Moving house. Just those two words can set off a mixture of excitement and dread, can’t they? There’s the promise of a new start, sure, but there’s also packing, paperwork, and the familiar chaos of boxes everywhere. In all that rush, it’s easy for eco-friendly choices to slip to the bottom of your to-do list. After all, who’s thinking about waste when you’re trying not to lose your kettle?
But did you know the average house move creates mountains of rubbish? Cardboard boxes used for a few hours, endless rolls of sticky tape, bubble wrap, most of it barely survives a single trip before being tossed. Now, what if I told you your move could be gentler on the planet, kind to your wallet, and help you stay (mostly) sane?
Going eco-friendly with your Surrey move isn’t about perfection or massive sacrifices. It’s about choosing small, simple actions that, together, make a real impact. With a bit of planning, you can step into your new home feeling good about the difference you’ve made. Let’s explore how to move sustainably, keep waste to a minimum, and maybe even save yourself a headache or two along the way.
Planning: The Secret Ingredient to a Green Move
Honestly, the “panic pack” is every house-mover’s worst enemy. Leaving things to the last minute means grabbing whatever’s handy (usually plastic and single-use) and making hasty decisions that can cost more, financially and environmentally. If you can, start about eight weeks out. Yes, really!
Here’s how an early start helps:
- Timeline Magic: Jot down the big jobs for each week, declutter, source supplies, book your movers.
- Research Pays: Give yourself time to find proper, green packing supplies and a removals team in Surrey who actually walks the walk on sustainability.
- Snag the Best Crew: The earlier you book, the more likely you are to get your pick of eco-minded moving companies (and the best moving dates).
Taking it step by step stops you from waking up, staring at a pile of stuff, and panicking with a stack of black bin bags.
Declutter Like You Mean It (And Feel Good Doing It)
If moving is a chance for a fresh start, decluttering is your reset button. A few ruthless afternoons sorting can halve the boxes you need to pack and give plenty of things a second life.
Don’t Start with the Tip
We’ve all been there: standing in front of the car boot, wondering if our old lamp or stack of DVDs is worth hauling to the tip. But hang on, before anything goes in, see if someone else could use it.
- Sell: One person’s “old” is someone else’s dream find. Try Facebook Marketplace, Vinted, eBay, or even a neighbourhood WhatsApp group. You’d be amazed what sells!
- Donate: Surrey’s charity shops are always grateful for quality clothes, books, and toys. The British Heart Foundation and Woking & Sam Beare Hospice will even collect larger furniture.
- Give for Free: Websites like Freegle or the Freecycle Network help you pass things on locally, sometimes within hours!
- Repair: Found a wobbly table or a lamp with a dodgy switch? Could a basic fix, or one of Surrey’s repair cafes, give it a second chance?
Recycle What’s Left
Inevitably, some things are beyond rescue. Surrey’s councils do a brilliant job with recycling, whether it’s electronics, batteries, or garden waste. Check online for your local Community Recycling Centre details, and plan a run (or two) before moving week. It’s a good feeling, seeing less and less clutter as the move gets closer.
Packing: Rethink the Box (and What Goes in It)
Most waste comes from packing, so this is where those little eco-friendly choices really add up.
Skip the Single-Use
It’s easy to grab a stack of cardboard boxes, but they almost always get battered. And the tape used? Straight into landfill. There’s a greener way:
- Hire Sturdy Crates: Many top Surrey removals companies now offer hard plastic crates for hire. No tape needed, everything’s stacked safely, and the crates get reused afterwards. Win-win.
- Rent Proper Wardrobe Boxes: No more unpacking a heap of creased shirts! Ask your movers if they offer reusable wardrobe containers, and leave the wobbly cardboard ones behind.
Cushioning, but Make It Clever
Bubble wrap is everywhere, but you don’t really need it unless you’re moving a crystal palace. Try:
- Linens & Clothes: Wrap plates in tea towels. Bundle glasses between jumpers. Use pillowcases for the fancy cutlery. It saves on packing materials—and on boxes!
- Recycled Paper: If you must buy packing paper, go for unbleached, recycled rolls. They do the job and can head to recycling after.
- Old Newspapers: Classic for a reason, but just keep the ink away from anything white or delicate.
Labelling: Your Sanity Saver
A clear label saves you hours of rummaging. Write the room and a quick note, “Kitchen: pans & kettle” or “Kids’ Room: bedtime things.” Clearly marked boxes help your moving crew pack efficiently and reduce breakages or mix-ups (like discovering kitchen knives amongst your towels!).
Choosing a Green Removals Team (Not Just a Green Logo)
Who moves your stuff matters as much as how you pack it. Not all “green removals companies” are created equal, so ask questions before you commit.
- Their Vans: Do they use Euro 6 lorries or vans? That means cleaner, more efficient vehicles on Surrey’s roads.
- Planning Smarts: Are they committed to route optimisation (less back-and-forth = less fuel)? Do they know the Surrey Hills’ winding roads or Guildford’s tricky parking?
- Reusable Materials: Do they prioritise reusable crates and packing gear, not just cheap cardboard?
- Efficient Teamwork: Well-trained movers make clever use of van space, often getting it done in fewer trips.
- Carbon Commitment: Do they discuss carbon offsetting or donate to local green projects?
- Local Roots: A company based in Surrey like Removals Guildford (https://removals-guildford.com) imagines your move from the ground up, they’re ready for village lanes, car parks, and any challenges that come with local moves.
Your Eco-Friendly Moving Day Checklist
You’ve prepped and packed. Now let’s keep the momentum green right through moving day.
Hazardous and Liquid Items
About to load the van? Don’t! Cleaning fluids, leftover paint, and garden chemicals all need special treatment. If you can’t use them up, check with neighbours or see your local council’s safe disposal guidance. Never, ever pour chemicals down the sink, it’s harmful for local waterways.
Go Green with the Clean
Wiping out your old cupboards or cleaning skirting boards? Keep it simple and non-toxic. Vinegar and bicarbonate of soda tackle most jobs. Lemon juice is brilliant for limescale and leaves things fresh.
Plants and Pets on the Move
Removals firms can’t take your prized cheese plant or the family hamster. Pop plants and pets in your own car, securing them gently. For pets, set up a quiet space in advance, moving is bewildering for them, too, and familiar toys or bedding help soothe nerves.
Get Your Utilities Sorted
There’s nothing worse than unpacking boxes in a dark, freezing house. Arrange your broadband, gas, water, and electric switches for move-in day. Avoids extra trips and unexpected expenses, plus means that first cuppa is guaranteed!
After the Last Box: Staying Green in Your New Home
You made it! Before you collapse on the sofa, keep the green vibes going.
- Return What You Hired: Arrange for the movers to collect crates and hanging wardrobes promptly—they’ll go on to help another Surrey family move sustainably.
- Recycle or Pass On: Break down any leftover boxes for recycling or post on local groups (“free to a good home” they’ll disappear fast!).
- Save on Storage: If you need to tuck things away for a while, ask your removals company about insulated, energy-efficient storage. It keeps your things safe from damp, and often, your conscience clearer.
You’ve Earned Your Green Stripes—Now Settle In
At the end of the (busy, box-filled) day, an eco-friendly move isn’t harsh or inconvenient. It’s about small decisions, made early, that let you settle into your new Surrey address without the guilt or mess that so often comes with moving.
So, declutter with heart, get creative with packing, and choose a removals team who cares about your stuff and the planet, as much as you do. The process gets easier, the planet gets a break, and you get to start the next chapter on the right foot.
