Category: Eco-friendly lifestyle Page 5 of 9

Explore practical ways to live in harmony with our planet. Discover sustainable habits, eco-conscious choices, and tips to reduce your environmental footprint. From simple swaps to impactful actions, this category guides you towards a more planet-friendly and responsible way of living.

Planting Power: 5 Reasons Why Starting Your Garden Can Save the Planet

By Rachel

On June 1, 2023

In Eco-friendly lifestyle

Thinking of gardens, you may imagine vast landscapes or someone who has a green thumb.

However, this is far from the truth!

Gardening holds immense power and is accessible to all, regardless of the living environment or prior experience.

Whether you dwell in a bustling city apartment or possess a modest backyard, starting your garden can be a transformative step towards saving the planet.

In this journey, I’ll explore the remarkable planting power that lies within each of us. Join me as we uncover the five compelling reasons why starting your garden can make a significant difference in saving the planet.

By growing and sourcing our food locally, we reduce our carbon footprint.
Gardening leads us to greener choices and a deeper appreciation for the food we consume.
Gardens have the incredible ability to act as carbon sinks.
Composting diverts a significant portion of waste away from landfills.
Gardening is renowned for its positive impact on our physical and mental health.

Growing local to reduce carbon footprint

I didn’t do any gardening until five years ago.

My friend, who is a keen gardener, bought me a baby Victoria plum tree as a birthday gift. I first planted it in the corner of my backyard.

I dug a hole to plant it and only hoped it wouldn’t die because I had no idea how to look after it.

To my surprise, it survived!

Not only that, today, it’s a productive plum tree that yields an abundance of delicious plums.

Victoria plum tree blossoms — victoria plum tree blossoms

Victoria plums — victoria plum tree blossoms

The harvest is more than enough for me to make plum jams and share them with my neighbours and friends.

This humble plum tree sparked a newfound interest in gardening within me. I started to explore growing other plants, including a variety of vegetables and herbs.

Little did I know that these simple steps towards cultivating my own food would have a significant impact on the planet. By growing and sourcing our food locally, we reduce our carbon footprint.

The vegetables and herbs that thrive in my backyard provide a sustainable source of fresh, organic produce.

This local food not only tastes better but also eliminates the need for long-distance transportation, reducing the associated carbon emissions.

As I learned more about sustainable gardening practices, I discovered that my small garden had the potential to contribute to a greener and more environmentally conscious lifestyle.

Gardening for a greener lifestyle

Gardening has opened my eyes to the journey our food takes from farm to table.

Previously, I had taken for granted that our food magically appeared on supermarket shelves without considering the efforts of farmers behind the scenes.

However, as I became more immersed in gardening, I couldn’t help but appreciate the immense dedication farmers put into producing the foods we consume, the fruits we savour, and the herbs that add aromatic flavours to our meals.

This newfound awareness has prompted a shift in my lifestyle, leading to greener choices and a deeper appreciation for the food we consume.

One significant change that occurred was a reduction in food waste.

Understanding the labour and resources required to grow food made me more mindful of minimising waste.

I now make a conscious effort to utilise all parts of the produce I harvest and find creative ways to use any surplus.

Additionally, I have embraced the imperfections of fruits and vegetables, recognizing that their shape or appearance does not diminish their taste or nutritional value.

By buying imperfect produce, I support the reduction of food waste and promote a more sustainable approach to food consumption.

Moreover, my gardening experience has fostered a greater appreciation for organic farming.

As I face challenges in protecting my own crops from pests and diseases, I empathise with the efforts organic farmers put into growing food without synthetic pesticides and fertilisers.

I have become willing to pay a premium for organic foods, knowing that they are cultivated in a manner that respects the environment and our health.

grow french beans — *My French beans’ leaves are eaten by worms.*

In my own garden, I have adopted organic practices and encountered moments of frustration as worms devour my precious French beans and tomatoes.

