  • Place cables and other external attachments in a plastic bag, and tape the bag with blue painter’s tape to the back of the appliance
  • Bundle each device in a blanket, bubble wrap, or foam sleeve 
  • Place the heaviest items at the bottom, then stack the others as tightly as possible so there’s no excess room for shifting around during transit. 
  • Alternative: Because of their delicate (and often pricey) nature, computers and electronics require sturdy boxes. But, if you don’t want to invest in specialty electronics boxes, normal three-cubic boxes or large cartons with proper cushioning do the job as well. You can find cheap or free boxes on websites such as Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, or OfferUp, and even at local retailers like grocery or liquor stores.

Plastic Storage Bins

a stack of plastic storage containers in varying sizes

What They’re For: Cleaning products, office supplies, bathroom items, towels, linens, curtains, tools, miscellaneous accessories

How to Pack Them: 

  • Since plastic storage bins are extremely durable, and the objects you’ll pack in them are generally not breakable, there’s no need to wrap each item 
  • Fold towels and linens, place them at the bottom, then arrange the other items compactly inside the storage bin, making sure there’s no excess room. 
  • Reinforce the bin with moving tape
  • Alternatives: If you don’t have plastic storage bins on hand, there are plenty of other organizational containers you can use to transport miscellaneous items. Options include metal or wood crates, industrial wire baskets, collapsible canvas utility totes, or suitcases/backpacks/gym bags. You can even place certain items in empty furniture drawers, then cover each drawer with shrink wrap, so the objects won’t fall out. 

Whether you’re relocating out of state or transporting valuable items that can easily break, there’s no need to stress about which boxes to choose or how to correctly pack them — just follow the tips above, and you’ll be set to hit the open road!

Movehacks: How to Unpack and Organize Before, During and After You Open a Box

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Some people tell us unpacking is the most enjoyable part of their move. (“It’s like Christmas!” they say.) Others dread unpacking like nothing else in the world. (“It’s worse than a triple root canal!” they cry.)

Either way, unpacking can quickly turn your new home into an ocean of cardboard and newsprint. To make the process more manageable – dare we say more enjoyable? – here are some industry tips for getting your unpack off to a raging start.

What to Do Before the Unpack

Yeah, you gotta clean before you unpack 

You might not want to hear this right off the bat, but be prepared to clean before you begin to unpack. Even if it’s just wiping the shelves and countertops and giving the floors a quick sweep, unpacking in a clean home is infinitely more pleasant than unpacking in a dusty one. These items definitely take priority when it comes to cleaning:

  • Kitchen cabinets
  • Refridgerator
  • Bathtub and bathtub jets
  • Stove
  • Inside the washing machine

Don’t unpack from down on the ground, clear some counter space

In the kitchen or dining room, do whatever you need to do so you can get your boxes up high. Why? Because you’ll need that counter space to place boxes on before you carry your things around your new place.

Why on a shelf? Because if you unpack from the place you dropped down that heavy box, you’re going to feel it in your lower back the next day. And week. Trust me, unpack up high. Always.

Unpack to shower and sleep first

No one in the history of unpacking has ever unpacked in one day. Unless you think you can be the first, don’t wait to unpack your bedding, set up your bed, hang your shower curtain and dig out what you need to feel clean and refreshed after a long day (or week? or month?) of moving.

Protip: Yes, this involves a little foresight when packing. Mark the boxes that contain the things you want to access first. (This may also include real plates, glasses and utensils to make you feel more at home when you sit down for dinner that first evening.)

What to Do During the Unpack

Unpack the “easy” boxes first to make room 

It takes almost no time to unpack your books and stick them on the shelves of your bookcase. In a matter of minutes, you can transfer your t-shirts and jeans from boxes to dresser drawers. And for goodness sake, get those massive and bulky wardrobe boxes unpacked and out of the house!

Go about halfway with the pictures 

Unpacking large pictures, mirrors and paintings is also quick, and you can then get rid of those bulky mirror cartons. Some folks, however, suggest hanging your pictures up early on to give your new place that homey feel. I say lean them up in a corner somewhere until you get all your furniture in place. Later on, you can do the “a little to the right…a little more…no back left…no not that much…okay there, no, a shade higher…yeah, that’s perfect” thing.

Make a quota of boxes unpacked per day and stick to it

If you are the motivated type, feel free to skip this tip. If you are easily distracted and tend to put things off, you might find it helpful to …. Hey, are you listening? …  set goals for yourself. Commit to unpacking one room per day, six boxes per hour, whatever. And reward yourself for sticking to your plan by going out afterward. Just remember how satisfying it will be when you’re all finished. 

Repack what you don’t actually need for storage

As you empty your boxes, set aside those items you decide you won’t need right away – or for a long time. Keep a few of those now-empty boxes handy and consolidate those items you put aside for quick transfer to the basement, the attic or the back of your closet.

Protip: Just as you did when you first packed, write the contents of each box with a marker as you go through your consolidation.

Don’t unpack the TV

The ultimate distractor. Do unpack the tunes, though. 

Purge. Again

We suggest purging while unpacking. On move after move, it’s common to see people wait for weeks (or months) for the family’s stuff to arrive. Living without most of their stuff, they often realize that so many things were unnecessary. And while packing stuff in a box allows you to forget about it, having to unpack it and find a place for it helps you decide whether you really need it. As with the stuff you’ll be storing in the attic or the basement, set up a box or two for these things you’ve decided to part with.

What to Do After the Unpack

Hide your paper trail

Keep a couple of medium-sized boxes on hand, and use them to stash all the packing paper that would otherwise turn the floors of your new home into a churning sea of crumpled newsprint. Flattening and folding all that paper will save a lot of space – if you have the time and patience – but doing so also helps you find smaller items that can go unnoticed and disappear forever. I can’t count how many times a customer dropped their used moving boxes off at our warehouse with items still buried in the packing paper inside.

Protip: Packing a large box with flattened paper can make it surprisingly heavy. Medium boxes are more manageable in this respect.

Now, about getting rid of all those boxes…

First, get them out of your way. The garage – if you have one and there’s room – is the obvious choice. (Think twice before stashing them in the basement “temporarily”.) If the weather is good and it feels appropriate, start breaking down your empty boxes and putting them out by the curb. Unless your new home is on a cul-de-sac it may not be long before you see passer-by stop and take those boxes off your hands. If this doesn’t work, here are three ideas that don’t require a box-hungry passerby.

  • If you have the time, the storage space and the mental fortitude try passing on your boxes to someone else who is getting ready to move. Facebook groups and Craigslist are two widely-used resources for advertising moving boxes for sale or for free.
  • Some moving companies will be happy to take your boxes and your packing paper off your hands. If none of the smaller local movers will take them, check for national van line agencies in your area (like United, North American, Atlas and Allied). The agencies I worked for never bought used boxes from people, but we were always happy to take them if they were in decent shape. 
  • Recycle if you can’t find someone who will reuse them.

Unpacking can prove a more formidable task than expected. Whether you think it’ll be like Christmas or a root canal, putting these tips into practice will help you feel at home faster.

Then you can sit back and watch the TV.

Every Place You Can Get Free Moving Boxes

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People say there’s no such thing as a free lunch. Well, how about a free box? We hear a lot about those, but where are they?

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