The process of moving homes can have a significant impact on the environment. Luckily, with careful planning and preparation, there is a way to relocate without harming the Planet.

Are you moving to a new home and you want to do it in a sustainable way? You have come to the right place. Here we discuss a number of easy to implement tips that can help you organise a clean relocation.

Use reusable moving boxes

Traditionally, when starting to pack all of our belongings, most of us turn to cardboard boxes. Nowadays, however, there are many companies that offer the option to rent reusable moving boxes. Doing so is a great way to reduce waste and lower our environmental impact. They offer boxes in a wide range of sizes so no matter how many things you have to pack, you can find boxes that will fit all of them.

Reuse cardboard boxes

An alternative solution is collecting already used cardboard boxes from local shops. They usually have a lot of them as they get deliveries in them. Many of such boxes are in very good condition so there is no need to order completely new ones. These boxes are free so you do not have to spend more money and, at the same time, you are not generating more waste.

Pack in containers you already have

You probably have some plastic containers and a lot of grocery bags at home. To make the moving process greener, make sure you make the most of them. Rather than placing them in other boxes to move them, use them to pack some products. Not only is this solution green but also highly efficient.

Do not use bubble wrap

While the need to protect your valuable belongings is understandable, there is an eco-friendly way to do it. There is no need to get bubble wrap that increases your carbon footprint and drives up pollution. Use blankets, towels, or even clothes to wrap fragile items.

Use a green moving company

Not everyone uses the services of a moving company to relocate but if you do, make sure to do some research before choosing one and check whether they care about their impact on the environment. You can verify things such as whether they support any sustainability projects, offset their emissions, or try to organise the process in a way that limits harmful emissions.

Donate or gift unwanted items

Throwing away things you no longer need might seem like an easy option but, by doing so, you will increase the pollution associated with relocation. To make the process greener, ask your friends if they want some items or look for charities that might be accepting donations. There certainly are plenty of them in your area. By donating your unwanted belongings you can not only work towards environmental protection but also do something good for those in need.

Dispose of everything properly

Improper waste disposal can lead to environmental harms. While you might be in a rush and feeling stressed about relocating, taking the time to think about how to correctly dispose of your waste is important. Make sure to read guidelines online explaining how to recycle in the most effective way and how to discard hazardous materials.

Upgrade to more sustainable things

If you are buying new things for the new place, make sure that you only buy the ones that are sustainable. When looking for electronics, for example, check their energy label that indicates how energy efficient a certain device is.

Invest in energy-efficient appliances

When purchasing appliances for the new place, invest in energy-efficient ones such as LED light bulbs or timers that help you control your energy usage better. While buying these things might require an upfront investment, after a while, you will notice significant savings.

Consider energy efficiency in design

When arranging furniture and decorating your new home, think of ways to maximise energy efficiency and reduce energy consumption. For example, do not place furniture in front of radiators to make sure the heat can fill the whole room more easily. And, use curtains in bright colours so that you can use natural lighting during the day.

Building a more sustainable home

If you follow the tips we discussed above, you can be sure that your impact on the environment during the moving process will be as low as possible. But you caring about the Planet should not end there. You should keep working on reducing your carbon footprint and living in a sustainable way. Here are a few things you can do to continue the journey to making your home green:

Install solar panels

Choose a renewable energy tariff
Offset your emissions
Use timers and thermostats
Do not use single-use plastic
Walk and use a bike as often as possible

Use local technicians for any repairs
Install underfloor heating
Service your appliances regularly
Make sure the building is well insulated
Get a smart meter.

The process of making your home green can take time but the benefits are clear. Not only can you play a role in tackling climate change but you can also save money on your energy bills. This is particularly important nowadays as the UK is facing an energy crisis and energy prices keep going up.

What makes a home green?

When preparing to relocate to a new place, you might be reading a lot about the concept of a green home. While the name indicates what it entails, here we discuss in more detail what a green home actually means.

A green home is one that has been built to meet various environmental goals and perform well in the field of energy efficiency. By designing a home this way, those who live there can lead a more resource-efficient, healthier, and more sustainable lifestyle.

To prove that one’s home is green, they need to get a certificate from a third party that assesses whether a building meets certain standards.

Additionally, homes can be Energy Star-certified if they meet specific standards for energy efficiency, water conservation, air quality, and health.

Keep in mind, however, that your home does not have to be certified or meet all the official guidelines to be green. You can introduce changes designed to make your home more environmentally-friendly at your own pace. And, even small improvements can make a difference. What matters is that you recognise what impact your actions have on the Planet and that you undertake steps to improve your performance in the fields of energy-efficiency and sustainability.