before your move

One of the best ways to make your move more eco-friendly is to get rid of what you don't need or want before the move. Have a yard sale, gift to a friend, donate to a thrift shop, or donate or sell on an online marketplace. Try to recycle whatever's left.

Cardboard moving boxes can be reused a few times before they're recycled. There are myriad options for finding clean, dry used boxes for moving, such as friends, online marketplaces, retailers, and a new service of U-Haul: Customer Connect.

An increasing number of people moving homes are contracting with reusable box companies, such as Big Green Moving Boxes or Redi-Box. These companies deliver the desired boxes to your home and pick them up from your new residence. 

Use your own household linens and clothing to wrap your breakable items. Socks can be stuffed into wine glasses, and comforters are great for larger items. Get creative!

Try to avoid packing peanuts altogether. If you must buy new ones, opt for biodegradable. If you end up with polystyrene (plastic) peanuts, they can be reused almost infinitely, so keep, give away, or recycle them at the UPS store in Winnetka.  They are not accepted at the Village polystyrene recycling drop-off.

Find out more about biodegradable packing peanuts on our After The Move page.

Skip the plastic bubble wrap. There are several options on the market for honeycomb cushion wrap made of paper, such as 3M or Duck Brand. After the move, use it for wrapping gifts.

When it's reached the end of its life, this versatile wrap can be recycled in your curbside bin.