However, these encounters have reinforced my commitment to organic gardening and my understanding of the delicate balance between nature’s creatures and the food we grow.

Gardens as powerful carbon sinks

Although reducing the usage of fossil fuels is crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the complexity of political and business interests often hinders immediate and widespread change.

However, there is a solution we can all embrace and implement voluntarily: gardening!

Gardens offer more than just a sanctuary for our minds; they have the incredible ability to act as carbon sinks.

Carbon sinks are natural or artificial reservoirs that absorb and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. They play a vital role in mitigating climate change by reducing the concentration of greenhouse gases.

While forests are renowned for their carbon sequestration, gardens, too, can make a significant contribution.

When we garden, we engage in activities that foster plant growth.

Plants, through the process of photosynthesis, absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, effectively reducing the concentration of this greenhouse gas.

The more plants we cultivate in our gardens, the more carbon dioxide we can remove from the atmosphere.

Furthermore, the diversity of plant species in our gardens plays a crucial role in carbon sequestration. Different plants have varying capacities to absorb and store carbon dioxide.

By incorporating a range of trees, shrubs, flowers, and other vegetation, we can maximise the carbon sequestration potential of our gardens.

By recognizing the power of gardens as carbon sinks, we can transform our outdoor spaces into mini-ecosystems that actively contribute to combating climate change.

Every garden, regardless of its size, has the potential to make a difference.

Composting reduces landfill waste and nurtures gardens

When you embrace the world of gardening, the next natural step is to create space for composting, as you soon realise that many things we typically discard can be transformed into valuable compost.

By composting your kitchen scraps, yard clippings, and other organic materials, you divert a significant portion of waste away from landfills, reducing the volume of trash that ends up buried and producing harmful greenhouse gases.

Composting involves the natural breakdown of organic matter, such as fruit and vegetable scraps, yard waste, and even paper products like toilet rolls and newspapers, into nutrient-rich humus.

This dark, crumbly substance is a powerhouse of nutrients, microorganisms, and organic matter that enhances soil fertility and improves its structure.

Simultaneously, by diverting organic waste away from landfills, we greatly reduce the production of methane—a potent greenhouse gas—normally generated during the decomposition of organic matter in landfill sites.

Setting up a composting system doesn’t require a large space; all you need is organic waste, water, air, and a bit of soil to start a small compost pile.

You can even construct your own compost bin using readily available materials such as bricks, wooden boards, or recycled pallets.

The key is to aim for a mix of thin alternating layers of green (nitrogen-rich) and brown (carbon-rich) materials in your compost pile.

Not only does composting help reduce landfill waste and greenhouse gas emissions, but it also minimises the need for synthetic fertilisers.

When you incorporate nutrient-rich compost into your garden soil, you decrease reliance on chemical fertilisers, which can have adverse environmental effects.

This natural and sustainable approach to nurturing plants not only benefits our garden but also contributes to a larger goal of preserving the health of our planet.

So, why not start small, compost your kitchen scraps, and witness the transformative power of composting as it creates a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future?!

Nurturing our love for the planet through gardening

Gardening is renowned for its positive impact on our physical and mental health. This pastime activity also nurtures our love for the planet in a profound way.

As we deepen our connection with gardening, our mindset begins to shift.

We develop a stronger desire to do good not only for ourselves but also for others and the environment.

Gardening becomes a source of strength, both physically and mentally, and serves as a foundation for our love of nature, the environment, and the planet as a whole.

Through our nurturing and care for plants, we become more attuned to the biodiversity that gardens offer, providing essential habitats for pollinators and wildlife.

We also recognize the critical role of biodiversity in maintaining ecosystem resilience and combating climate change.

This shift in perspective leads to changes in our everyday actions as we strive to make positive impacts on our surroundings and embrace a more sustainable lifestyle.

The act of gardening becomes a catalyst for personal growth and a driving force behind our commitment to protect and preserve the natural world.

In conclusion, let this post inspire you to embark on the journey of gardening, knowing that it holds the power to positively impact our planet.

