How to make your move more green

Moving? How To Keep It As Green As Possible

How to make your move more green

Moving is a stressful time. In fact, it can be one of the most stressful things you do. It represents change and unfamiliar territory. There’s so much to think about, what you need, what you’re taking, what you’re getting rid of, how you’re doing it, what needs to be cancelled etc. But what about the environmental impact?

It may seem like something that belongs in the too-hard basket. Just another thing that you need to think about. But the truth is, it is important and just a few simple things can make sure you go from eco-nightmare to eco-dream.

 

Reduce, re-use, recycle, and if that fails, donate.

Most people use moving as an excuse for a good old declutter. This includes clothes, technology, random bits you’ve collected over the years. Instead of just throwing them in the red bin and condemning them to landfill, think about whether you can recycle or donate.

Recycling isn’t just about plastic and glass bottles. There are many things that can be recycled such as:

  • Batteries
  • Electronics
  • Paint cans
  • Appliances

If you’re not sure where to take them or what you can recycle visit http://recyclingnearyou.com.au/ where you can search by area and by material.

Use eco-friendly packing

 Instead of packing peanuts or polystyrene have a look around the house for more environmentally friendly packing materials. Old newspapers and magazines make excellent wrapping. What about the clothes or towels that aren’t suitable for donating? If you don’t want to use cardboard boxes, you can always hire packing crates from the removal firm.

 

Use eco-friendly cleaning products

Instead of using harmful chemicals, try using more eco-friendly products. If you want to go completely natural, white vinegar and baking soda will do wonders. You can even use it to clean your oven. Mix baking soda with water for wiping down tops, cupboards, and tables. Use some lemon juice and salt to freshen the smell. There are also lots of eco-friendly cleaning products available on the supermarket shelf to choose from.

 

Sharing is caring

We carpool, we share our Uber ride, so why not share our removal van? Not everyone fills up an entire truck when they move so it seems a shame to waste all that space. If you know you’ll only need half the space, some companies have the option to share.

 

Look for an eco-friendly moving company

When you’re getting quotes for removal companies, as them about their environmental credentials. What do they do to make sure their environmental impact is as small as possible? Do they sell recycled boxes? What do they use for moving, gas guzzling trucks or biodiesel rigs? Will the movers pack for you and if so what will they use to protect your things?