Moving to a new home, new city, or even new country is an exciting time, but it can also be overwhelming. There are so many preparations that must be made, arrangements to schedule, and items to pack. The last thing on your mind is how your move has an impact on the environment, which is why we have five tips to make your next move easier and greener!
1. Sort, Donate and Purge Before Packing
Isn’t it incredible the amount of items that accumulate in our living spaces when we’re not paying attention? How did you end up with three can openers? Why do you have so many unused candles? Or cleaning products? Or books?
Humans are really good at collecting things (though some of us are better than others). So how do you tackle all the items in your home? It helps to start sorting weeks (even months!) before sustainable moving. Sort everything and determine whether you want it, need it, or whether it can be let go. Whether you choose the Marie Kondo method or simply want to purge your unused or duplicate items, the choice of sorting method is entirely up to you.
The next step is to decide how you part with your unwanted items. Do you want to plan a garage sale to give others the opportunity to pick up your treasures and earn you a bit of extra money? Or do you want to use digital methods, such as Facebook buy and sell groups, Kijiji, eBay, or your local newspaper ads? You can also donate your items to charity organizations in your community. The more of these items you recycle, donate, or sell, the fewer items you’ll need to pack and move, saving you both space and materials. Plus, you’ll save a lot of this from ending up in the landfill, which is a win-win for everyone!
2. Choose Reusable Moving Materials
You can never have too many storage options. If you need to sort and move your belongings, why not choose reusable boxes for your items that will remain stored in containers in your new place, such as seasonal decorations, toys, tools, etc.? Plastic bins and wooden crates are sturdy enough to protect your belongings and are attractive storage options in your new home too.
If you’re transporting fragile items such as mirrors, wood furniture, and electronics, you can use thick blankets for padding and protection instead of bubble wrap. Use your discretion. Some items might be too valuable to risk damage, and bubble wrap might be the best option. If so, you can always reuse it in the future or pass it on to your next friend or family member who is moving. You can also hire professionals to take care of your packing for sustainable moving if you don’t have time or prefer not to do it yourself.
3. Recycle Your Packing Supplies
You might not be able to choose a reusable container for all your packing needs, so when you do need to purchase boxes, look for ones made out of partially or fully recycled fibers. New boxes are better for moving day as their structure is sturdier and won’t break during the actual move. Afterward, cardboard boxes are great for keeping seasonal or sentimental items in storage areas or getting creative with kids (cardboard box maze, anyone?!) If you have any remaining boxes that are not needed, they can be easily sorted into the paper recycling bin.
4. Reduce Emissions, Increase Convenience
The easiest, most efficient method of getting all your possessions from point A to B on moving day is to use one moving truck that will fit everything. Not only will one truck make moving all your stuff faster and more efficient, but it will also reduce your emissions. A single moving truck has a smaller environmental impact compared to several smaller vehicles making multiple trips. If you live in a city with lots of traffic or feel nervous about driving a large moving truck, you can hire professional movers to help you.
- Dispose of Any Leftover Chemicals Safely
One important step in sustainable moving is properly disposing of leftover chemicals, such as paints, solvents, and cleaning products. Avoid pouring them down drains or throwing them in the trash. Check with local hazardous waste disposal facilities or community collection days to safely get rid of these items. Proper disposal protects both the environment and your new home.
- Keep Furniture Out of Landfill
Before you discard old furniture, consider donating, selling, or repurposing it. Local charities, second-hand stores, and online marketplaces are great options for keeping furniture out of the landfill. Even broken pieces can sometimes be refurbished or upcycled, helping reduce waste and promote sustainable moving practices.
- Hire an Eco-friendly Moving Company
Finally, working with a moving company that prioritizes environmentally responsible practices is a key part of sustainable moving. Eco-friendly moving companies use fuel-efficient trucks, reusable packing materials, and take steps to minimize the environmental impact of your move. Hiring a company with these values ensures your move is greener from start to finish.
5. Use Reusable or Recyclable Storage Containers
The best way to reduce waste during your environmental moving is by using the right storage options. It might be tempting to go out and buy new cardboard boxes straight away, but there are plenty of places to get boxes, including from friends and family members or local stores.
Another option is to use plastic bins. Plastic bins can be reused hundreds of times and are great for protecting your belongings. If you want to go the extra mile to be eco-friendly, you can even buy bins made out of recycled plastic.
6. Use Packing Materials You Already Have
Before the big moving day, you’ll want to pack up your belongings as efficiently and securely as possible. Luckily, you likely already have some packing materials at the ready – you’ll just need to get a bit creative. If you need to wrap materials, try using an old blanket or towel, and instead of packing paper, you can try using newspaper. If you need containers, look around your home for baskets, boxes, and suitcases. By using what you already have, you’ll be minimizing your impact on the environment just a little more.
7. Use Green Cleaning Methods
Cleaning is a major part of moving. You’ll want your house to be sparkling and clean, and you can avoid using toxic products and harsh chemicals that impact the environment and your family’s health. Try natural remedies like lemon or vinegar, or buy eco-friendly cleaning solutions from the store.
Smart Packing Solutions for an Environmental Move
When planning an environmental moving strategy, packing plays a crucial role. Try these simple, eco-conscious ideas to reduce waste and make your move more sustainable:
- Opt for biodegradable or compostable wrapping materials instead of plastic to cut down on single-use waste.
- Rent reusable moving crates or bins rather than purchasing new cardboard boxes that will be discarded after one use.
- Use recyclable paper tape instead of plastic tape to make the entire package easier to recycle.
- Label boxes clearly for recycling and reuse. This small step saves both time and resources when unpacking or passing materials along.
- Choose recycled or repurposed packing supplies like shredded paper or old linens for cushioning delicate items.
These mindful choices turn a regular relocation into an environmentally friendly moving experience.
Your Eco-Friendly Moving Company in Edmonton, Alberta
Take away the stress of moving and hire an eco-friendly moving company to do it for you. Our professional movers can take care of all of your packing needs and do the heavy lifting on a moving day. Contact us today for your free moving estimate.