Start small by introducing indoor plants or growing herbs on your kitchen window sill.

If you have outdoor space, embrace potted plants or a small raised flower bed for growing vegetables. Join a community garden if there is one available near where you live.

And don’t forget the transformative practice of composting, actively reducing greenhouse gas emissions from organic waste in landfills.

By taking these steps, we can create a greener future for ourselves and our precious Earth. Join the gardening movement today, and let’s nurture a sustainable world together!

Discover 10 Simple Hacks to Save Money While Saving the Earth

By Rachel

On April 27, 2023

In Eco-friendly lifestyle

As the cost of living continues to rise around the world, more and more people are looking for ways to save money and reduce their expenses.

However, not everyone realizes that saving money can also have a positive impact on the environment.

It’s easy to think of eco-friendly choices as expensive or inconvenient, but the truth is that there are many simple actions we can take in our daily lives that can help us save money while also reducing our carbon footprint.

I used to be like many people – I didn’t realize how my spending habits could affect the environment.

But as I learned more about the impact of human activity on the planet, I began to see that every small action counts.

In this post, I want to share ten easy and practical ways that anyone can save money while also helping to combat global warming.

By making small changes to our daily routines, we can all do our part to create a more sustainable future for ourselves and for generations to come.

Making your own coffee is more cost-effective than buying from coffee shops.
Packing your lunch in reusable containers with your cutlery can reduce unnecessary waste.
Takeaway meals can be much more expensive compared to home-cooked meals.
Reducing food waste is critical to combating climate change and preserving the environment.
Shopping secondhand gives used items a second life instead of contributing to the ever-growing amount of waste in landfills.
The best way to avoid shopping temptations is to limit our shopping trips, both physically and virtually.
Reducing water usage saves us money on water bills but also helps to reduce the pressure on the environment.
Reducing our electricity usage lowers our energy bills and contributes to a healthier environment.
Reducing meat consumption decreases demand for meat products and encourages the production of non-meat alternatives.
Whenever possible, walk to your destination instead of driving.

Make your own coffee at home

Do you rely on takeaway coffee to get your caffeine fix?

Unfortunately, most takeaway coffee cups cannot be recycled and often end up in landfills.

So, making your own coffee at home or bringing it with you in a reusable flask is an easy and eco-friendly solution. Not only is it better for the environment, but it’s also more cost-effective than buying from coffee shops.

In fact, coffee prices in the UK have risen by more than 25% in the past two years due to inflation, energy costs, and shipping expenses for businesses.

It’s unlikely that this trend will slow down anytime soon, so setting a monthly coffee budget and making your own coffee can save you money in the long run.

pour-over coffee maker and a french press

By bringing your own coffee in a reusable flask, you can also reduce your consumption of single-use coffee cups and help to decrease the amount of waste ending up in landfills.

So, next time you’re craving a cup of coffee, consider making it yourself or bringing it with you in a reusable flask to save money and reduce your environmental impact.

Pack lunch for work

Bringing your own lunch to work may not always be possible, depending on your job type and whether there are facilities available, such as a fridge or microwave.

However, when it is feasible, packing your lunch is a great way to save money and reduce your environmental impact.

Eating out or buying meal deals often involves the use of single-use plastic cutlery and plastic packaging, which can end up in landfills or harm marine life.

By packing your lunch in reusable containers with your cutlery, you can reduce unnecessary waste and help the environment.

healthy lunchboxes — Photo by Antoni Shkraba on Pexels.com

Moreover, packing your own lunch allows you to choose healthier options and control what goes into your meal.

Many ready-made meals sold in cafes or supermarkets contain high levels of salt and fat. So, by making your own lunch, you can ensure that it is both healthy and affordable.

Order less takeaway food

Ordering takeaway food is a convenient and popular choice for many people, especially with the rise of food delivery apps, such as Just Eat or Deliveroo.

