Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/crop-person-packing-box-with-fragile-items-4246112/

Everything we do has an ecological footprint, and believe it or not, moving a house contributes more to environmental degradation than you think. Producing waste is the big culprit here, as the average mover uses significant amounts of disposable plastic throughout the entire process. However, there are also a lot of optimizations that can be done transportation-wise to reduce the carbon footprint further. 

I know what you are thinking. Moving by itself is hectic enough, and having to worry about sustainability and efficiency can be a bit overwhelming. But I promise you, in most cases, we can produce the desired outcome with zero to minimal effort. Eco-friendliness is more of a mindset than a liability, and with minor adjustments here and there, much can be achieved.

Tip #1 - Lighten Your Load

We all have heard about the concept of decluttering and the benefits it brings, but nobody appreciates its utility more than frequent movers; it makes the relocation process that much smoother. 

Hauling a bunch of unwanted stuff only to have to sort through them in the new place is inefficient, both in terms of labor and use of energy and resources. Try to bring only things you really need or at least the things you know will get some use in your new location. Having less to move means fewer, smaller, and lighter moving vans or trucks, less fossil fuel consumption, and less contribution to air pollution. In addition to being more environment-friendly, small moves are also more budget-friendly and save you more money.

Speaking of money, you can compensate a portion of the moving expenses by selling the unwanted items you have decided not to move. You can run a garage sale or, even better, use online secondhand selling platforms like eBay, OfferUp, and Facebook Marketplace to get rid of them. If you are overstretched with too many tasks and don't have the time to deal with the hassle of selling your stuff, don't throw them away. That would defeat the purpose of what you are trying to do in the first place. Instead, donate them to charity centers that offer free pick-ups. By doing so, your items will get reused by those who need them and will not end up in a landfill, and you will get rid of your unwanted stuff with almost zero effort. Just remember to keep the receipts for your donations for a tax write-off.

Tip #2 - Consider Sustainable Shopping for New Items

Every house move calls for a new home decoration project, and with it usually comes purchasing new articles of furniture and other similar items. The most eco-friendly approach in such situations is sustainable shopping. Now, it is completely understandable if you are not comfortable with buying some particular items secondhand, such as mattresses and coaches. However, consider buying secondhand with things you have no issues with. Check different online marketplaces like those mentioned earlier to see if anything catches your eye. You would be surprised to see how many of the things for sale on these websites have never been used or have been used very lightly. 

Thrift shopping may still be somewhat stigmatized and looked down upon, but it is a sustainable practice that helps preserve the environment. No new product is produced without contributing to the depletion of natural resources. By reusing products that are already produced, not only do we conserve these resources but also reduce the amount of energy consumed and pollution emitted while saving money for things that truly matter.

Tip #3 - Use Eco-Friendly Packaging Materials

Packing is the most dreaded and tiring part of moving; it happens to be the part that produces the most waste as well. Fortunately, though, there are several ways that we can tackle the problem.

For packaging, start with all usable containers you already have in your house, such as bags, suitcases, hampers, laundry baskets, etc. Since you are already going to move them to your new place, it is efficient to use the space inside them. The next most eco-friendly option down the list is collecting used cardboard boxes. These could be any sizeable boxes from the products you have previously purchased. Ask around your friends, family, and colleagues to see if they have boxes lying around that they can give to you. With the current prevalence of online orders and deliveries, you shouldn't have any problem finding cardboard boxes. In case you have to use plastic bins, for example, to protect your stuff from moisture, try to buy them used or rent reusable moving boxes from moving supply companies. If renting is not an option, limit the number of boxes you buy to the absolute minimum and keep them for long use. 

And finally, in terms of the packing materials that you put in the boxes to separate and protect fragile items, avoid plastic bubble wraps and use what you already have like newspapers, towels, scarves, socks, and pieces of clothing to wrap your things in.