Packing and moving made easier and more sustainable

Moving house can peak your stress levels, so anything that makes the job easier is well worth the research. If you can do it sustainably, then the planet will be happy too. There’s lots of tips for packing and shifting your stuff from one place to another in an energy efficient, eco-friendly way.

Whether you use a colour coded spreadsheet on your laptop or an A4 ring binder, ticking off each activity on a house moving checklist takes you one step closer to your goal.

Adding up all the details, both large and small, for your move is a great way to keep yourself on track and check all bases are covered. The shift isn’t just about cardboard boxes and transport. It also includes tasks like:

• transitioning to a new power and internet provider,
• building a new relationship with a different local council,
• letting your insurance company know,
• updating your bank, and
• informing schools and doctors about your new address.

There’s no point in taking things with you that you won’t need at the new place. Spend time sorting your things into three piles – recycle, donate and sell. By decluttering you’re reducing waste, conserving resources and reducing emissions – what a win-win.

Recycle

It's time to sort out all those things sitting in the shed and garage that have been waiting to go to a transfer station or recycling centre. Check online for the one nearest you. With a clear conscience, you can say goodbye to plastic containers, any cardboard that isn’t suitable for packing, glass bottles for that beer brewing hobby you decided to give up on and so much more.

Donate

There are lots of charities that would be grateful for anything you can give to help the people they serve. Some, like The Salvation Army, will come and collect things from you to make the job even easier.

Sell

With a little more effort and organisation, you could make some extra dollars on the side if you can sell some of your stuff. Garage sales and online platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Trade Me could help you score some extra funds to make a dent in your moving costs.

Have you ever stood knee deep in packaging materials after a move and wondered what you’re going to do with it all? If you’ve felt concerned about how much space it’s going to take up in landfill, you’re not alone. Luckily, there’s a whole range of eco-friendly packaging, including boxes and filler.

Recycled cardboard tea chests and reusable plastic carry bins are a good idea for your belongings, while breakables can be protected using biodegradable pillows, shredded paper and packing peanuts. These are all a great idea if you want your move to create a minimal impact on the environment.

Knowing the tips and tricks for efficiently saving space during your move is a plus. If you’re packing your own stuff, make sure to use the right sized boxes. Using empty suitcases also works well if you have them to spare.

It seems like common sense, but make sure you place heavier items in the bottom of the box and lighter items on top, and fill any gaps with little bits and pieces you can tuck in where you can.

To truly do your bit for recycling, there’s places you can go to score second-hand boxes. Check in with the owners of local retail shops and supermarkets to see if they have any to spare.

If you know people who have recently moved and don’t need their boxes anymore, ask if they’d be okay to pass them on. Your local community Facebook page is another source for free second-hand boxes. If you find some, it helps them too.

Many people find those large, lidded plastic containers with handles really useful and they’re relatively affordable. Once you buy them for the move, they can be repurposed for home storage in garages or sheds and brought out for your next move.

Moving day is hectic, confusing and tiring – make it easier for everyone by having a clear system to direct traffic into the right rooms.

Stick to a system that keeps stuff from each room together in clearly labelled (and even numbered) boxes to avoid extra work at the other end. If you have moving professionals as part of the process, they will thank you too!

If your move is taking place in the same town or city, think about ways to avoid too many trips from the old house to the new address.

Pack your van, car, rental truck, ute or trailer to the maximum (safe) capacity and plan your route at a time of day with fewer detours and less traffic. If you’re using a moving company, they’ll have assessed the truck size needed when they quoted the job. They’re very experienced at slotting all your stuff in to maximise the cargo capacity and will more than likely only be doing the one trip.

If you’re relocating out of the area, then arranging the transport for fewer trips is even more critical. You’re more likely to use a moving company and be following in your loaded-up vehicle, ready to embrace your exciting new home and future.