The average American move generates 50-100 pounds of packing materials waste, with most ending up in landfills. When Americans move approximately 27.1 million times annually, that translates to over 1.3 billion pounds of moving-related waste each year.
But moving doesn’t have to be an environmental disaster. With some planning and conscious choices, you can significantly reduce your relocation’s environmental impact while often saving money.
The Environmental Impact of Traditional Moving
Moving Industry Waste Statistics:
Cardboard and Packing Materials:
- Average move uses 60-80 cardboard boxes
- Only 65% of cardboard boxes are recycled
- Annual moving industry cardboard waste: approximately 900 million pounds
Plastic Materials:
- Plastic packing peanuts take 500 years to decompose
- Approximately 400 million pounds of plastic packing materials used annually for moves
Fuel Consumption:
- Moving trucks average 6-10 miles per gallon
- Carbon emissions per move: 0.5-1.5 metric tons CO2
Furniture Waste:
- Americans discard 12 million tons of furniture annually
- 80% ends up in landfills rather than being reused
Sustainable Packing Materials
Reusable Moving Boxes and Containers
Instead of cardboard boxes, rent or purchase reusable plastic bins.
Cost Comparison:
- Cardboard boxes: $120-300 (single use)
- Plastic bin rental: $120-200 for 3-week rental (reused hundreds of times)
- Plastic bins purchase: $8-15 each (reusable for years)
Local Orlando Options:
- BungoBox (reusable bin rental)
- U-Haul Ready-To-Go Box rental
- Container Store, Home Depot, Lowe’s
Environmental Impact: Using reusable bins reduces waste by 95% per move and saves approximately 15 trees per average household move.
Eco-Friendly Packing Materials
For Fragile Items:
Biodegradable Packing Peanuts: Made from cornstarch, these dissolve in water and are fully compostable. Cost: $25-35 per large bag.
What You Already Own:
- Towels and linens (wrap dishes and glassware)
- Clothing (cushion fragile items)
- Blankets (protect furniture)
- Sheets (wrap large items)
Environmental Benefit: Using items you already own eliminates the need for approximately 20-30 pounds of packing materials per move.
Free Box Alternatives
Where to Find Used Boxes:
- Grocery stores (produce boxes)
- Liquor stores (boxes with dividers)
- Community “Buy Nothing” groups
- Craigslist free section
Statistics: 73% of used boxes are available for free within 5 miles of your home.
Other Containers:
- Suitcases for heavy items like books
- Laundry baskets for clothes and linens
- Reusable shopping bags for lightweight items
Decluttering: Move Less, Waste Less
The most sustainable move is one where you transport fewer items.
Environmental Benefits
Reducing Moving Volume:
- Every 100 pounds you don’t move saves approximately 1 gallon of fuel
- Smaller loads mean fewer truck trips
- Less packing material needed
Statistics: The average household has 300,000 items, but only regularly uses about 20% of them.
What to Purge
Furniture: If a piece costs less to replace than to move, donate it. Average furniture items cost $25-100 to move long distances.
Books: Expensive to move at $0.50-1.00 per pound for long distances. Keep favorites, donate the rest.
Clothing: Donate clothes you haven’t worn in a year.
Kitchen Items: Duplicate utensils, mismatched dishes, and unused appliances add weight without value.
Orlando Donation and Recycling Resources
Major Donation Centers
Goodwill Industries of Central Florida:
- 15+ locations in Orlando area
- Free pickup for large items
- Tax-deductible donations
The Salvation Army:
- Multiple locations
- Free pickup service available
Habitat for Humanity ReStore:
- Locations: Orlando, Winter Park, Ocoee
- Accepts building materials, furniture, appliances
- Pickup available
Statistics: Donating instead of trashing keeps approximately 85% of items out of landfills and provides $250-500 in tax deductions for the average household.
