Moving can be wasteful, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re moving in or out of the University Housing Residence Halls or moving off-campus, we have all the tips and tricks you need for a seamlessly sustainable move!
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University Housing Move-In
If you’re new to campus, moving in can be exciting but busy. University Housing collaborates with campus and community partners to make it easier, and lower waste. Make your move more sustainable with our University Housing Fall Move-In guide!
Plan Ahead
- Consult University Housing’s Fall Move-In page for logistical information to move in.
- Consult Bucky’s Packing List for specific guidance on what you should bring to campus and what you should leave behind. Your front hall desks will have vacuums, umbrellas, cooking supplies, basic tools, sports equipment, and board games/cards.
- Coordinate with your roommates to see if they’re already bringing something you had planned to bring.
Shop secondhand
- UW–Madison’s Surplus With A Purpose (SWAP) Online Auction platform is a great option. SWAP has a variety of items including furniture, computers, TVs, housewares, and more! Bid for and buy your next favorite item for an affordable price.
- If you are eligible submit a claim request for Badger Reclaim to claim storage containers, mirrors, chairs, lamps and more!
- Check out local thrift stores.
Pack sustainably
- Use suitcases or reusable boxes and bags to pack your belongings instead of cardboard boxes.
- Wrap fragile items in fabric or clothing instead of newspaper or bubble wrap.
Use sustainable cleaning supplies
- Use rags, cloths, and/or mops instead of single-use cleaning products. These last longer and are even usually more hygienic.
- To avoid using single-use plastic, Green Life Trading Co. is a local refill shop located on Willy Street with a variety of bulk home and personal care products.
- You can even make your own easy homemade cleaning products.
Responsible disposal
- When you move in, every hall will have an outdoor waste station where you will dispose of your waste. Waste streams include, single-stream recycling, trash, Styrofoam recycling, electronics recycling, and plastic bag recycling.
- Unsure how to dispose of something while you’re unpacking? Check out the Zero Waste Compass for guidance!
Off-Campus Move-In
Make your off-campus move sustainable, cost effective, and less stressful with our move-in guide. Check out our tips and resources below!
Plan Ahead
- Coordinate with your roommates to see if they’re already bringing something you had planned to bring.
- Make a comprehensive packing list ahead of time to maximize efficiency and minimize stress!
Buy secondhand
- UW–Madison’s Surplus With A Purpose (SWAP) Online Auction platform. SWAP has a variety of items including furniture, computers, TVs, housewares, and more! Bid for and buy your next favorite item for an affordable price.
- If you are eligible submitting a claim request for Badger Reclaim to claim storage containers, mirrors, chairs, lamps and more!
- Check out local thrift stores.
Pack sustainably
- Use suitcases or reusable boxes and bags to pack your belongings instead of cardboard boxes.
- Wrap fragile items in fabric or clothing instead of newspaper or bubble wrap. This will save you space and money while reducing waste!
Use sustainable cleaning supplies
- Use rags, cloths, and/or mops instead of single-use cleaning products. These last longer and are even usually more hygienic.
- To avoid using single-use plastic, Green Life Trading Co. is a local refill shop located on Willy Street with a variety of bulk home and personal care products.
- You can even make your own easy homemade cleaning products.
Responsible disposal
- Unsure how to dispose of something while you’re unpacking? Check out the Zero Waste Compass for guidance!
- For help recycling, reference the City of Madison’s Recyclopedia.
Get involved in University Housing Sustainable Move In! Sign up to be a volunteer!
University Housing Move-Out
Check out University Housing’s Sustainable Move Out for a full breakdown on their move out process!
Off Campus Move-Out
The City of Madison’s Moving Days provides an abundance of resources to make the process more sustainable. Check out our Sustainable Move-Out guide for a comprehensive list of resources and tips!
Pack smart
- Create a thorough, practical list of items you’ll need in your new place. Sort items into “keep,” “donate,” or “sell” categories.
- Pack in suitcases and reusable boxes and bags rather than purchasing cardboard boxes.
- Wrap fragile items in fabric or clothing instead of newspaper or bubble wrap.
Donate unwanted materials/furniture
- Donate to second-hand/thrift stores or shelters. The City of Madison provides a comprehensive list of Donation and Resale Opportunities. Donating clothes, furniture, and functioning appliances keeps them out of landfills and reduces the need for new production.
- Check if there is a Goodwill donation station in your apartment building. Donation bins for small to medium items can be found in many apartment buildings near campus.
- Sell clothing or apartment items that are in good condition. Check with friends who might be willing to purchase an item. This can save you the trouble of trying to sell or purchase from strangers. Post unwanted items on online marketplaces, such as Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, Poshmark, Depop, ThredUP, or a similar platform.
Dispose of items properly
- Look into City of Madison’s August Student Move Out.
- Do NOT place any TVs, laptops, or cell phones on the curb. These and many other electronics are banned from landfills and must be dropped off at a recycling site. Specialty items like batteries can also be dropped off at these locations.
- Purchase a sticker for appliances and other large items that have a curbside pickup fee or drop items off at a recycling site. There is no fee for small appliances like toasters and blenders.
- Do NOT bag recyclable items; keep them loose. If recyclable items do not fit in the cart, put them in a clear plastic bag; do not use cardboard boxes.
- Donate nonperishable food items to Open Seat Food Pantry
- Check out the Zero Waste Compass for disposal guidance!
- Review the City of Madison Recyclopedia for more information about recycling.
Clean sustainably
- Use rags, cloths and/or mops instead of single-use cleaning products
- Check out Green Life Trading Co. refill shop for bulk home and personal care products.
- Make your own easy homemade cleaning products.
