Making Your Move More Environmentally Friendly

Eco-friendly products are popping up everywhere, including when it comes to moving supplies. Although moving isn’t the most environmentally unfriendly thing you can do, there are quite a few ways the environment could be impacted – including some ways you might not have thought about! Here are some extremely simple ways to reduce your impact while you head to your new living destination.

The Importance of Eco-Friendly Moving

We recently celebrated the 50th annual Earth Day, the perfect reminder that now more than ever, it’s important that we take care of the environment. Moving is not an environmentally friendly process in itself. There’s the exhaust gas from moving vehicles, the unwanted items that go in the trash, the packing supplies, and other aspects of moving all damage the environment. While your move can’t be 100% eco-friendly, you can do your part to ensure the environment remains as healthy as possible.

How to Make Your Move Environmentally Friendly

Donate Whatever You Don’t Need

As you pack up your boxes, there are bound to be possessions you realize you haven’t picked up in years and can live without. Your ditched items will only end up in a landfill if you throw them away. Rather than contribute to the landfills in Canada, try donating instead! 

You’ll also want to get all your decluttering done before the big move – the less stuff you pack, the less space you’ll need in the moving truck, reducing the size of the truck and your overall moving costs. Plus, this all results in less carbon emission during the move!

Use Reusable or Recyclable Storage Containers

The best way to reduce waste when you’re 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. 

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. 

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. 

Stay Eco-Friendly in Your New Home

Wanting to have an environmentally friendly move is fantastic, but it’s even better to keep up the habit. As soon as you move into your new home, you’ll want to give away packing supplies that can still be used and recycle the rest. Make commitments to keep your home decluttered, reduce waste, and recycle as much as possible. You can also have experts come in and assess the level of energy efficiency in your home (which will also save you money!)

Hire an Eco-Friendly Moving Company

If you’re looking for an Edmonton moving company that cares about protecting the environment, contact our moving professionals today. We offer professional moving services for both residential and commercial moves in and around the Edmonton area.