From long journeys to packaging waste, moving is not the most environmentally-friendly activity. The amount of fuel that is consumed by the car, along with the CO2 emissions, are just some of the reasons why you need to rethink how you move. Besides, you need to become more eco-friendly in everyday life.
The fact that you feel guilty about your carbon footprint when changing your address gives many of us hope for a better future. The good news is that there are ways through which you can minimize the environmental impact of your move. Here is how you can ensure a greener move with a moving company from Brisbane.
1. Declutter Before Moving
One of the best eco-friendly relocation tips that you need to follow is decluttering before your move. A bit of planning goes a long way in helping you reduce your environmental impact. Moving less stuff will allow for a greener move. However, your decluttering would not bear any fruit if you sent all the stuff to a landfill.
Rather than throwing things away, you should consider selling, recycling, or donating the items. Besides, you might even end up earning enough from the proceeds to pay the international movers.
The last thing that you should do is throw things away. As you declutter, you will get to use fewer moving boxes and opt for a smaller van which would only help further reduce your carbon footprint. This will also reduce your moving quote.
2. Borrow or Rent Moving Boxes
Another great eco-friendly relocation tip that you should consider is borrowing or renting moving boxes. Instead of increasing the demand for moving boxes and encouraging companies to produce more moving boxes, you should stick to borrowing or renting moving boxes.
Since you cannot move with moving boxes, you have no option but to borrow or rent them. There is no reason for you to buy brand new boxes when you can simply borrow or rent some.
Ask around to find out if you can get the moving boxes for free. Chances are that you know someone who has recently moved and could be of help. If you decide to rent the moving boxes, you can unpack and return them once you are done.
3. Use an Alternative for Moving Boxes
Although moving boxes help make your move easier, the following items can also be used.
- Baskets and hampers
- Vacuum bags
- Large grocery bags
- Bin liners
- Backpacks
- Suitcases and briefcases
All you need to do is find inventive uses of items that you already have lying around in your home to ensure that you steer clear of cardboard moving boxes.
4. Get Creative
When it comes to eco-friendly relocation, creativity is everything. You can get creative with packaging. Instead of relying on rolls and rolls of bubble wrap for protecting valuables, you should opt for the following alternatives.
- Place the picture frames in pillowcases.
- Use towels for protecting boxes in transit.
- Protect dishes and plates in transit by placing paper plates between them.
- Utilize bags for protecting vases, mugs, and glasses.
- Use a duvet or blanket to protect your television and other electronics.
5. Exploit Packing Space
An amazing eco-friendly relocation tip that you cannot go wrong with is making the most of packing space. It will help make sure that you use the least number of boxes for the move. Make the most of all the gaps. When packing up the kitchen, you can place smaller items inside large pots and jugs.
Similarly, you can store spice jars in the crockpot. As for the cutlery, it could be placed in the Tupperware containers. As long as you avoid leaving empty spaces in the packing boxes, you can expect to make a difference.
6. Make Minimum Trips
There is an ongoing debate on whether to move in one trip or take multiple trips. From an environmental perspective, getting the move completed in just one trip is a better option. Besides, it would also be less stressful for you.
When your move involves multiple trips, it takes up more time and leaves less time for you to unpack and get settled.
7. Reuse or Recycle the Boxes after the Move
Finally, you should also make sure that you reuse or recycle the boxes after you are done with the move. There is no need to throw the boxes away when you are done with the move. It is a good idea to think of ways to utilize the boxes at home.
However, if you cannot find ways to reuse them, your last option should be to recycle them. But, you should also consider storing the boxes in your storage room to reuse them in the future.
Takeaway
Now that you know the top tips for eco-friendly relocation, it is time that you put them to practice. From decluttering before the move to reusing or recycling the boxes once you are done with the move, each tip will help you become a better global citizen.
