So you decided to use moving storage because you were impressed with how safe and economical it is as a moving option, and you liked how little gas it takes to transport moving storage. Storage containers are a splendidly eco friendly way to move. However, the waste involved in packing your belongings horrifies you. How can you pack your moving storage container while still going green?
Moving boxes are the place where you can make the greatest impact on the environment. Rather than giving in to the temptation of convenience and buying a stack of new boxes from the moving company, check Freecycle, Craigslist, and other classifieds sections in your area for used boxes that people are giving away for free or for cheap. Even a small population center will have more boxes available than you will ever need, so place some calls, do a little extra driving, and stock up. The only boxes you will need to buy are specialty boxes like picture boxes and glassware boxes.
(Please note that this is not advised in areas that have problems with bedbug infestations or that have a lot of cockroaches. Both cockroaches and bedbugs can ride on cardboard boxes, whether in adult or in egg form, so you may open your storage container to find an infestation you didnt have when you packed. Getting used boxes from the grocery store should also be an emergency measure, since even the cleanest grocery store has roaches.)
Packing materials are another area where traditional packing generates too much waste and going green can make a sizable difference. Recycle others packing materials if you can, and make heavy use of towels, clothes, and other soft, fluffy items you already have. When those run out, thin plastic grocery bags make excellent packing material. (They arent eco friendly, but everyone has drifts of them anyway, so you may as well use what you have.) Old newspapers are another classic choice. If you have no newspapers because you went green by switching to online delivery, shredded junk mail makes great "packing peanuts."
Depending on the type of moving storage you chose and how full you were able to pack the container, you may need to lash down your possessions with rope. Again, reusing others rope is a good option. However, if you must buy rope, choose a type of rope that is made of natural fibers, such as cotton or hemp, or a recyclable synthetic such as nylon.
Packing your moving storage container in an eco friendly way requires a little more effort and consciousness than the old wasteful way. However, the end result is just as safe for your belongings, and far better for the rest of the world. When you finish the cycle by handing your used packing materials on to the next person who needs to move, using a moving storage container will not only be a green moving option, it will be a green option, period. Reference Portable storage --