The drive to be more eco-friendly is woven into our daily lives, from recycling and reusing to minimizing consumption.
Moving homes can create a lot of waste and leave a large carbon footprint. Cardboard boxes that get tossed, single-use packing paper, and packing tape are just the tip of the iceberg. But if you’ve got a move coming up and are wondering how you can lessen your impact on the environment, we’ve gathered our top nine sustainable moving tips below!
Plan Ahead
Start your move off on an eco-friendly foot by reducing the number of items you will need to move. Start the decluttering process early, so you’re not rushed. Donate, sell, or recycle any items you can.
Host a yard sale or giveaway day for friends and neighbours. Donate gently used items to shelters, thrift stores, or organizations like Habitat for Humanity’s Restore.
Use What You Already Have
Before rushing out to buy moving boxes, look around your home to see what you’ve already got. Suitcases, duffle bags, laundry baskets, hampers and bins can be handy for moving clothing, bedding, linens and other hard-to-pack items.
Source Second-hand Boxes and Bins
Check Facebook Marketplace or post on your local neighbourhood Facebook group for gently-used boxes or bins. Liquor stores, grocery stores, or bookstores often have an abundance of free boxes that were destined for the recycling bin. Arrange in advance a time to pick up boxes before they are broken down.
Use Compostable Packing Materials
If you’re concerned about your fragile items, you can purchase compostable packing foam sheets or biodegradable packing peanuts. The packing peanuts are made from starch and disintegrate completely into water, without leaving any toxic waste behind.
Shred Old Papers or Junk Mail
Do you have a filing cabinet or recycling bin full of old papers, newspapers or junk mail and a small shredder? Don’t let those go to waste! Use old shredded documents as packing material to help declutter while being environmentally friendly!
Use Cloth Alternatives
Use duvets and comforters to wrap and protect mirrors, televisions and artwork, or kitchen towels to separate and wrap dishes. Use old sheets or bath towels to secure and create cushioning around fragile items in boxes.
Rent Reusable Moving Boxes
Frogbox is a local company leading the way in zero-waste moving. With locations in Vancouver, Victoria, and the Fraser Valley, Frogbox will ensure an environmentally friendly moving experience.
Frogboxes are strong, durable, and stack well. They can be used hundreds of times before being recycled, unlike cardboard boxes.
They offer two different sizes of moving bins to fit household goods, while still being a manageable weight, as well as wardrobe boxes. Place your order, and Frogbox will deliver clean boxes right to your door, then pick them up after your move. It really couldn’t be easier.
Spread Sustainability
When you’re done moving, rather than tossing your supplies in the garbage or recycling bin, pass them on! You can list your boxes, bins, and any other supplies for free on Buy Nothing groups or your local community groups.
Start Sustainably in Your New Home
Moving is a fresh start, so it only makes sense to set up your new home in the most sustainable way. Consider swapping out old lighting for LED, installing draft stoppers around doors and windows, and upgrading to eco-friendly insulation. These seemingly small improvements will add up in the long run!
When unpacking and setting up your new home, consider using glass or metal containers in your pantry over plastic, as well as reusing and repurposing bins and baskets.
Need help decluttering before your move, or setting up your new home? Contact us today! Our team of professional organizers will help make your move more eco-friendly.
We offer free phone or video call consultations, or book a 30-minute in-person consultation for $50+tax.
You can also send us videos of the areas you need help with via WhatsApp at 604-446-3939, and we would be happy to provide you with an estimate.
