Although moving to a new place can be fun, there may be more waste than you expect. Every time you move, the amount of cardboard boxes and packing materials could fill a dumpster. Almost all of this waste will go to the landfill. The good news is that there are great options for green moving and your eco-friendly move could actually save you money. When deciding on how far you want to go with your move, there are many small decisions you can make that will have a big impact — both on your budget and Mother Earth. So here in this blog, we explore Eco-Friendly Moving Tips — Sustainable Packing & Transport Hacks. Stay tuned with this blog.
Start With a Declutter — Less Stuff, Less Waste
Properly preparing your home is just one step in ensuring you will have an eco-friendly move; however – you must think about each and every item within your home (what stays/what goes). Having fewer items (moving) means a smaller environmental footprint. There are so many ways to dispose of items that don’t need to be moved or are usable — donate usable furniture, clothing and appliances to a local charity/organization or community group; sell items on online marketplaces; give things away to friends and/or neighbours — and this will eliminate up to 90% (or more) of your items being thrown into a landfill.
By moving with less, you are being more environmentally friendly. Additionally, if you have less clutter when you arrive at your new home, it will feel wonderful to start out fresh!
Ditch the Cardboard — Choose Reusable Packing Solutions
One of the largest sources of moving waste is the cardboard box that most people use for moving. Here are some alternatives to using cardboard boxes when moving:
- Crates that are reusable and can be hired for the move. Many moving companies will deliver crates to you and take them away after your move. No fuss, no waste.
- Suitcases, laundry baskets and tote bags. You likely have these in your home and therefore you are not adding to the waste of moving by using them. They stack well and are durable.
- Wardrobe boxes can be used for free from moving companies. These boxes allow you to hang clothes in them, saving you from having to buy wardrobe boxes.
If you must use cardboard boxes, you should seek out second-hand boxes through local grocery and book stores, or through area community swap groups on the web. After you use the boxes, consider passing them along to anyone who may need them.
Wrap Smarter — Forget the Bubble Wrap
While bubble wrap is great to protect your items during shipping, it is a petroleum based plastic that almost always ends up in a landfill. If you’re planning to ship something fragile like glassware or ceramic pieces, use items you have at home to replace the bubble wrap:
- Wrap your fragile items in towels, blankets or clothing – they are a natural, soft and protective way to pack your items and you are going to pack them regardless.
- Use newspapers or old magazines as padding for your items; however, keep in mind that there might be some ink transfer when doing so. So make sure to wrap the delicate surfaces with plain paper before you wrap them with newspapers and/or magazines.
- If you would like to add cushioning without adding to landfill issues, consider biodegradable packing peanuts made from cornstarch.
Use Eco-Friendly Tape and Labels
Due to being made from plastic and not being able to be recycled, standard packing tape is not a good choice. Try either water activated kraft tape or paper based tape which are both recyclable but are just as strong. When labelling your moving boxes, use a marker directly on the box or use reusable chalkboard labels that you can wipe off and reuse. By using small changes like these, you will create a greener move overall.
Plan Your Transport Wisely
Transportation is one of the key factors contributing to the overall carbon footprint associated with moving. With a few smart choices, you can significantly reduce the environmental impact associated with your move:
- Choose a truck that is the appropriate size for your load: A truck that is too big for your load will waste fuel, so it is important to work with your removal company and determine the most suitable truck size for your move.
- Make your trips as few as possible: Pack your boxes to ensure everything can be loaded onto the truck in one trip. The fewer trips you make will result in less emissions your vehicle will discharge.
- Inquire if your removal company offers carbon offset programs or if they have a fleet of fuel efficient vehicles that you could use — it’s worth asking the company.
- Move when traffic congestion is at a minimum — moving during peak traffic hours increases the amount of time the truck will be on the road and therefore the amount of fuel consumed.
Think About Unpacking Too
Your commitment to sustainability does not end when you walk into your new house. If you are unpacking, you can either recycle your cardboard by flattening and bundling it or drop it off at a local community organisation. You should compost any biodegradable materials used for packing. If you have used packaging materials, you should consider donating or reusing them as opposed to throwing them away. There are many ways you can continue to protect the environment during the unpacking process.
Move Green With the Right Help
The removal group, which stocks your values, makes it simple with a view to select environmentally friendly options during your relocation. Robin Removalist knows that accountable moving is going beyond just getting your belongings from A to B — it is about doing it in a manner that respects the planet. Robin Removalist provides shipping planning understanding and sustainable packing solutions, which allow you to transport ahead while keeping a clean environment. A sparkling begin have to offer fine emotions for each of you and the environment.
FAQs
Is eco-friendly moving actually practical, or does it just sound good in theory?
The maximum sustainable alternatives can be discovered in techniques that require no additional work from you: wrapping fragile objects with towels and borrowing reusable crates. Your complete shifting agenda requires no adjustments because you may keep shifting by implementing small modifications. The pass method becomes more environmentally pleasant through the implementation of primary changes at each factor. After you revel in it, you may understand that it ought to have been your first preference.
Where can I find secondhand boxes without spending hours searching?
The procedure stays easy as it takes much less time than peopleexpect. The local supermarket, bottle shop, and bookshop will offer you their strong packing containers, which they may be inclined to give away. Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree and local network companies offer loose moving containers, which serve as terrific resources. The nice supply of packing containers comes from acquaintances who’ve currently relocated their homes. You will obtain enough packing containers within days when you ask humans for help.
Are reusable hire crates actually worth it compared to regular cardboard boxes?
Absolutely. Hire crates are constructed with greater strength than ordinary boxes, which may be stacked to create better protection during transferring operations. You pay a small hire rate, use them for your circulation, and they get collected afterwards. The technique calls for no field assembly and eliminates the need for recycling trips while all objects continue to be intact. The product gives a clear advantage to the maximum number of users who test its functionality.
What’s the best way to protect fragile items without using bubble wrap?
Your linen cabinet holds enough packing materials to fulfil all your packing necessities. The method requires you to apply tea towels and hand towels, and your thick socks to protect your plates and glasses. You must use blankets or jumpers to defend your larger, fragile objects. Pack the entirety snugly so nothing shifts around within the area. The aggregate of crumpled newspaper and biodegradable cornstarch packing peanuts provides superb cushioning for your dreams. Your sensitive gadget will reach you precisely as we assure.
