*Collaborative Post

Moving to a new house is like starting a new chapter in your family’s story. New memories await, so ensure you start on the right foot. Rather than a stressful moving experience, you can break this complex project down into manageable steps, starting with early planning at least six months in advance.

You can also take an eco-conscious approach to planning by taking actionable steps to minimize your carbon footprint during the moving process. It’s a wonderful opportunity to model sustainable behavior for children, instilling new conscious habits and a genuine interest in helping the planet.

1. Eco-Friendly Decluttering

Early planning gives you even more time for much-needed decluttering. You can even turn this important step into a fun family sorting game!

The game is simple. Create three designated areas for items:

1. Keep
2. Donate
3. Recycle

Instruct your kids to go through their belongings, sorting their items into these areas. You’re going to need large moving boxes or stackable moving containers with lids.

This is a good time to look into local self-storage companies. For example, if you’re local to Tacoma, research affordable storage solutions in Tacoma. Shoot for spring to avoid moving in frigid winter or hot summers.

2. Plan a Sustainable Garage Sale!

Garage sales are an excellent way to get rid of your belongings and make a little extra money for moving expenses.

You could also donate some (or all) proceeds to eco-friendly causes, turning your garage sale into a charitable cause. Advertise your eco garage sale on your social media pages, emphasizing its sustainable efforts.

Hold a plant sale for any potted plants, garden decor, and certain garden tools you aren’t taking with you on the move.

3. Create a Zero-Waste Meal Plan

When you add up all of your pre-moving tasks and the big day, there’s a lot on your plate. You can make life a little easier on yourself (and remain eco-friendly) by prepping your weekly meals in advance. Start by estimating how much food you need to avoid any leftover food waste when cleaning out your fridge. 

4. Reuse Boxes

Cardboard boxes are sturdy enough to be reused. When ordering items online, remember to save boxes that you can use, even small boxes, for packing small, fragile items.

Local businesses and neighbors may also have some extra cardboard boxes to spare. Post a message on Facebook or Nextdoor. 

Invest in stackable, recyclable plastic boxes with lids and handles. You can use these to store items in your garage and storage unit. They’re ready to go when you need them for a big move. 

5. Eco-Friendly Packing Tips

Packing materials generate a lot of waste. Along with reusable boxes, replace traditional packing materials like bubble wrap with pillow cases, bed sheets, old t-shirts, and towels. These materials are perfectly suited for packing fragile items.

Make a Sustainable Statement During Your Move

Moving doesn’t have to be stressful or wasteful. Add these tips to your moving checklist.

Don’t forget to choose the shortest route possible to your new home to spare the air. Choose green-based cleaning products when cleaning out your home to avoid more plastic and chemical waste.

Turn moving day into a powerful lesson on sustainability!

*This is a collaborative post. For further information please refer to my disclosure page.