However, the packaging used for these meals, such as plastic containers, cutlery, polystyrene boxes and brown bags, are often made of non-recyclable materials, which ultimately end up in landfills or oceans, harming the environment.

Moreover, delivering these meals by scooters or cars adds to the already high levels of greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change.

But that’s not the only issue with takeaway food!

In addition to its environmental impact, it can also be bad for your health. Most takeaway meals are high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats, which can lead to various health problems if you consume them too often.

Moreover, we all know that takeaway meals can be much more expensive compared to home-cooked meals.

So, try to reduce the number of times you order takeaway foods.

When ordering, think about how you can minimise your environmental impacts. For example, choose restaurants that use environmentally friendly packaging and delivery methods.

If you plan to collect your takeaway food yourself, it’s a good idea to call the restaurant beforehand and ask if you can bring your own reusable containers to use for your order. Here are some tips for using your own containers for takeaway food.

Reduce food waste

When was the last time you threw away food because it was past its use-by or best-before date or because it looked off?

Or perhaps you’re the kind of person who skips the first and last slice of bread and unconsciously tosses them away?

There are many reasons people waste food, but most of them are due to a lack of awareness about the catastrophic impact that food waste can have on the environment.

According to WEF (World Economic Forum), food waste is the largest component of US landfills, even more than any other material.

When food rots, it produces methane gas, which is a potent greenhouse gas with a global warming potential around 28 times greater than carbon dioxide over a 100-year timescale.

This means that reducing food waste is a critical step towards combating climate change and preserving the environment for future generations.

While there are plenty of tips on reducing food waste, such as planning meals and using leftovers, the size of our fridge and freezer is often overlooked.

Larger fridges tend to encourage overbuying, as we fill them up to feel satisfied and secure in having plenty of food at our disposal.

However, using up the food we have can be more challenging, as we may forget about items that get buried in the back or tucked away in drawers.

As a result, a smaller fridge can be part of the solution to reducing food waste!

With less space to store food, we become more mindful of what we have and are more likely to use it up before it goes bad.

So when it’s time to purchase a new fridge, consider downsizing as a way to help reduce your food waste and environmental footprint.

Another thing worth keeping in mind is the use-by and best-before dates on food packaging.

It’s important to know that these dates are mostly used to indicate food quality rather than safety. While some foods, like meat and dairy products, may require specific dates for safety reasons, with fresh produce like vegetables and fruits, best-before dates are often unnecessary.

I’m glad to see that in recent years, more and more supermarkets have started removing best-before dates on fresh food.

As consumers, we should certainly embrace this movement and learn to rely on our senses to determine if a food item is still good to eat instead of automatically throwing it away once it has passed its date.

You can use your sense of smell and sight to assess the quality of a food item. If it smells bad or has gone mouldy, it’s best to discard it.

However, if it looks and smells fine, it may still be safe to eat. In fact, many food items can still be consumed safely even after their expiration date!

The WRAP provides a useful guideline on how long different types of food can be safely consumed after the date on the package has passed.

By learning how to properly interpret these dates and trust our senses, we can reduce food waste and save money while helping the environment.

Shop secondhand

Whenever I need to buy non-food items like clothes, accessories, or furniture, I always start by checking out the charity shops in my town.

It’s become a habit for me to embrace the concept of shopping secondhand, especially at stores run by charities.

adult book book store bookcase — Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Not only do I feel good about my money going towards a good cause, but I also love the thrill of finding unique and one-of-a-kind items that I wouldn’t find anywhere else.

Plus, by shopping secondhand, I’m giving these items a second life instead of contributing to the ever-growing amount of waste in landfills.

I even shop at second-hand stores for birthday presents! It’s a great way to give a thoughtful gift without breaking the bank. I’ve found some amazing vintage pieces that my friends and family have absolutely loved.

Do you know not all the goods at those stores are used?

The secondhand stores run by charities often receive donated goods from brand companies, and those goods are brand new but sold at much lower prices in the charity shop.

