The upheaval around starting life in a new home is a great time to focus on your new life goals. As you’re clearing out and getting ready to move to your new home, using some eco friendly techniques will set you on the right path going forward.
Getting all of your old stuff into boxes and streamlining your belongings really highlights some bad habits you might not even know you had. Most of us are guilty of hoarding, buying unnecessary clothes or stockpiling food. So if you’re looking to become more eco friendly and live a more sustainable life, these tips for moving home will help you prepare.
Resourceful eating
Clearing out the freezer and taking stock of what’s hiding at the back of the store cupboard will probably highlight the fact that you could easily feed an army. Most of us have a good few weeks of tinned or dried goods waiting to be consumed, or a whole banquet of meals in the freezer.
Around a month before your move day, take stock of what you’ve got and aim to use as much as possible in your meals over the coming weeks. Add to these meals only with the essential addition of fresh produce when you really need to.
Using additional fresh produce is a good way to focus on locally grown or produced food and to stay away from packaged goods. If you’ve been meaning to look at your eating habits, this will be a good way, through necessity, to adapt and change.
Clear that wardrobe
I don’t know about you, but every time I need to move I discover that I’ve accumulated a lot of clothing. Some of it barely even worn!
Be brutal, and realistic, and clear out all the clothes that you’re unlikely to use. Either donate them to a charity cause or, if you think you can sell them at online auction, do that.
Disposable fashion has been a major problem for global sustainability over the years. By clearing out your wardrobe you’ll be left with only great clothes that you’ll want to wear again and again. And while you’re here, make a pledge to only buy clothes when you really need them from eco friendly clothing firms and sustainable shoe companies, and look after our planets fragile resources.
Clean cleaning
Home cleaning is not the most environmentally sustainable practice.In fact, we often end up sending lots of disposable cleaning items to landfill. Bin bags, cloths, anti-bacterial wipes are some of the big offenders, alongside harsh cleaning products like bleach.
Aim to use eco friendly cleaners and biodegradable cloths and wipes. Where possible, re-use rags instead of using disposable cloths or plastic scrubbers. Eco friendly cleaning products are also less harsh on the skin, meaning less need for disposable plastic gloves.
Picking your packaging
When it comes to boxing up your belongings, the most convenient is to use large sturdy cardboard boxes. Make sure the ones you choose are made from recycled cardboard, or if possible, use old boxes from your local supermarket. They often have boxes that they are happy for people to take.
One way to avoid disposable cardboard is to use old wooden tea chests, or storage boxes. These are a little heavier, but they can also be use in your new home as extra storage or even as feature furniture.
Avoid using bubble wrap and instead use recycled packaging, old newspaper or fabrics to wrap delicate items. Bubble wrap is, technically, recyclable – but it’s not a particularly environmentally friendly product.
Organise your mail
It’s hard to avoid the incessant tide of direct mail, even after you’ve moved on. But you can do your bit by letting all of your utilities and banking companies know you’re moving as soon as possible. Or better still, switch to paperless bills.
Use an eco friendly removals firm
Not all removals firms are created equal! If you’re moving home, shop around for an eco friendly removals firm in your area. A good eco friendly company should list details about what they do with waste, how they help you minimize your impact when moving and how they offset their carbon footprint.
