Did you know that moving house can generate a substantial amount of waste and carbon emissions? Between the packing materials, transport to physically move your belongings and the energy used throughout, the process can leave a surprisingly large environmental footprint.
However, with a little planning and effort, you can make your move more sustainable without compromising on efficiency or convenience. Here are our top tips for a more eco-friendly move that’ll set the tone for a more sustainable lifestyle in your new home.
1, Plan ahead to reduce waste
A sustainable move starts with careful planning, and taking the time to declutter in advance of moving day is the first step. Fewer possessions means fewer boxes, less packing material and possibly even a smaller removal van – saving resources and energy. But rather than just binning all the items you don’t want to take to your new home, try to donate, sell or recycle them instead.
2, Choose eco-friendly packing materials
When it comes to packing, ditch the disposable materials as far as possible. Cardboard boxes are recyclable, sure, but reusing boxes is even better. Choose an eco-conscious removal company like Spire, that will provide you with recycled cardboard boxes if you book a professional packing service. If you’re sourcing your own try asking family, friends or neighbours if they have any used cardboard packing boxes you can use.
And when it comes to packing materials, the most sustainable removal companies are swapping things like bubble wrap for reusable packing bags for most moves, and working to find eco-friendly alternatives to essentials like plastic packing tape too.
3, Ask about your removal company’s vehicles
The carbon emissions and energy used in transporting your things from A to B are one of the biggest contributors to your moving day’s carbon footprint. So choose a removal company with a modern fleet of fuel-efficient vans that are up to ultra-low emissions standards.
Another massive plus of working with a professional removals team is that they’ll be able to provide a vehicle that’s a suitable size for your move – so there won’t be wasted space in the van – and expert efficiency planning to make sure fuel consumption and emissions are kept to a minimum.
4, Get rid of your waste responsibly
During a move, it’s easy to accumulate lots of waste, from items you’ve decided at the last minute you don’t want to keep to leftover packing materials. Take the time to dispose of everything responsibly to keep your carbon footprint down. Check your local recycling facilities and ensure anything that can be recycled is.
And speak to your removals team to see which materials they’ll take away with them to be reused or professionally disposed of.
5, Make your new home energy-efficient
A new home is a fresh start, and moving is the perfect time to think about sustainability and ways you can keep the eco-friendly momentum going once you’ve settled in. Consider small, easy upgrades like swapping light bulbs for energy-efficient ones, and opting for a smart thermostat. These changes can not only reduce your carbon footprint going forward, but can also save you money on utility bills. That’s what you call a win-win.
To work with an eco-conscious removal company that’ll make your move a more sustainable one, give Spire Removals a call today.
