Moving to a new house is such an exciting time. It’s a fresh chapter, a blank canvas, and the perfect time to have a good old clear out. However, we all know that moving house isn’t all fun and games and, in fact, can be quite a stressful event. From endless rolls of bubble wrap to mountains of single-use cardboard boxes and bubble wrap, the environmental cost of moving house adds up fast.
Here are our top eco-friendly moving tips to help you move house without harming the environment.
1. Declutter Before You Pack (The Ultimate Green Rule)
One of the best eco-friendly moving tips is simply to have less stuff to move in the first place. Every extra item you pack requires more space in a removal van, which means more weight, more fuel consumption, and more packing materials.
Before you even look at a cardboard box, go through your home room by room. Be ruthless. Do you want these items in your new home? Categorise your items into three piles:
- Donate: Clothes you don’t wear anymore, books, and homeware can go to local charity shops.
- Sell: Make some money back from items you don’t want anymore by selling them on Vinted or eBay.
- Recycle: Anything that can’t be donated can be recycled at your local recycling centre.
By lightening your load, you’ll need fewer eco-friendly moving supplies, and you might even be able to opt for a smaller, more fuel-efficient removal vehicle.
2. Source Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Moving Supplies
When it comes to packing, don’t just go and buy a massive bundle of brand-new cardboard boxes and plastic bubble wrap. Have a look around for greener alternatives.
Finding eco-friendly moving supplies is much easier than you think. Instead of buying new, try these sustainable options:
- Supermarkets: Check if your local supermarket will let you collect a stack of cardboard boxes. Crisp and wine boxes are great for moving home.
- Online communities: Ask Facebook groups or neighbours if they have any spare boxes you can use.
- Buy reusable boxes: We offer a range of reusable plastic boxes in our box shop that you can keep and reuse, which is much better for the environment.
3. Rethink Your Protective Wrapping
Stop using bubble wrap; alternative protective wrapping is out there, and you probably already have it. Look in your linen cupboard and wardrobe. Use these everyday household items to cushion your breakables:
- Towels and bed sheets: Perfect for wrapping large, fragile items like mirrors, television screens, or framed pictures.
- Socks: Slip your glassware and mugs into thick winter socks for instant, built-in protection.
- Tea towels and t-shirts: Use these to layer between plates and bowls to stop them from rattling and chipping in transit.
If you do run out of household linens, try shredded paper or biodegradable, starch-based packing peanuts that dissolve completely in water.
4. Choose a Green Storage Provider
If you need self-storage during your move, don’t be afraid to ask providers for information about their green commitments.
Look for companies that:
- Utilise hybrid or electric vehicles.
- Practise efficient route planning to minimise fuel consumption and emissions.
- Offer carbon-offsetting schemes for the mileage clocked up during your move.
- Have a clear policy on recycling and reusing packing materials.
Choosing a company with sustainable values helps give you peace of mind that your moving day is having a little less impact on the planet. Magenta Storage is actively working toward becoming a carbon-neutral brand by implementing solar power, paperless booking, and electric vehicle charging points across its stores while regularly supporting local charities and community initiatives.
5. Eco-Clean Your Old and New Home
The moving process involves a lot of cleaning, both scrubbing your old place to get your deposit back and giving your new home a thorough wipe-down before you unpack. Unfortunately, many conventional cleaning products are full of harsh chemicals that are harmful to both your health and the aquatic environment.
Switch out the toxic chemicals for green alternatives. Look for eco-certified brands, or better yet, make your own. A simple mixture of white vinegar, water, and a few drops of essential oil works wonders on windows and surfaces. Bicarbonate of soda is also fantastic for lifting stubborn stains from carpets and ovens without the need for toxic fumes.
Transitioning to a new home is the perfect time to establish new, sustainable habits. By implementing these eco-friendly moving tips and sourcing pre-loved eco-friendly moving supplies, you can start life in your new property knowing you’ve done your bit for the planet. Happy moving!
Contact our friendly team today and get a quote for a self-storage unit designed to keep your belongings safe at all times.