Eco-Friendly Moving: How To Reduce Waste During Your Move
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Eco-Friendly Moving: How To Reduce Waste During Your Move

Jan 13, 2025

Moving involves a lot of planning and coordination. You need to source everything from packing materials to transportation, logistics and managing utilities. But did you know that this ends up generating a lot of waste, most of which ends up in landfills? Research has found that Australians generate an average of 12.4 million tonnes of household waste every year, around 540kgs of waste per person.

That’s a lot! With growing awareness for the environment, it’s become even more important to adopt eco-friendly practices for your move. With thoughtful planning and choosing sustainable alternatives, you’ll be able to do your part in reducing the amount of waste going to the dumps.

This article will give you practical ways to reduce waste generation and embrace an eco-conscious approach for your relocation. From rethinking packing material to donating unwanted items and hiring nature-conscious and the best Removalists Canberra, you’ll find easily actionable steps to reduce your carbon footprint. Let’s take a look!

1. Declutter Before You Move

This move could be the perfect opportunity to reconsider which items you really need and which are simply taking up space in your home. Conduct an inventory and separate all your belongings into items you love or need and those you no longer use. For the latter, you could donate, sell or recycle them. You can ensure they find a new purpose instead of ending up in a landfill. Charities and second-hand shops in Canberra often welcome donations of clothing, furniture and household items in good condition. For electronic waste, you could research your local area for e-waste recycling options or programs and dispose of these old gadgets responsibly.

2. Choose Sustainable Packing Materials

woman with a cardboard box ready to move

Packing supplies like bubble wrap, plastic tape, packing paper, etc., create a huge amount of waste. Instead of these traditional items, you can opt for their alternatives, like reusable containers, plastic bins, old newspapers, cardboard boxes sourced from local businesses, etc., to pack your items. You could also use towels, blankets and clothing to act as cushioning materials for fragile items, reducing the need to use bubble wrap. If you still need to purchase packing materials, look for ones that are biodegradable. Many removalists in Canberra provide eco-friendly options for the move to support sustainable moves.

3. Hire Environmentally Conscious Removalists

When you choose to hire removalists for the move, look for ones that promote eco-friendly practices. Many removalists offer services that include the use of fuel-efficient vehicles, reusable packing materials and recycling programs for items you want to get rid of.  Ask relevant questions and choose a company that shares your ideals of sustainability can help in reducing the environmental impact your move creates.

4. Pack Smart and Minimise Trips

The best way to minimise waste and reduce the amount of fuel consumed during the move is efficient packing. Ensure that you’ve packed each box fully to avoid using more boxes. Label the boxes clearly to make the packing process easier and to prevent unnecessary damage or waste. If you’re moving locally, reduce the number of trips you make going back and forth; this will help you reduce the level of fuel consumption. Some removalist companies also provide efficient moving plans that further reduce your carbon footprint.

5. Donate or Sell Unwanted Items

When moving house, you’ll likely discover items you no longer want or need in the new home. So what to do? Instead of discarding these items and sending them on the way to landfills, consider donating or selling them. Hold a garage sale or use online platforms to sell those belongings that are in good condition. Not only will you earn a few extra bucks, but you’ll also significantly reduce the waste you generate. For the items that you weren’t able to sell off, try giving them away at donation centres or free-cycle groups in Canberra.

6. Recycle Properly

Another great way of reducing waste during a move is through recycling. Look up the local guidelines for recycling and disposing of materials like cardboard, paper and plastics in an appropriate manner. Most moving companies like Removalists Canberra provide assistance in recycling large or unusual items like old furniture or electronics. Sort your waste properly during a move to prevent recyclable materials from being unnecessarily sent to the dumps.

7. Set Up a Green Home

When you’re move is done, carry on with these eco-friendly practices by setting up the home in a sustainable manner. Install energy-efficient appliances, LED lights and low-flow water fixtures to reduce the environmental impacts. For organic waste, you could try composting the same (if your space allows it) and try following recycling routines.

Sustainable Moving Tips to Reduce Waste

Tips To Reduce Waste During Your Move

Wrapping Up

Moving sustainably isn’t difficult; you simply need the right tips and tricks to make it a reality. By being creative and rethinking the way you treat waste, you can reduce your carbon impact. In this way, by incorporating the above habits, you’ll be able to stay true to your green principles and help in creating a healthier planet.