7 Green Moving Tips For An Eco-Friendly Move

Moving isn’t the most environmentally friendly life event. From the packaging waste to the long car and van journeys, you might start to feel guilty about your carbon footprint when it comes to your change of address. But there are ways you can make your move a little more green.

With a little extra planning, you can reduce your environmental impact from your move. In this article, we’ll share our favourite tips for moving house that can significantly reduce your carbon footprint. 

1. Declutter before you move

The simplest way to make your move more green is to move less stuff. But this step doesn’t work if your decluttering sends a lot of stuff to the landfill. Instead of throwing things away, think about if you could sell, donate or recycle the items first. Throwing them away should be the last option on your list. Once you have decluttered, you will need fewer moving boxes and may even need a smaller van.

2. Borrow or rent moving boxes

Moving boxes are without a doubt the easiest way to organise and plan your move. It’s also much easier for your movers as uniform size boxes are easier to fit inside a van. But what if you don’t want the guilt of buying brand new boxes? The first step is to ask around to see if anyone has any going free. Once people are settled in after a move, they are often keen to get rid of their reusable boxes. You could be doing them a favour if you offer to take them off their hands.

If you can’t find anyone giving away boxes, you could consider renting boxes. You can hire large heavy-duty boxes which can be stacked on top of trolleys to make your move even easier. When you’re done with your move, simply unpack and return the boxes. This is a popular option for office moves. 

3. Use these items instead of moving boxes

The following items can be used instead of moving boxes:

• Suitcases and briefcases
• Backpacks and holdalls
• Bin liners
• Tote bags and large grocery bags
• Vacuum bags
• Baskets and hampers

You don’t have to stick to cardboard moving boxes, you may be able to find inventive uses for items that you already have around your home.

4. Get creative with packaging

If you don’t want to rely on rolls and rolls of bubble wrap to protect your valuables, consider the following alternatives.

• Use a blanket or duvet to protect your TV. Your mover should also have moving blankets you can use, but always check when you book your London mover.
• Use that mountain of "bags for life" you’ve been collecting to protect glasses, mugs and vases.
• Use paper plates between your plates and dishes to protect them in transit.
• Use towels to pad boxes to protect them in transit.
• Put picture frames in pillowcases to keep them safe.

5. Make the most of packing space

To keep the number of boxes you need to purchase and move to a minimum, try making the most of all of the gaps. For example, if you are packing up your kitchen, try putting smaller items in jugs and large pots. You could store spice jars in your crockpot for moving. You could put your cutlery in a Tupperware container. Wherever possible, don't leave empty spaces in your packing boxes.

6. Make as few trips as possible

There is always an ongoing debate about whether it is better to move in one trip with a moving van or to take multiple trips with a car. We believe that getting the move completed in one trip is far better for the environment. Not to mention, it’s a lot less stressful for you. Moving house with multiple trips will take much longer and will leave you with less time to unpack and settle into your new home.

7. Recycle or reuse boxes after your move

When you have finally moved into your new home and you have unpacked all of the boxes, don’t just send them to the recycling. Your moving boxes can be packed down flat and stored or passed on to another mover in need.

Moving boxes can be used time and time again if they are built correctly and sealed using a good quality tape. If you moved with plastic boxes or crates, you might find a use for these around the home.

If you’re ready to book your eco-friendly man and van London, get in touch to get your quote today!