While relocating from one residence to another is a natural part of growing older, leaving a huge environmental imprint is unnecessary. While businesses are primarily responsible for contributing to global warming, we all share our world, and any efforts to reduce our impact are appreciated. We’ve all heard of bamboo toothbrushes and reusable shopping bags, but you can also make your next move more sustainable. And it doesn’t stop there- by choosing to live in a more environmentally friendly way. You can continue helping the planet even after moving,
There are many unknowns associated with eco-friendly relocation. What sort of packaging should you use? Is it a good idea to hire a professional moving company? How can you reduce your trash levels? These issues are essential when thinking about a sustainable relocation. This guide is for you if you want to take steps to be more eco-friendly during your move.
Use soft fabric instead of newspaper to wrap fragile items
That is a waste-free technique and an original approach to packing fluffy products like blankets, pillows, and comforters. Pack plates, glasses, and artwork separately from other objects to ensure adequate box protection. Then, spread out whatever soft wrapping materials you have on hand.
Try utilizing recycled paper or used newspapers if you discover you still require them for packing. That is also useful to reduce waste in other fields of life. Nowadays, there are many recyclable options for everything you could need. So, make sure you’re well-informed before making a choice.
Plan ahead
One of the best moving hacks for a sustainable move is simple planning. You surely already know some tricks for the process– but planning is vital. Simply beginning to gather boxes in the weeks preceding your relocation, or reusing boxes from a prior move, counts as planning. That is just as crucial as being deliberate about transportation or keeping a spreadsheet of items.
Due to fewer uncoordinated excursions between locations, waste and carbon production are reduced when people use moving plans. In addition, this first step prevents you from purchasing items you already possess, reducing excessive waste. Be sure to identify boxes correctly and plan your route to minimize backtracking.
Put environmentally friendly packaging supplies to use
In place of conventional packaging supplies, there is a wide variety of options available that are entirely recyclable, contributing to cleaner and greener communities. Research and get some of these moving supplies to make your next move more sustainable.
- Boxes– Boxes have a lot going for them, but their most valuable quality is that they can be recycled and used repeatedly. Visit a local moving firm and ask whether they sell secondhand boxes at a reduced price. It’s possible to get money back from some moving firms if you return the boxes you used.
- Paper – Try to find used packaging paper or use recycled paper.
- Plastic – The plastic used to make traditional saran wrap is too thin to be recycled. Instead, you can use compostable cling wrap, biodegradable since it is created from plants. There is also eco-friendly bubble wrap, so pop away without feeling bad about it.
- Tape – The tape you use to seal your packages can be created from recycled paper, furthering your commitment to a greener move.
Have a garage sale and give the rest away
When you begin packing, you will quickly realize how much stuff you no longer need. Preferably, you would have time to sort through your belongings and decide what to keep and discard before you even begin packing. Packing up and moving without disruptions is far easier if you’ve had a chance to clean out the old place beforehand.
Have a garage sale a few weekends before you move if you discover you have a lot of unwanted possessions. That is also an excellent habit to adopt to make your new home more eco-friendly. You can donate anything that doesn’t sell to whoever is in need. As far as money earned goes, you can either give it to charity or put it into your moving costs.
Recycle mindfully
Trash and recyclables will inevitably pile up during a relocation. After cleaning and sorting through various storage areas, you will likely have a lot of waste that has to be disposed of. You don’t want to be the one to send tons of garbage to the dump because you moved.
Drop off your unwanted items at a suitable location to make your next move more sustainable. E-waste is a growing problem, and you’ve probably accumulated a lot of obsolete gadgets or cables. Find out where your neighbourhood electronics recycling facility is. The easiest way to dispose of a large amount of paper is to use a paper shredder and take the pieces to a paper recycling facility. Prepare for a long day of errands and drop off by making mounds of trash and recyclables.
Moving company choice
Hire a local moving company that employs sustainable moving practices to actively support and encourage local businesses that care about their environmental impact.
If you want to know if your moving company is using eco-friendly methods, here are some questions to ask:
- Does your office encourage recycling among employees?
- If you work in an office or warehouse, how energy efficient are they?
- Can I ask if the trucks at your company run on biodiesel? If so, how is the company compensating for the fuel consumption?
- Does the company use only recyclable materials?
- Ask about the second-hand box policy in the company. Do they repurchase boxes after the relocation is complete?
Final words
Making your next move more sustainable is a lot easier than you think. That is a big step in your life, so plan ahead! When moving from one place to another, there are several options for dramatically reducing trash and carbon emissions. Use these guidelines to make your relocation as environmentally friendly as possible, whether you hire a professional service or do it yourself. Good luck!
Meta: If you want to make your next move more sustainable, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will put you on the right path.