Sometimes people donate their Christmas presents or birthday gifts to charity shops because they don’t think it’s something that suits their style or something they’ll use, so you can find brand new items at a fraction of their original price.

So if you haven’t tried shopping secondhand, give it a go! You never know what treasures you might find, and you’ll be doing your part to reduce waste and support charities at the same time.

Limit your shopping trips

Do you often find yourself leaving the store with more items than you intended to buy?

It’s easy to get tempted by deals, discounts, and rewards programs offered by shops and supermarkets. Even the background music can affect our spending behaviour.

As an impulse buyer myself, I’ve learned that the best way to avoid these temptations is to limit my shopping trips, both physically and virtually.

Before heading out to the store or browsing online, make a list of the items you need and stick to it.

Try to avoid making unplanned stops at the store, and if you do need to go, make a list and stick with it.

Shopping with a friend who can keep you accountable can also be helpful.

Another tip is to unsubscribe from marketing emails and unfollow stores on social media that often tempt you to buy things you don’t need.

By limiting your exposure to these marketing tactics, you’ll be less likely to make impulse purchases.

Remember, the less you shop, the less you spend, and the more you reduce your carbon footprint, contributing to a brighter future for the environment and future generations.

Reduce your water usage

Access to clean and safe drinking water is a privilege that not everyone has.

With 2 billion people globally lacking access to safe water, it’s more important than ever for those of us who do have access to take steps to reduce our water usage.

Here are some simple actions you can take to reduce your water usage:

Fix water leaks in your home
Take shorter showers
Do laundry less frequently
Save water from hand washing or face cleaning and reuse it

By reducing our water usage, we not only save money on water bills but also help to reduce the pressure on the environment caused by overconsumption and climate change.

Let’s do our part to conserve this precious resource and contribute to a more sustainable future for all.

Reduce energy consumption

The increasing cost of living and inflation have forced many of us to take a closer look at our energy consumption.

By reducing our electricity and gas usage, we can not only lower our energy bills but also contribute to a healthier environment.

Here are some simple tips to help you reduce your energy consumption:

Use energy-efficient LED bulbs instead of traditional incandescent bulbs.
Turn off lights when leaving a room, and unplug devices when not in use.
Adjust your thermostat when leaving the house or when you’re asleep to save energy.
Wash your laundry with cold water to reduce energy use.
Upgrade to more energy-efficient appliances and consider double-glazed windows/doors to reduce heat loss.
Seal cracks around your home to prevent heat from escaping.

By taking these steps, we can help reduce our reliance on traditional energy sources like fossil fuels, natural gas, and coal.

This not only helps to save money but also helps to reduce our carbon footprint and create a healthier planet for future generations.

Eat less meat

Not only are plant-based proteins like beans, lentils, and tofu often cheaper than meat, but they are also better for the environment.

The meat industry is a significant contributor to climate change through deforestation, water consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions.

By reducing our meat consumption, we can decrease demand for meat products and encourage the production of non-meat alternatives.

Consider going meatless for a few days a week and try out some new plant-based recipes. Your wallet and the planet will thank you!

Drive less

As we all know, how we travel from A to B can harm the planet.

So, if possible, walk to your destination instead of driving.

Walking has numerous benefits for our physical and mental health, and it’s a zero-emission mode of transportation.

If walking isn’t possible due to distance or the purpose of your trip, consider using public transportation if it’s available in your area.

If you’re a commuter, carpooling is another option to reduce the negative impact on the environment.

Remember, owning a car can be expensive, not just in terms of petrol, but also insurance, MOT, breakdown coverage, and environmental impacts.

The car industry relies heavily on fossil fuels and produces a significant amount of greenhouse gas emissions.

By reducing our driving, we can save money and protect the environment. So, let’s all do our part and drive less whenever possible!

pleasant woman preparing stuff for moving

Move Green: 10 Easy Tips for an Eco-Friendly Relocation!

