Moving tips
Moving Tips for a Zero-Waste, Eco-Friendly Move
By TLC Moving & Storage · Published 15 December 2020
Moving can be very wasteful, but small changes cut it down: pack with things you already own and second-hand boxes, wrap fragile items in linens and clothes, declutter and donate, and make sure your materials actually get recycled.
Three ways to cut moving waste
A zero-waste move comes down to three habits:
Moving tips for zero-waste packing
Declutter and donate
Recycle!!!
Moving tips for zero-waste packing
Packing can get messy and is probably the most likely waste culprit when it comes to moving. When it comes to moving tips for packing materials, search for pre-used materials like boxes, newspapers for fragile items, and anything else you can find. Avoid buying these materials, people will often give away these gently used items online for free on platforms like Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace.
Start gathering what you need ahead of your move so that you’re not desperately searching at the last minute and resort to buying them instead.
What can replace new boxes, tape and bubble wrap
One of the best moving tips for zero-waste packing is to use items that you already have. Baskets, laundry hampers, suitcases, backpacks, reusable shopping bags, and wooden crates are great examples. Using things that you already have, you’ll need fewer boxes, less tape, and other materials that – while they are recyclable – don’t always end up in the recycling.
Instead of using newspapers, bubble wrap or packing peanuts for delicate items, you can also use linens, scarves, and clothes as an alternative.
Declutter and donate
One of the most common moving tips is to declutter your home before your move, but this helps to reduce waste as well. Naturally, the less you have to pack means you’ll need fewer packing materials, which results in less potential waste. Sort through all of your belongings and set aside the things you no longer use or need.
Instead of throwing them out, donate them to a local shelter or give them away to friends and family. You could also host a yard or garage sale or sell them online. Even if you think something isn’t very useful, you’d be surprised at how someone could re-purpose your items.
Why packing materials often miss the recycling
At the end of the day, even if you follow all of these moving tips and use recyclable packing materials, your efforts will be useless if your materials don’t actually get recycled. How could it be so hard to recycle your items? In many jurisdictions, there are different coloured bins and systems designed for sorting your recycling.
It’s not uncommon for someone to be uninformed, confused, overwhelmed or ignorant of the proper way to recycle specific items. It’s easier to toss something into a garbage bag than it is to do the research, but the research is essential and takes no time at all.
Recycle!!!
Ideally, donating and giving away your moving materials is the best option. If they just aren’t re-usable, be sure to sort them accordingly and bring them to the curb on their assigned days. By following these zero-waste moving tips and other day-to-day zero waste tips, together, we will make a healthier and happier planet.
Questions about moving with TLC
How do I pack for a move without buying boxes?
Packing can get messy and is probably the most likely waste culprit when it comes to moving. When it comes to moving tips for packing materials, search for pre-used materials like boxes, newspapers for fragile items, and anything else you can find.
What should I do with things I don’t want to move?
One of the most common moving tips is to declutter your home before your move, but this helps to reduce waste as well. Naturally, the less you have to pack means you’ll need fewer packing materials, which results in less potential waste.
How do I recycle moving materials?
At the end of the day, even if you follow all of these moving tips and use recyclable packing materials, your efforts will be useless if your materials don’t actually get recycled.
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