5 ways to make moving homes more sustainable

Moving house, or even to a new business property or office, can be a long and tiring endeavour. Having to consider being eco-friendly on top of everything can definitely be overwhelming. However, it definitely doesn’t have to be a massive burden.

With having to pay for transportation and removalists services, the cost of moving house can add up. Often, finding ways to be more sustainable can actually save you money in the long run. It may take some extra time at the beginning but saving your wallet and the environment while you’re at it is worthwhile.

1. Don’t buy new boxes

This may be an obvious tip but one of the most wasteful parts of moving house are all the new boxes people tend to buy. Rather than spending money when you don’t need to, find containers you already have. For instance, suitcases, gym bags and reusable shopping bags.

Of course, you’re likely to need at least a few boxes. If you don’t already have them, try to find boxes from friends, families or even local stores. As a last resort, buy boxes that are recyclable to reduce what you’ll be sending to landfill.

2. Be creative with packing materials

In a similar way, packing materials can create a lot of waste when moving house. Things like bubble wrap, paper and tape might not be as easy to recycle compared to cardboard boxes. In the case that you have existing packing materials, there’s no huge harm in using them.

However, there’s also no point in buying new packing materials. Instead, you can use towels, blankets, linens and even clothes. Before going for anything plastic or non-disposable, consider using old newspapers or other items that can be recycled in a standard recycling bin.

3. Go paperless at your new address

One of the most important parts of moving house is making sure you update your address for all the relevant people and organisations. You don’t want your old property’s new residents receiving all of your mail.

While you’re changing your address, you can also go paperless if the organisation allows for it. For instance, banks, energy providers and charities often have an option for you to opt for email statements and bills.

4. Find things a new home

Not only can being sustainable save you money, it can also make you money! As you sort through your items, you’ll probably find a variety of items you no longer want. For instance, clothes, toys or even furniture. Before you throw things away, consider selling them.

You could also donate items to local charities, schools, libraries and animal shelters. Your trash can be another person’s treasure. It does take extra effort to donate to these organisations but your extra effort will go a long way.

5. Switch to green

Moving house is the perfect opportunity to implement new sustainable changes. While these changes aren’t directly related to packing up your old home, they are definitely considerations you should take in the process of moving.

For example, it would be a great time to look for a more environmentally conscious energy provider. If you’re buying new appliances for your new home, find products that focus on energy-saving. Energy-efficient light bulbs and power strips can help you save electricity. Consequently, you’ll be saving money!

Final words

Hopefully these tips are easy to implement during your moving process. With some pre-planning and extra awareness, being sustainable during your move will help you be friendly to both the environment and to your wallet.

Guest author: Ellen Orton is the Head of Business Operations at OpenAgent.com.au, an online agent comparison website helping Australians to sell, buy and own property.

Richie Muir

Legal Director

Richie is an experienced and commercially astute lawyer specialising in property law. He leads lawlab’s team of legal advisors and is the go-to problem solver for complex or unusual matters.  Having spent many years living and studying in Europe he now calls Brisbane home. Outside of work he juggles his time helping bring up his 2 young daughters, playing football and developing property.