If you are planning to move house this summer, there is no better time than now to make sure the removal is eco-friendly.

Often or not a removal van is required when moving property because of the amount of furniture required to transport but that doesn’t mean you cannot utilise ‘green’ techniques to reduce your carbon footprint.

There are a number of tactics that you can employ to be sustainable and Robinsons has some top tips to follow.

These include:

– Packaging materials

The best way to have an efficient and safe removal is to wrap all of the belongings up securely. But this doesn’t necessarily mean going overboard and using tons of materials.

If you have a spare cardboard box from the new laptop you bought reuse it to pack some of your items. New appliances often come wrapped in bubble wrap so keep hold of this and recycle.

– Cleaning

Try cleaning the new house before moving in so the house is pristine. Get the keys and head down to the property a day or few beforehand and use environmentally-friendly supplies. The most ecological way to get some fresh air into the house is open the windows and door rather than using air fresheners.

– De clutter

A lot of items can accumulate in the home but this can weigh a vehicle down and increase the amount of carbon emissions emitted. So deal with the clutter now before you before move. If there is anything you do not want to move to the new house, why not donate it to a charity?

– Direct mail

Notify all your suppliers of the change of your address to ensure no wasteful letters get sent to your old house. The main companies which you need to inform include the bank, energy suppliers, GP, and insurance providers. What is more, consider turning paperless and having all your correspondence emailed.

– Food waste

Unopened jars can last for years so don’t leave any food behind when you leave. A week before you leave, plan each individual meal so nothing gets thrown in the bin. Fresh foods are much healthier but ensure you purchase only what you need because the chances are you cannot take them with you when moving long-distance. Tins and jars on the other hand can be easily boxed and transported.

Do you want to make your new home more energy efficient? Zoopla have a page all about how you can achieve this.

Photo Credit: Unsplash