Specialized Donations
Books: Orange County Library System, Better World Books
Electronics: Best Buy (free recycling), Goodwill e-Recycle, Orange County Hazardous Waste Centers
Clothing: Dress for Success Orlando, Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando
Environmental Impact per Ton Donated:
- Saves 3 cubic yards of landfill space
- Reduces emissions by 3.5 metric tons
- Conserves 17 trees
- Saves 7,000 gallons of water
Sustainable Furniture Disposal
Orange County Solid Waste Management: Offers free bulk item pickup and recycling programs.
What Can Be Recycled:
- Wooden furniture (composted or recycled)
- Metal furniture (recycled for raw materials)
- Mattresses (specialized recycling)
Environmental Impact: Recycling furniture diverts 85% of materials from landfills and reduces methane emissions.
Free Listings: Items often find homes when listed free on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or “Buy Nothing” groups.
Green Cleaning for Move-Out
DIY Cleaning Products
All-Purpose Cleaner: 1 cup water + 1 cup white vinegar + 20 drops essential oil Cost: $0.50 vs. $3-5 for commercial cleaners
Glass Cleaner: 2 cups water + 1/4 cup white vinegar + 1/2 teaspoon dish soap Cost: $0.30
Scrubbing Paste: Baking soda + water Cost: $0.10 per application
Reducing Fuel Consumption
Transportation is the largest environmental impact of moving.
Strategies
Consolidate Trips: Single moving truck trip produces less emissions than multiple personal vehicle trips.
Efficient Packing: Reduces truck size needed and saves 30-40% of emissions.
Carbon Offset Options
Offset Costs:
- Local move (50 miles): $1-2
- Long-distance move (1,000 miles): $10-20
Programs: Carbonfund.org, TerraPass, Cool Effect
Cost Comparison
Traditional Move (3-bedroom home, local):
- Cardboard boxes: $180
- Packing materials: $160
- Cleaning products: $50
- Disposal fees: $50
- Total: $440
Eco-Friendly Move:
- Plastic bin rental: $150
- Biodegradable materials: $40
- DIY cleaning: $15
- Donations: $0 (plus $200-500 tax deduction)
- Total: $205
Savings: $235 out-of-pocket, plus $200-500 tax deduction = $435-735 total benefit
Environmental Impact Calculator
Traditional Move: 100-500 kg CO2
Eco-Friendly Reductions:
- Reusable containers: -25 kg CO2
- Donated items: -75 kg CO2
- Efficient packing: -50 kg CO2
- Potential Reduction: 50-70% lower carbon footprint
Orlando Express Movers’ Sustainability Commitment
Our Practices:
Fuel Efficiency:
- Regular truck maintenance
- Route optimization
- Consolidated scheduling
Reusable Materials:
- Reusable moving blankets and pads
- Plastic bin partnerships
- Reusable straps and equipment
Donation Coordination:
- Transport donated items to charities
- Partnerships with Goodwill and Habitat for Humanity
Recycling:
- All materials recycled when possible
- Paperless invoicing
Sustainable Moving Checklist
6-8 Weeks Before:
- Start decluttering
- Research donation centers
- Decide on reusable bins
4-6 Weeks Before:
- Begin donating items
- Source sustainable packing materials
- Collect items for packing (towels, linens)
2-4 Weeks Before:
- Schedule donation pickups
- Rent or purchase reusable containers
- Make DIY cleaning supplies
Moving Day:
- Minimize trips through efficient loading
- Dispose of hazardous materials properly
After Moving:
- Return rented containers
- Recycle all packing materials
- Donate unneeded items
Every Small Change Matters
If just 10% of the 27.1 million annual U.S. moves adopted sustainable practices, we’d keep over 100 million pounds of waste out of landfills and reduce carbon emissions by 50,000 metric tons annually.
Your move can be part of that positive change.
Ready to Plan Your Eco-Friendly Move?
Whether you’re deeply committed to sustainability or just want to reduce waste and save money, Orlando Express Movers can help you have a more environmentally responsible relocation.
Contact Orlando Express Movers today for a free quote. Let us know you’re interested in sustainable moving practices, and we’ll work with you to minimize your environmental impact while ensuring a smooth transition to your new home.
Call us to discuss your eco-friendly move and discover how we can help you relocate responsibly in Orlando.