The average American college student produces approximately 640 pounds of waste annually, with the majority of such waste being created during the move-in and move-out processes. Moving, especially during college, is a cyclical transition, in which constant evaluation of our belongings and lifestyles are necessary. The sustainable nature of our moving practices lies in how we make decisions during those evaluations. What do you already have vs. what do you need? What things are necessary for the lifestyle you want to create in your new space? What routines do you wish to stop, create, or continue with the people and space you now cohabitate in? By recognizing our core needs, and bringing intentionality into all of our decisions, we can work to reduce the amount of waste on our campus, and use the tools we learn from our moving experiences to live sustainably past dorm life!
To stay up-to-date on William & Mary's moving and housing schedules, availability, and updates, visit the Residence Life website!
A one-column table presenting the different categories of sustainable action one can take while moving in or out of a space
Purchasing Power
After moving into your dorm or apartment, wait a week or two (or until your family comes to visit) before deciding to purchase anything new for your space; this can help you save money, and reduces the likelihood of items remaining unused, and getting thrown out by the end of the year (or earlier)
Consider purchasing used or gently worn furniture and small appliances from second-hand or resale stores rather than immediately shopping for new items
Don’t be afraid to bring a bit of home to the ‘burg! If you have a favorite resale store in your hometown, it can be a great opportunity to reduce, reuse, and recycle previously-loved furniture and appliances for your school dorm or apartment/house
If you’re living on campus, lofting systems and other furniture and appliances can be rented and installed in your room through Dorms Direct
Environmental Impacts
Consider how you’re getting there! When moving into a residence hall, you may only bring one vehicle in order reduce waste products and environmental factors associated with fuel emissions; consider doing the same when moving off-campus in order to keep your environmental impact as low as possible
Know where to properly sort your waste before you begin your move
You can find all of William & Mary’s public composting locations using this interactive map
Know the recycling rules for your community! Visit the Waste section of W&M’s Sustainable Living Guide to learn more about what can and cannot be recycled on campus and in the greater Williamsburg community
Packing
Reuse bags from catering services and big box stores like Costco, Chipotle, and IKEA as your moving containers; these bags can be further repurposed for things like laundry, groceries, or in-house storage later on
Invest in your own reusable moving/storage bins or tubs that can used as in-house storage or for future moves
Alternatively, rent moving boxes from UHaul for a cheaper, temporary investment
Collect used cardboard boxes from local establishments for packing purposes, or keep the recycling cycle going by purchasing used boxes
You can purchase and sell used packing boxes through Box Cycle to reduce waste, and reward yourself for a job well done!
Envision everything you plan to move as a packing vessel; use furniture like dressers, trash cans, and drawer units to pack clothes and other small objects in order to save space and reduce waste!
Remember that suitcases are always an option, and a handy item to have for the spontaneous weekend trip with friends or visit home
Wrap fragile objects in soft fabrics you already planned to take, like t-shirts, towels, blankets, or sheets, rather than using disposable packing materials
Alternatively, invest in biodegradable packing materials to keep harmful packaging plastics out of landfills
Brands like Ecoware and EcoEnclose sell a variety of biodegradable and paper-based packing products like tapes, bin liners, bubble-wrap alternatives, and so much more!
UHaul has some of its own tips and tricks for a greener move that includes direct links to their environmentally friendly moving products, including biodegradable packing peanuts
Invest in a storage unit in order to store your belongings close to campus during breaks! This can help reduce driving emissions during your commute back home by reducing vehicle weight, and eliminating the need for multiple trips or vehicles
Split a larger storage unit with some friends or housemates. This is an excellent way to save some cash, and can help you stay away from storing unwanted items in your shared space
William & Mary has partnerships with Dorm Room Movers and SmartBox, both excellent options for assistance with moving, storage, and shipping!
When you’re ready to move out of your space, take stock of what you have and what you no longer need!
Instead of throwing items out, sell your unwanted functional appliances, furniture, or clothing online, and then donate the rest to your favorite charity!
Pass on furniture you no longer need to a friend, or offer it up to the tenant moving in after you if you’re living in an apartment
Unwanted or old clothing and shoes can be donated to Planet Aid for redistribution and recycling
Donate unused non-perishable food products to a local food pantry
The W&M Campus Food Pantry is a confidential program aiding all members of the William & Mary community
Sustaining Your Space
Register for paperless utility and credit card bills; always go for the paperless option to reduce waste production, and to avoid having mail rerouted to a new address
Cut old clothes or linens into rags to use for packing and cleaning during the moving process
Clean with natural solvents when moving out and before moving in
Good Housekeeping has recipes on how to make your own various household cleaners using items you probably already have in your (or your parent’s) kitchen!
Check out the Energy section of W&M’s Sustainable Living Guide to get more tips on which cleaning products are the best for your sustainable lifestyle!
