5 Eco-Friendly Moving Tips

Moving is stressful. It’s chaotic, exhausting, expensive, and often surprisingly wasteful. Between the cardboard, packing materials, unwanted junk, and gas-guzzling moving trucks, it can take a serious toll on both your wallet and the environment.

But here’s the good news: a few smart choices can make your move cleaner, greener, and much more efficient. Whether you’re moving across the street or the state, being intentional about your process can reduce your environmental impact without adding extra hassle.

At MACS Moving and Storage, we believe in responsible moving. Here are five eco-friendly moving tips to help you lighten your load and feel good about how you relocate.

1. Use What You Already Own Instead of Bubble Wrap

Most people start collecting bubble wrap, packing paper, and foam peanuts the second they know they’re moving. While these supplies help protect your items, they’re not great for the planet. They’re also expensive and usually end up in the trash the same day you move in.

Instead, pack smart by using soft items you already own. Towels, blankets, t-shirts, socks, and linens can all double as padding for fragile items.

Wrap these with soft goods:

• Dishes and glassware
• Electronics like monitors or speakers
• Picture frames and wall art
• Vases, candles, and other home décor

Not only does this approach reduce waste, but it also cuts down on the number of boxes you’ll need since you’re combining items. Less waste, less space, and less stress.

2. Donate or Sell What You Don’t Need

One of the biggest mistakes people make is moving things they no longer want. If you haven’t used something in a year, ask yourself if it’s really worth packing, transporting, and unpacking again.

Instead of tossing your old items in the garbage, give them a second life.

Here’s what you can do:

• Donate usable items to local shelters, nonprofits, schools, or thrift stores.
• Host a yard sale or list items on apps like Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, or Nextdoor.
• Ask friends or neighbors if they can use anything you’re getting rid of.
• Drop off recyclables at your local center, especially electronics, batteries, and appliances.

Less stuff means fewer boxes. Fewer boxes mean fewer trips and less fuel. And if you sell a few things, you might even cover part of your moving costs.

3. Get Creative With Your Boxes

Cardboard boxes are essential to moving, but you don’t always need to buy new ones. There are plenty of sources for gently used boxes that are just as effective.

Try these options first:

• Ask local grocery, liquor, or office supply stores for spare boxes.
• Look on Craigslist or in local Facebook groups for free moving boxes.
• Save boxes from any online orders in the weeks leading up to your move.
• Ask friends, coworkers, or neighbors who’ve moved recently.

Just make sure the boxes are in good shape. A heavily worn or damaged box is more likely to collapse or break open during the move. And using more tape to fix it usually creates more waste than it’s worth.

If you want to go even greener, look into renting reusable plastic moving bins. These stack well, protect your items, and eliminate waste entirely. Many rental services will drop them off and pick them up, which also saves you time.

4. Reduce Food Waste Before the Move

Food is one of the most commonly wasted items during a move. It’s easy to forget what’s in the fridge or overbuy groceries before moving day. When it’s time to go, a lot of people just throw everything out.

You can avoid this with a little planning.

Here’s how:

• Start meal planning a few weeks ahead to use up what’s in your freezer and pantry.
• Stop buying perishable groceries about one week before your move.
• Pack what you can take with you in coolers or insulated bags.
• Donate unopened, unexpired food to a local food bank or community pantry.

If you’re moving locally, it’s easier to transport refrigerated items. If you’re moving long-distance, focus on shelf-stable goods and donate what won’t make the trip.

Being mindful about food waste not only helps the planet but also saves you money and simplifies the packing process.

5. Work With a Moving Company That Prioritizes Efficiency

It might seem like renting a truck and moving everything yourself is the greener option. But in many cases, hiring professionals is actually more efficient.

Professional movers know how to pack your truck efficiently, which means fewer trips and better use of space. That translates into lower fuel consumption, fewer hours spent loading and unloading, and less risk of damage that could lead to more waste.

At MACS, we also offer packing services that use reusable materials, and we’re happy to help with donation pickups and sustainable planning advice.

You don’t have to handle everything alone. Working with movers who care about the environment means a faster, cleaner, and smarter move.

Bonus Eco-Friendly Tips for Moving Day

Here are a few more ideas to take your move from decent to downright sustainable:

• Use reusable containers like laundry baskets, suitcases, or storage bins instead of buying new boxes.
• Pack an essentials bag so you don’t have to tear through everything on night one and potentially waste supplies.
• Choose the smallest truck that can fit your stuff. It burns less fuel and still gets the job done.
• Avoid plastic shopping bags altogether. Use tote bags or reusable grocery bags for small or loose items.
• Move during off-peak hours to avoid getting stuck in traffic and wasting gas.

Every small decision adds up. A little extra effort now can go a long way toward reducing your environmental footprint.

Make Your Move Easier & Greener With MACS

We get it. Moving is hard enough without having to think about how eco-friendly your packing tape is. That’s why we make it easy for our clients to move smarter.

At MACS Moving and Storage, we’re proud to offer efficient, sustainable moving services across Southeast Wisconsin. Whether you’re moving your home or business, we’ll help you do it in a way that’s fast, affordable, and environmentally conscious.

Ready to make your next move a cleaner one? Contact our team today for a free quote, and let’s talk about how we can help you plan a move that works for you and the planet.