By Rachel

On February 17, 2023

In Eco-friendly lifestyle

Moving to a new home is known to be one of the most stressful events in life, and I never thought I would have to go through it.

I was content with my current living situation and had a great relationship with my neighbours.

However, life has a funny way of throwing unexpected changes our way, and at the end of 2022, I found myself moving into a new place.

Throughout the process, I learned the importance of making eco-friendly choices when moving homes.

So, in this post, I want to share ten sustainable moving tips to help make your future move less stressful for both you and the planet.

Declutter as far in advance as possible

When it comes to making your move more sustainable, decluttering your belongings is a crucial step.

My number one tip is to start decluttering way ahead of the moving date.

While many of us know we should declutter before packing, it’s better to do it much earlier than we plan to move.

Even if you think you might move someday, start decluttering your home NOW!

This will ensure you have ample time to go through all of your belongings and find new homes for the things you no longer need or use.

Trust me, when you begin a house-hunting process, you won’t have the energy or time to declutter your home thoroughly.

My personal experience with decluttering began when my husband and I were living in a small bungalow.

Despite our small living space, we had accumulated many things over the years that were stored away in three lofts – two big and one small.

Then, one day, I stumbled upon a book called ‘The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: A simple, effective way to banish clutter forever‘ by Marie Kondo.

Marie is a tidying expert, and her book taught me the importance of decluttering not just for the sake of organizing but for creating a more peaceful and joyful living environment.

After reading Marie’s book, we started decluttering our living space and lofts. I donated a lot of clothes to charities and only kept the items that brought me joy.

As Marie Kondo says, ‘My criterion for deciding to keep an item is that we should feel a thrill of joy when we touch it‘. This is especially true when it comes to clothes and accessories.

As for the things in our lofts, we only kept a few of them and gave away the rest to our neighbours, family, and friends.

When giving things away, be strategic about finding multiple sources to give to, maximizing the chance of giving those things a second life.

Decluttering is not just about organizing your belongings; it’s also about being mindful of the impact your possessions have on the environment.

Almost everything we consume takes a lot of natural resources to produce, and we shouldn’t take that for granted because the Earth’s resources are limited.

Furthermore, when things end up in landfills, they generate unnecessary greenhouse emissions.

According to statistics, worldwide landfill waste is responsible for about 11% of global methane emissions, and this figure is expected to be even higher in the next decade.

By giving ourselves ample time to declutter, we can ensure that our belongings do not end up in landfills, and we can take a sustainable approach to relocate.

empty jars — I gave them to a teacher who plans to use them in her school project

Reuse packing materials and original boxes

Are you one of the 53% of online shoppers in the US and the UK who buy consumer electronics, such as TVs, computers, and mobile phones, four times a year?

If so, you may have noticed that these electronics are often packed with the highest standard to ensure they arrive in immaculate condition.

When you receive a delivery like this, it’s important to unpack it carefully and save the packing materials, such as bubble wrap, foam peanuts, and packing papers, for future use.

It’s also a good idea to keep the original boxes for big items, as they can serve two purposes.

First, you can use the box to return the item if it’s faulty or you change your mind about the purchase. Second, you can use the box when you move, as it’s the perfect size for those big items.

This same principle can apply to kitchen appliances, too. If you’re concerned that the boxes will take up too much space in your home, simply unfold them neatly and store them away.

Another way to collect packing materials is by reusing them from gifts you receive. Fragile items like glassware, ceramic pots, and photo frames are often wrapped tightly in bubble wrap or kraft paper.

Instead of throwing away these materials, unwrap your gifts gently and save the packing materials for future use. Remember the 3Rs for the environment: reduce, reuse, and recycle.

By making a habit of saving packing materials from your online deliveries and gifts, you can reduce waste and save money in the long run.

Plus, you can start this practice well ahead of beginning your property search.

Repurpose your old bed sheets

Don’t throw away your old bed sheets just yet!

While they may wear out or develop holes after a few years, they can still be incredibly useful, especially when it comes to moving home.

