It’s already difficult selling in a hard market, but have you ever considered moving while working towards zero waste simultaneously? While you’re busy packing up your belongings and moving your home, you might not have time to think about how much energy it takes to move. This isn’t even just physical energy, but other forms of energy like gas and oil. But you must do so. You need to consider the environmental impact of your move.
Moving can release a lot of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere through transportation and waste disposal. Secondly, think about how much energy it will take to move yourself and your belongings from one place to another. Lastly, make sure not to forget about all the waste, whether it be bags, boxes, or packaging materials. So, how can you work towards being eco friendly during a move? Is it even possible? Keep reading on to find out how!
Stop Buying New Things
Regarding moving, you don’t need to buy new items for your move. This tends to be a common issue that so many people face. They may buy tote bags, suitcases, boxes, and packaging materials, and the list could go on. Are these even necessary? While yes, sometimes it can be handy, it’s vital to try to avoid buying if you can. You’re only throwing money at something, and it may not even be cheap. You should use what you already have and utilise that for your move.
Try to Recycle
Try to recycle and even upcycle any chance that you get! After you’ve completed your move, you should try to recycle those cardboard boxes or packaging materials. Before you look into Skip Hire when you’re doing a clean out of your home, you should try to look into what can be recycled and what can’t. All of this sounds like too much work, but in order to be completely eco-friendly, then it’s something that needs to be done!
Replace Your Disposable Packaging Items with Reusable Alternatives
As stated above, you should use what you already have. This is far cheaper, but it’s also eco-friendly too. It’s going to have you end up with less waste. However, if you do need packaging materials, it’s best to choose wisely and try to opt for ones that are not disposable. So, cardboard boxes can be great, they are technically considered recycle-friendly, and sometimes you can just get boxes for free.
However, you’ll need to take care of the cardboard (such as not letting it get wet) so it can be recycled again. Some people will opt for plastic containers, as they can also be reused often. It will be up to your preferences and what you believe will get the most use and longevity.
Try to Move Everything All at Once
It’s best to try to move everything all at once, as this is going to help you save as much energy as possible. Driving back and forth just isn’t ideal as this can be so expensive, and it can also mean that you have to use too much oil. One option would be to hire movers or even rent a large van so you can put everything in the back. This is eco-friendly, and it could just save you a lot of stress too.
Be Wise About the Season You Choose to Move In
It’s considered to be more challenging to pack up and move during the autumn and winter months. The daylight is shorter, it’s usually colder, and the lights need to be on. However, if you’re moving in the summer, you can enjoy those extra daylight hours and use that while you pack or move. Also, when you’re moving or unloading your items, it’s ideal to do this in the daylight. This gives you a chance to use less energy. This may sound small, but a little can definitely go a long way!
Look Into Ways to Reduce Waste
Moving creates so much waste. You may buy temporary packaging solutions, organizing solutions, or something else to help make the moving process easier. Some families won’t even cook while they’re moving and will buy prepackaged meals instead. All of this just contributes to more waste, especially plastic. Sometimes, it can feel like a challenge to avoid waste while moving. This can be true, but it’s best to ask yourself will this item that you’re planning to buy will help you out only once or more. Overall, it’s just best to only buy items that you know are built to last.
Get Creative with Packing
One of the reasons why packing creates so much waste is due to the packaging material itself. This may include Styrofoam, packaging cubes, bubble wrap, and so many others. Do you actually need these? It may be better to think creatively about packing up and protecting your more delicate items.
One of the best ways to do this would be simply using your clothes or other soft textiles. Wrapping your plates in clothes can save you so much money, and this may even increase their chances of being well preserved, giving them a chance to survive the move. It may not sound like too much, but this can make so much of a difference.
Avoid Throwing Things Away
When it comes to packing up and moving, it may get tempting to just throw away items that you no longer want. Maybe it’s a piece of furniture, an electronic, or even some clothes. Whatever it is, try to avoid doing it! Not only are these items going to a landfill, but they may be able to get a second life elsewhere. Why not donate your items? This could be a thrift shop, a shelter, or maybe even sell it online for some additional money. This can benefit you and someone else, all while saving the planet! Of course, some items may be too damaged for donation, such as a broken fridge. In such instances, call on a service like fridge removal in Melbourne.
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