Have you been considering how you could make your home relocation a greener move with less waste?
With the right planning, it can be easy to reduce your carbon footprint when moving, without compromising on the quality of your move.
In this article, we provide tips for making any type of move environmentally friendly from beginning to end, and how you can pick a removal company that offers eco friendly moving services.
First, let’s look at what exactly a sustainable moving experience entails.
What does it mean to move eco friendly?
A sustainable move, in its most straightforward definition, is a way of moving that does not harm the environment.
Typically, when you partake in a green move, you not only look for green options for packing and kinder solutions for getting rid of unwanted items, but you are also mindful of gas mileage and how you can significantly reduce the chances of multiple trips by moving efficiently, without any clutter or unnecessary items.
You will also be more mindful about not investing in excess packing materials, only getting what you need to keep your belongings safe while ensuring a more eco friendly move.
And, of course: Ensure you reuse what you can or only use materials that you can recycle after your move has been completed.
Why should you consider eco friendly moving?
Moving can easily take its toll on the environment.
From moving trucks idling in driveways and causing unnecessary emissions to stacks of used cardboard boxes adding to moving waste, moving home can become messy.
Luckily, a more sustainable approach is possible when you plan ahead and do research about available moving companies to help you ensure a green move on moving day.
Are there eco friendly moving companies available for house removals?
If you are planning to move in the near future, the good news is that you are sure to find a proven removals company that is known for its eco friendly moving practices.
Vetted companies, such as Marriott Removals, provide greener alternatives for moving and can provide some eco friendly moving tips as well to help you reduce your environmental impact.
They can also guide you in terms of where to rent reusable storage bins and boxes to significantly reduce waste.
How to do an eco friendly move
To ensure an eco friendly move, there are some do’s and don’ts that you should remember to ensure your move is as environmentally friendly as possible.
Here are some moving tips for an eco friendly approach.
What to avoid when you want to do an eco friendly move
Try using something else instead of bubble wrap and packing peanuts
Plastic bubble wrap and packing peanuts might seem like the first port of call to package fragile items and keep them safe.
However, these packing materials cannot be recycled and will end up as waste at your new home.
This is why it is important that you only use eco friendly packing materials – or, even easier, items that you already have at home, such as towels and blankets, or even T-shirts and socks.
Not only are these reusable items, but a simple wash after your move is done will make it easy to clean these items.
Avoid single use cardboard boxes
Single use cardboard boxes that simply last for one move are not ideal when moving – especially when you consider how getting rid of excess packing boxes can take a lot of time.
Consider used boxes as an alternative, or check in with friends or family if they already have boxes available that you can use.
As mentioned, you could rent storage bins as well, which can help you to reduce using lots of tape or other packing materials.
Also, consider which containers you already have that can work for your move, such as suitcases, bags, or even storage spaces in furniture items, such as your piano chair or drawers inside your bed base.
Be mindful of single use water bottles – rather fill up with your regular, reusable bottle
During your move, you and your family will likely need regular sips of water to stay hydrated.
However, resist the urge to simply use single use bottles – gym or school water bottles are more than enough, plus you will still use them many times after the move.
Steps for making your move eco friendly
Plan ahead for less waste
Start packing early to avoid moving boxes that are half empty or not properly sorted.
Getting an early start also allows you to set aside belongings that could either be recycled, repurposed, sold or donated.
Donate items to charity shops or host a garage sale got items you no longer want or need
Anything from unwanted furniture and clothing to boxes of books could easily be donated to a charity shop that is looking for these specific items.
Also, you can donate food and other pantry items that haven’t expired to a food bank, instead of throwing them away if you are not going to use them for your own cooking.
This will ensure that you do not have any food waste as part of your move, while at the same time providing support for your community.
Another option for getting rid of unwanted items is to advertise them on Facebook Marketplace.
Do take care if you are considering this as an option to only conduct transactions safely.
Work together with your moving company to keep gas mileage low
Make sure there is clarity on which items your moving company will be transporting, and what you can move yourself to eliminate the need for multiple trips.
As far as possible, try to plan for single trip moves to transport your belongings.
How to get rid of waste in an eco friendly way
Waste is the last thing that you want to leave behind for the new residents of your old home – and getting rid of mulch, garbage and other waste can easily be arranged with a waste removal company.
Make the process to reduce waste a priority – this way, you can guarantee a sustainable move that is perfectly arranged.
How to get in touch with an eco friendly, green moving company
At Marriott Removals, we will be happy to assist you with a sustainable move that will have a minimal environmental impact and that will be conducted in a sustainable way.
Contact us today – we look forward to hearing from you!
