Tips for a Eco-friendly Move

I recently moved and wanted to make it as 'green' a move as possible. Here's what we did to make it happen!


Start with donating what you can

For junk you don't want to move, donate, sell, or trade as much as you can. Facebook Marketplace, Craiglist, Bunz Trading, your preferred local charity or thrift store, etc.

Maybe while you wait for your reusable moving boxes (below!) you can start going through stuff!


Try reusable moving boxes

At least in BC, there are lots of reusable moving boxes you can rent! I have personally used Frogbox twice (though I'm not sure I would use them a third time - this most recent time some of the boxes were dirty/had sticky spots on them). You might also consider Bungo Box, Blue Bins BC, or Gorilla Box.

It's so much easier having all the boxes ready, moving companies love them because they're much easier to stack, pack, and move, and it's safer for your belongings because they won't up and collapse on you like cardboard. Plus, if you live in BC be realistic - it is very likely to rain a little on your moving day, if everything is in reusable plastic boxes, your stuff will be saved from the rain!


Set up recycling ASAP ahead of unpacking

If you are using newspaper or packing paper, make sure you have your paper and container recycling bins at the ready so you're not tempted to just shove everything into a garbage bag.



Always unpack your kitchen first!

When you arrive at your new place, set up your kitchen first thing so you can cook or prepare the basics. 

Moving is chaotic, and we tend to order a lot of take out. With packaging and what-not, this often results in a lot of garbage. If your kitchen is ready you can cook right away--also saves you money! If you're not much of a chef, even having your coffee maker or kettle ready is a good start.



Know your municipal garbage facilities before you go

In Canada, garbage, recycling, and other waste collection is a municipal responsibility. AKA, what you can recycle varies city to city. 

For example, if you live in Vancouver and move to New Westminster be prepared- Vancouver offers the green bin/composting collection on garbage day, but New Westminster does not!


Use towels and bedding to wrap fragile items

Unsure of what to do with your wine glasses or artwork? Wrap them in towels or bedding! It's much better padding than newspaper, and then you can just wash everything after.

Think too - cloth dinner napkins, cloth mug sleeves can be used to wrap, well, mugs and barware.


P.S. Wit and Delight has a great post on 7 Things You Need to Do to Feel Settled in a New Home!


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