Instead of getting rid of them, consider repurposing them.

Ripped bed sheets, old jeans, and tablecloths can be great cushioning materials for fragile items during a move. You can use them to wrap and protect delicate items like glassware or picture frames.

In addition, they can be draped over sofas or chairs to prevent damage during transport.

Furthermore, when disassembling your bed on your moving day, you can use your old bed sheets to cover your mattress or bed frame.

This will not only protect your bed from scratches or other damage, but it will also keep it clean during the move.

So before you toss your old bed sheets, think about how you can repurpose them for your next move. They may come in handy when you least expect it!

Pack with the things you already have

When you have a moving date in mind, you might feel the urge to start buying packing materials right away.

However, take a moment to consider what you already have on hand that you can use for packing. Using existing items is not only cost-effective, but it’s also an eco-friendly choice.

Here are some common household items that can be repurposed for packing:

Luggage, suitcases, and Amazon boxes are great for packing clothes or heavy items.
Gloves are useful for packing small jewellery, such as rings or earrings.
Laundry baskets can be used to pack toiletries or cleaning products.
Cooking pots make for great packing material for bowls or plates, while pans can be used for cutlery.
Towels, blankets, or scarves can protect delicate items.
Papers or soft linen can be used for wrapping dishes or glassware.
Grocery shopping bags are a great option for packing pantry staples.
Bin bags can be used for packing shoes.
If you’re moving furniture, consider temporarily removing the drawers and using them to store your books, CDs, or DVDs.
Indoor bins can be used to pack general tools, while outdoor bins can be used for garden tools.

Utilizing these items saves money and reduces waste while still packing your belongings safely and efficiently.

towels to protect fragile items — glasses wrapped with paper

Get free moving boxes from your local shops

Moving can be an expensive process, and one of the most significant expenses is the cost of boxes.

On average, you might need 8-10 medium-sized boxes for each room, but by following a few simple tips below, you can significantly reduce the number of boxes you need.

However, if you still need additional boxes, don’t rush to order them online. Instead, consider reaching out to your friends, family, co-workers, or local shops to get free moving boxes.

Most shops, including supermarket chains and DIY stores, are happy to give away cardboard boxes as long as you ask.

When visiting a shop, it’s worth checking their delivery times as they tend to unpack many of their goods after delivery.

By arriving when they have nearly finished unpacking, you are more likely to get sturdy boxes.

In addition to regular boxes, you can also get wine bottle boxes with cell dividers for free. These boxes are typically made from strong double-wall cardboard and come with dividers that are perfect for storing wine, beer, or any glass oil or sauce bottles.

By following these tips, you can save money on moving boxes. You may even find that you don’t need to buy any boxes for your move.

folded cardboard boxes — free boxes from the local shops

If you are moving long distances and need sturdier boxes, you can consider renting reusable plastic crates, which are easier to stack, load, and transport, and provide better protection for fragile items during transit.

Prioritise important documents

When it comes to packing for a move, it’s important to prioritize the items that are most valuable and difficult to replace.

That’s why you should start by packing all of your important documents, such as birth certificates, passports, driving licenses, and any vital information from your GP, bank, solicitors, and insurance companies.

It’s best to keep these items separate from the rest of your belongings and load them into your car rather than leaving them to travel with the removal company etc.

To ensure the safety of our important documents during our move, I packed them about a month before our moving date.

By doing so, I could ensure that they were secure and wouldn’t get mixed up with my other belongings on the day of the move.

I packed them in my carry-on luggage, which allowed me to keep them with me at all times during the move. This gave me peace of mind, knowing that these important documents were always within reach.

Pack off-season items second

If you’re moving in the summertime, consider packing your winter clothes, scarves, and gloves a month ahead of time, as well as other occasional-use items such as movie box sets, books, tools, sentimental items, family photo albums, and seasonal decorations like Halloween, Thanksgiving, or Christmas decorations.

