Moving in the summer? You are not alone. By and large, summer is the most popular season for moving. More than 40 million people in North America moved last year. The average U.S. resident moves 11 times in a lifetime. U-Haul sustainable moving practices make moving a satisfying experience and save natural resources and energy. Here are 10 simple things you can do while moving that will save you money, help your community, and be environmentally friendly!
- Share a truck The average annual cost to own a large-capacity vehicle, such as pickup trucks, SUVs and vans, is about $9,000. Sharing a truck by renting from U-Haul when you really need a large-capacity vehicle can save 87 percent of driving for the purpose of moving or shipping large items.
- Drive less Always search for the closest location to rent a moving truck. Every mile closer eliminates 12 lbs of greenhouse gas emissions. With more than18,900 convenient neighborhood locations throughout the U.S. and Canada, U-Haul is the sustainable choice.
- Drive smart Change your driving behavior. For example, adjusting driving speed by checking the U-Haul exclusive Fuel Economy Gauge and reducing idling time can significantly improve fuel efficiency.
- Avoid “dirty” diesels Mile for mile, diesel trucks release more toxic air contaminants, cancer-causing soot, and smog-forming emissions than gasoline-powered Greenhouse gas emissions from a gallon of diesel are 15 percent higher than those from a gallon of gasoline. That’s why all U-Haul rental trucks use cleaner-burning unleaded fuel.
- Compare efficiency To increase moving efficiency, select a truck that maximizes loading space. Rent a trailer if you have an even larger move. Plan your trip carefully so you don’t have to drive “unlimited miles.” Remember to consider taking a big truck when moving In-Town and save the environment by making fewer trips.
- Donate unwanted household goods When you move, many items in your home can be reused either by your neighbors or someone else. U-Haul Re-Use Centers in many U-Haul storage facilities have been developed to provide a redistribution network for gently used household goods, materials, furniture, sporting equipment, bikes and clothing that formerly went to
- Reuse boxes Share your reusable moving boxes online at uhaul.com or through our Take a Box, Leave a Box® Program in all U-Haul stores. Take advantage of FREE boxes that environmentally conscious customers no longer need. When you’re done, bring back the boxes you don’t need and help the next customer.
- Purchase environmentally friendly packing supplies Choose moving supplies (moving pads and packing peanuts) that contain a high percentage of recycled contents.
- Take advantage of self-storage space Use self-storage space conveniently located in your local community instead of your own home, which will enable you to live comfortably in a more compact, affordable location. Shared use of self-storage facilities also helps reduce construction of oversize residential and commercial buildings, saving tons of concrete and building materials and reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the generation of waste.
- Recycle waste Categorize waste, and contact your local waste-collection agency. Many local grocery stores collect plastic grocery bags, and electronics stores can recycle used computers, cell phones and other electronics.
Do you have any other tips to share? Share with us in the comments below!
