Interested in a Greener Move? Here’s How

“Going green” is all the rage these days. There are green houses, green cars and green appliances. So if you’re planning a move, why not go green there as well?

“If you choose companies that have adopted green practices, you’re making a difference,” says Laura McHolm, co-founder of Los Angeles-based NorthStar Moving Corp. “Plus, going green can save you green.”

Here are some tips from McHolm on how anyone can take even small steps to make their move greener:

• Ask your mover what type of fuel their trucks run on. NorthStar has converted its entire fleet to biodiesel.
• Use moving boxes made of 100% recycled materials—and give them to a friend when you’re done so they can be re-used. Some moving companies sell used boxes at a discount.
• Save money and protect the environment by using real popcorn to pack fragile items rather than Styrofoam packing peanuts.
• Don’t toss unwanted electronic devices. Make sure they are properly recycled.
• Even though newspapers can be recycled, they are not always the best way to pack. After you move, you’ll need to run the dishwasher to remove newsprint from dishes and glassware. Save energy by using white packing paper made from recycled materials instead.
• If you need to put anything in storage, think green. Self-storage facilities are spread out, with rows of garage-like rooms. Moving company warehouses, however, allow storage vaults to be stacked on top of each other, conserving space. Some companies, like NorthStar, use recycled wooden vaults.

Interested in selling your home, or want to learn more about green moving companies in your area? Give our CENTURY 21 office a call today.