By doing this, you’ll have fewer things to pack as your move date approaches, which can help reduce your stress levels.

Buy and sell second-hand furniture when moving home

Selling or buying second-hand furniture can be a smart move when you’re moving to a new home.

Some pieces might not fit in your new place, so it’s worth considering whether you can sell or buy items from the previous or new owners.

If you’re in the property chain, you can ask the new owner of your current house if they’re interested in buying any of your furniture.

Contacting the buyer can be tricky, but your listing agent may be able to pass on their contact information once their offer has been accepted.

If your agent is hesitant to share the buyer’s contact information, you can email them details of the furniture you want to sell and ask them to forward the information to the buyer.

Additionally, you can consider selling larger items like washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, TV stands, or wardrobes if they don’t fit in your new place.

You can also inquire about buying furniture from the seller of your new home. For instance, if you’re moving into an older house, ask the current owner if they’re willing to sell any furniture.

This approach worked well for us when we moved from a smaller to a larger place. We purchased three pieces of furniture from the seller and were grateful that they left their built-in washing machine and dishwasher.

By selling items that don’t fit in with your new places and buying second-hand, you can move fewer belongings, meaning you won’t need a large moving van.

Furthermore, selling unwanted items to a new owner instead of disposing of them in a landfill is much more eco-friendly.

a large van for house moving — We hired this van for our moving, finishing everything in two moving loads.

Minimise food waste

Moving homes is already stressful enough without the added burden of wasting food.

Did you know that food waste is responsible for around 8% to 10% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions?

To avoid this, it’s important to plan ahead and come up with a meal plan based on the contents of your fridge and freezer at least two weeks before your moving date.

By doing so, you can use up as much of your chilled, frozen, and pantry foods as possible, leaving you with less to take with you.

To further minimize waste, try to avoid making regular trips to the supermarket in the days leading up to your move.

Instead, finish up what you have and then do your grocery shopping once you’ve settled into your new place.

And if you still have chilled or frozen foods that you can’t take with you, consider asking your neighbours if they’d like to have them. You might be surprised by how open-minded people can be about accepting still-good food.

In fact, I did this myself on the night before our moving date!

I gave a few bags of frozen food to my neighbour, who was more than happy to accept them even though some had already been opened.

The next day, I prepared breakfast and lunch using the remaining items in our fridge, which meant we didn’t waste any food.

By minimizing food waste, we not only help the planet but also reduce the guilt of food waste.

Prepare first-day essentials for a smooth move

After weeks of anticipation and planning, the day of your move has finally arrived!

To make the moving process smoother, ensure that you have gathered all your packed boxes in one place on your moving day.

This will make it easier for the removal men or any friends and neighbours to help you load the van and ensure that nothing gets left behind.

things ready to be loaded for house moving — I have all the packed boxes in one place

On the day of the move, it’s also important to pack your first-day essentials separately, as you may not have the energy to unpack everything immediately after arriving at your new home.

Some key first-day essentials to consider include:

Toiletries: Pack two rolls of toilet paper, a hand towel, a bath towel, hand soap, a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo and shower gel.
Bedroom items: Prepare a change of clothes for your first night and any sleep aids you may need to ensure a good night’s rest.
Kitchen essentials: Pack a kettle, mugs, tea, coffee, sugar, plates and cutlery for each member of the family, dishcloth, dish liquid, dish sponge, kitchen towel, and a hand towel.
Cleaning supplies: Bring all-purpose cleaning products, cleaning cloths, two bin bags, and a dustpan and brush.
Miscellaneous items: Don’t forget an emergency first-aid kit, a basic tool kit, phone chargers, and a pair of scissors to open boxes.

Having these first-day survival kits on hand will save you from making last-minute trips to the store. You won’t be forced to purchase items that may not be environmentally friendly due to time constraints.

Being prepared will help you start your new chapter off on the right foot.

Congratulations on making it this far in the house-moving process! Best of luck with the next steps.