Moving house sustainably

If you’re moving house, you’ll probably already have an extensive to-do list. It’s worth considering how you can make each stage as eco-friendly as possible. Alongside the environmental benefits, making your house move more sustainable can increase efficiency and save money.

Reduce your possessions

There’s no point in moving things you don’t want to keep, so go through all your possessions beforehand and get rid of anything you don’t need or love.

This will cut down on the weight and space needed in your removal van, which can lead to a smaller vehicle. It also means lower emissions and less money being spent.

The items no longer wanted or needed can be sold, donated to charity or given to friends and family.

Recyclable packing boxes

Ask your local supermarket to give you their leftover delivery boxes. They have an abundance of boxes that might otherwise be thrown away.

Otherwise you can rent reusable packing crates. Companies offer services that allow you to rent plastic boxes to pack your belongings and once you have moved, you return them so they can be used again.

Pack smart

Instead of wrapping breakables in bubble wrap, try using things you already own like clothing, bedding and towels. Smaller items such as socks and scarves are perfect for filling and padding boxes.

Old newspapers and magazines can be useful too, so start collecting them as soon as you know you’ll be moving.

If you do need to use bubble wrap, try to reuse it or source a biodegradable option.

Eco-friendly cleaning

Once you’re packed up, you will usually have to clean your house and often the house you are moving into. Try to use greener cleaning products that are sourced more sustainably and leave a smaller carbon footprint than mainstream products.

Choose a sustainable mover

If you need to hire a van or removal company, try to find a removal company that is at EEV Standard (Enhanced Environmentally-friendly Vehicles). This means the company only uses vehicles with low-emissions.

Moving house? Don’t forget about home insurance. Get a quote with Co-op Home Insurance.