Eco-Friendly Moving: Keeping Oregon Green During Your Relocation

Written By Morgan Myers

We live in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. From the forests of the Cascades to the farmlands of the Willamette Valley, Oregonians have a deep connection to nature.

So, it hurts a little when you finish a move, look at your driveway, and see a mountain of plastic wrap, Styrofoam, and tape destined for the landfill.

Moving is inherently resource-heavy. Between the fuel for the truck and the packing materials, the average move can generate up to 60 pounds of trash. But it doesn't have to be a disaster for the environment.

As a local business, Summit Moving & Storage is committed to efficient practices. Here are five ways you can make your next move greener while keeping your items safe.

1. The "Towels for Bubble Wrap" Swap

The most wasteful part of packing is usually the protection for fragile items. Instead of buying three rolls of plastic bubble wrap (which is generally difficult to recycle), look at what you already own.

  • Bath Towels: These are perfect for wrapping large serving platters or lining the bottom of boxes to create a shock-absorbing layer.

  • Socks: Slip wine glasses and stemware inside clean wool socks. It provides excellent padded protection and prevents clinking.

  • T-Shirts: Great for wrapping plates and picture frames.

The Bonus: You save space! You were going to have to pack those towels and clothes anyway. Now, they are doing double duty as protective gear.

2. Cardboard: Hunt, Don't Buy

Manufacturing new cardboard requires water and energy. The most eco-friendly box is the one that already exists. Before you buy a bundle of new boxes, check your local community.

  • Grocery Stores: Ask for apple or banana boxes. They are incredibly sturdy because they are designed to hold heavy produce.

  • Liquor Stores: The divided boxes used for wine and spirits are perfect for packing your own glasses and vases.

  • Community Groups: Check Facebook Marketplace or Nextdoor. People who just moved are often desperate to give away their perfectly good boxes for free to clear out their garage.

3. Know Your Local Recycling Rules (Valley-Wide)

Once the move is done, please don't throw your cardboard in the trash. However, "Wishcycling" (throwing everything in the blue bin and hoping for the best) causes problems.

Here is your cheat sheet for recycling moving supplies across the region:

Cardboard & Paper

  • Curbside: In almost all Oregon cities (Salem, Keizer, Portland, Corvallis), flattened cardboard and packing paper can go in your blue mixed recycling roll cart. Remove all plastic packing tape first!

  • Massive Loads: If you have more boxes than fit in your bin, take them to your local transfer station.

The Tricky One: Styrofoam (Block Foam)

Styrofoam never goes in the curbside bin. But you don't have to trash it. Here is where to drop it off in our service areas:

4. Donate, Don't Dump

The most eco-friendly item is the one you don't move at all. Moving is the perfect time to purge. Instead of throwing out that old sofa or the clothes you haven't worn in two years, keep them out of the landfill by donating.

5. Choose Efficient Movers

Believe it or not, hiring pros can be greener than doing it yourself. Why? Efficiency.

When you move yourself, you might make 12 trips back and forth across town in a pickup truck or a small van, burning gas all day. Our professional trucks are designed to hold an entire 3-4 bedroom home in a single load. One trip. One truck. Less fuel burned.

We also plan our routes using GPS logistics to avoid idling in traffic on I-5, further reducing emissions.

Move Smart. Move Green. Want a moving plan that is efficient for your wallet and the planet? Get your free quote today.

Morgan Myers
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Moving with Dignity: Downsizing in the Willamette Valley