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Moving often comes with stress, exhaustion, and lack of time. So it can be tempting to put your environmental values on hold when you’re overwhelmed as your moving day approaches. But here’s the good news: you can have a more sustainable move without adding complexity.
Our guide will help you plan every stage of your move—before, during, and after. Feel free to use it like a checklist (because let’s be honest, checking things off a list is super satisfying ✔️).
Before the Move
Decluttering and Sorting
Before packing everything into cardboard boxes, take some time to sort through your belongings. You can avoid sending too much to the landfill by following these simple steps:
Host a garage sale. Check with your municipality to find out if there are designated dates in your area.
Sell items on platforms like Facebook Marketplace.
Donate to friends, family, or local organizations such as the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, Renaissance, Salvation Army, your local reuse centre, or a community thrift store. You can also use Buy Nothing Facebook groups to give things away for free.
Use RECYC-QUÉBEC’s “Ça va où?” app to learn how to safely dispose of household hazardous waste (like used oil, paint, expired meds, batteries, etc.). This interactive map can also help you find places to recycle electronics like phones or computers nearby.
Boxes and Packing Materials
Once you’ve sorted your stuff, you’ll have a clearer idea of how much packing material you’ll need. No need to buy brand-new boxes and a giant roll of bubble wrap:
Pick up boxes from friends or ask your local grocery store, SAQ branch, corner store, or pharmacy. If you plan ahead, you can collect quite a few!
Many companies now offer reusable moving bin rentals: they drop off the bins before your move and pick them up afterward. These bins are sturdier than cardboard and easier to stack and carry.
Instead of buying protective packing materials like foam or bubble wrap, use what you already have: old newspapers, bath towels, dishcloths, sheets, or clothing all make excellent cushioning for fragile items.
On Moving Day
Transportation
Let’s face it—transportation emissions add up quickly. Here are a few tips to keep them in check:
Rent a truck that’s big enough to avoid multiple trips. One trip in a 16-foot truck beats five trips in a cargo van.
If you live in an area with public transit, let your helpers know so they can get there without a car. If the weather’s nice, some might even bike over! Otherwise, consider organizing carpools to limit solo car rides.
Meals and Snacks
Moving is hard work—and it builds up an appetite. Here’s how to keep everyone fed while minimizing food waste and single-use plastics:
- Staying hydrated is key! With a bit of prep, there’s no need to buy bottled water or juice. Ask your helpers to bring a reusable water bottle, or lend them one.
- If you’re feeling up to it, make your own refreshing drinks like iced coffee or lemonade. Even a pitcher with fresh or frozen berries, mint, and a splash of maple syrup in cold water can go a long way.
- Use up whatever’s in your fridge and freezer to make a hearty post-move meal for your crew. Of course, pizza is always a hit—if you’re ordering some, why not go for veggie? 😉
- Whether you’re ordering in or cooking, avoid plastic utensils and single-use containers. A cooler can help keep things cold, and camping dishes work great for serving. If you don’t have any, you can borrow some from friends or through item-sharing apps like Partage Club.
- Set up clearly labelled bins for waste sorting (trash, recycling, compost) somewhere accessible but out of the way.
- Don’t forget to return refundable cans and bottles!
After the Move
Cleaning and Painting
You’ve made it through the big day, but there’s still a bit of work ahead! Your new space might need a deep clean or a few touch-ups. Here are some eco-friendly ways to get started:
- Reuse old newspapers, dishcloths, or rags for cleaning windows or covering floors while painting.
- Choose non-toxic, biodegradable cleaning products.
- Opt for eco-friendly paint (latex, low-VOC, recycled, or natural options are your best bet).
- Flatten and recycle your moving boxes—or pass them along to someone else preparing for a move.
- Learn about waste, recycling and composting systems in your new city or neighbourhood.
Summary
To pull off an eco-friendly move, sort through your belongings ahead of time so you’re not tossing things out in a rush. Try to avoid buying new cardboard boxes or plastic packaging.
When it comes to transportation, choose a truck that’s big enough to complete the move in a single trip. As for meals, skip single-use plastic bottles and containers, and take the opportunity to clean out your fridge to reduce food waste.
Once you're settled in your new home, opt for eco-friendly paint and cleaning products that are free from harmful ingredients to the environment.
By putting our tips into practice, you can change addresses without compromising your environmental values too much. Happy moving!
