Moving is exciting, sure, but it’s best to call it what it is: one of the most wasteful things most people ever do. No, really, it’s true. So, just think mountains of cardboard that get used once and tossed, rolls of plastic wrap that go straight to the landfill, half-used cleaning products abandoned under the sink, and endless trips in gas-guzzling trucks.
Actually, in Canada alone, millions of cardboard boxes are used every year for household moves, and a scary percentage never actually make it into the recycling stream. That means your new couch might not be the only thing you’re hauling; you could also be dragging a carbon footprint the size of a moving truck along with it.
But do you want to know what the wild part is? Well, most people don’t even realise just how much waste moving generates. They just don’t know that this is a common moving mistake, because it’s not like it’s widely known the amount of waste it all produces. Basically, it’s not just inconvenient, it’s genuinely bad for the planet. But of course, you don’t have to choose between relocating and being environmentally responsible. Honestly, there are smarter, greener ways to pull off a move that don’t leave you staring at a mountain of trash when the last box is unpacked.
Just Ditch the Cardboard Mountain
As you already know, cardboard boxes are basically the mascot of moving. But anyone who’s actually moved knows they’re not that reliable. Pretty much, with one wrong lift, and your books are spilling everywhere. Plus, most people don’t actually recycle them, no matter how “good” their intentions are. So, here’s a better plan: reusable moving bins. You know those sturdy, stackable crates you see some moving companies rent out? They’re stronger and much easier to carry. Plus, it helps that they stack like LEGO, so your moving truck looks neat instead of resembling a game of Tetris gone wrong.
And if bins aren’t in the cards (as they can cost a lot even when renting them), don’t stress. Instead, you can hop on your local Facebook marketplace, community board, or even check with your neighbours. People are practically begging you to take their used moving boxes after they’re done. It’s free recycling with zero guilt attached.
But what About Bubble Wrap?
Sure, popping bubble wrap is satisfying, but it’s not exactly planet-friendly. Thankfully, you’ve got options that are just as effective and way less wasteful. For example, you could look into using some towels, sheets, hoodies, and even socks that can all pull double duty. Seriously, it’s actually that easy, so you can wrap your mugs in your gym clothes, pad picture frames with blankets, and by just doing you’re saving space and materials at the same time. You see, two birds, one stone. But of course, everything will be wrinkly.
Some people really don’t want to wear their clothes, which is understandable. So instead, if you wanted, you could look into biodegradable packing peanuts since these are made from cornstarch. They dissolve in water instead of sticking to your clothes, hair, and basically your soul. There’s even mushroom packaging, which sounds like it belongs in a sci-fi flick but works like a charm.
It’s made from fungi and plant waste and is strong enough to ship electronics. Basically, your wine glasses will survive. So no, you don’t need plastic or foam.
Movers Can Actually Help You Go Green
It might feel counterintuitive, but hiring movers can make your relocation more sustainable. Yes, it sounds a little weird, but if you want a stress-free relocation, then yeah, technically, movers can do that while still being green. How? Well, just think about it: pros know how to load a truck properly, which cuts down on wasted trips.
Some movers rent out those eco-friendly bins, and a few even run greener trucks that use biodiesel. Of course, it’s up to the moving company, but instead of multiple trips with your car, it’s just one trip in a moving van.
It’s About Cleaning without Chemicals
Well, moving always comes with the dreaded deep clean. And while it’s tempting to grab the strongest bleach in the aisle, you don’t need to nuke your place to get it sparkling. Sure, you’re welcome to, but it’s just not going to be green in the slightest. Honestly, you’re better off going with old-school staples like vinegar, lemon juice, and baking soda to handle most jobs.
Got stubborn sink stains? Baking soda paste. Smelly fridge? Vinegar spray. Carpet refresh? Sprinkle some baking soda and vacuum, and you’re done. It’s pretty easy, and it’s mostly cheaper than using bleach, too.
There’s the Pantry Problem
Okay, so this one might seem a bit weird, but bear with it for a bit. So, no one talks about how awkward it is to move food. But think about it for a moment; there are half-empty pasta bags, three jars of peanut butter (why?), and spices you haven’t touched since 2018 suddenly demanding your attention. And no, they’re not worth hauling across town. Well, if something has expired, just throw it out right now, please.
But for everything else? Well, it might be best to just cook down as much as you can before moving day. Pancake mix dinners, “clean-out-the-fridge” stir-fries, whatever it takes. Then donate unopened non-perishables to a local food bank. Some moving companies even partner with donation groups, so they’ll pick it up for you. So, just imagine the feeling of leaving behind a lighter pantry and doing something good. But again, if it’s expired, throw it out!
Borrow, Share, and Repeat
There’s a whole “borrowing culture” out there, and it’s perfect for moving. Honestly, this is pretty classic, and this used to be a thing before Amazon, and getting stuff at your doorstep the next day. For example, need a dolly or moving straps? Someone in your community probably has them. Some neighbourhoods even have tool libraries, which are basically like book libraries but for gear. Grab what you need, return it later, done.
And when you’re settled in, give back. Share leftover boxes, pass along packing tape, or even loan your bins out to a neighbour. It’s sustainable and, honestly, a great icebreaker in a new community.
lead image by cottonbro studio, Pexels
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