Environmentally friendly Moving in 2025: 12 Sustainable Tips for a Truly Green Relocation

Why Normal Moves Are an Environmental Disaster (and How to Fix It)

Environmentally friendly moving doesn’t have to be a distant dream. The average household move generates over 500 kg of CO₂ and sends hundreds of kilograms of cardboard, plastic, and unwanted items straight to landfill. Add fuel-guzzling trucks, single-use bubble wrap, and toxic cleaning chemicals, and a standard relocation becomes one of the most wasteful events in a person’s life. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

In 2025, achieving a sustainable, low-waste, eco-conscious move is easier and cheaper than ever. Here are 12 proven, actionable green moving tips to slash waste, cut emissions, reduce your carbon footprint, and even save you hundreds of dollars on your next zero-waste relocation.

1. Declutter Ruthlessly Before You Even Think About Boxes

The single biggest way to green your move? Move less stuff.

• > Go room by room and ask: “Have I used this in the last 12 months?”

• > Sell high-value items on Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, or eBay.

• > Donate clothes, furniture, and housewares to charities (Salvos, Vinnies, Lifeline, etc.).

• > Use apps like Buy Nothing, Freecycle, or Ziffit for free giveaways.

Result: Fewer boxes, smaller truck, lower fuel use, and less landfill waste.

2. Source Free or Rented Reusable Boxes (Skip Buying New Ones)

Australia throws away millions of cardboard boxes after every moving season.

Better options in 2025:

• > Ask supermarkets, liquor stores, or Facebook “Moving Boxes” groups for free clean boxes.

• > Rent heavy-duty plastic crates from companies like Rent-a-Crate, Boxy, or Ecobox (returned after use → zero waste).

• > Use suitcases, laundry baskets, and storage bins you already own.

3. Replace Plastic Bubble Wrap and Styrofoam Forever

Bubble wrap and packing peanuts take hundreds of years to break down.

Eco alternatives that work just as well:

• > Wrap fragile items in towels, bedsheets, socks, or clothing.

• > Use biodegradable packing peanuts made from corn starch (dissolve in water!).

• > Crumpled newspaper or shredded office paper (then recycle).

• > Honeycomb Kraft paper rolls – 100% recyclable and plastic-free.

4. Hire a Genuinely Green Moving Company (Not Just Greenwashing)

Look for Removalists who actually walk the talk:

• > Trucks running on biodiesel or electricity

• > Carbon-offset programs

• > Reusable plastic crate systems

• > Zero-waste policies

In Brisbane, OzWide Movers is one of the few Removalists offering reusable crates, biodiesel trucks, and carbon-neutral moves. (Other cities: check Eco Movers, Green  Move, or search “eco Removalists Brisbane”).

Pro tip: Always request their sustainability moving policy in writing before booking.

5. Go 100% Paperless

Paper still sneaks into moves via contracts, inventory lists, and receipts.

• > Choose movers who send quotes and contracts electronically.

• > Photograph your inventory with your phone or use apps like Sortly or MoveAdvisor.

• > Sign contracts with e-signature tools (HelloSign, DocuSign).

You’ll save an average of 50–100 sheets per move.

6. Clean With Non-Toxic, Zero-Waste Products

Harsh chemical cleaners pollute waterways and indoor air.

Switch to:

• > DIY all-purpose cleaner: 1 part white vinegar + 1 part water + lemon rind

• > Baking soda + vinegar for ovens and drains

• > Reusable microfibre cloths instead of paper towels

• > Brands like Koh, Ecostore, or Dr Bronner’s (refillable options available)

7. Plan the Most Fuel-Efficient Route (and Load Smart)

A poorly planned move can waste hundreds of liters of fuel.

• > Use Google Maps “avoid highways” or “fuel-efficient route” options.

• > Combine trips instead of making 10 small ones.

• > Load the truck once heavy items low and to the front.

• > If DIY moving, rent the smallest van that fits everything (a half-full big van wastes more fuel than a full small one).

8. Recycle or Return Every Single Packing Material

Don’t let boxes and paper end up in landfill.

• > Flatten and drop cardboard at any recycling center or council collection.

• > Many crate-rental companies collect and reuse plastic crates.

• > Some Removalists (including OzWide Movers) offer take-back programs for used materials.

9. Unpack With Intention – Avoid the “Buy New Everything” Trap

Retail therapy after a move is real… and terrible for the planet.

• > Shop your own house first: repurpose furniture with a fresh coat of low-VOC paint.

• > Buy second-hand via Gumtree, Facebook Marketplace, or op-shops.

• > When you must buy new, choose FSC-certified timber, recycled plastic, or local makers.

10. Offset the Emissions You Can’t Eliminate

Even the greenest move still creates some CO₂.

Easy ways to offset:

• > Plant native trees through Carbon Neutral, Greenfleet, or Reforest Now.

• > Many Removalists now offer automatic carbon offsetting at checkout (often only $10–$30).

• > One mature tree absorbs about 22 kg of CO₂ per year plant 10–20 and you’re well on your way.

11. Choose Energy-Efficient Appliances & Lighting in Your New Home

Moving is the perfect time to upgrade.

• > Replace old fridge, washing machine, or air-con with 8–10 star energy-rated models.

• > Switch every bulb to LED.

• > Install a smart thermostat or power strips to eliminate phantom power.

These changes can cut your new home’s emissions by 30–50%.

12. Turn Your Old Home Into Someone Else’s Eco Win

Before you hand back the keys:

• > Leave behind reusable items for the next tenant (paint, cleaning supplies, light bulbs).

• > Deep-clean with eco products so the next person doesn’t feel forced to use harsh chemicals.

Final Thoughts: A Green Move Is a Win-Win-Win

You’ll spend less money (free boxes, smaller truck, fewer things to move), create almost zero waste, and start your new chapter knowing you left the planet a little better than you found it.

Ready for a genuinely sustainable move in Brisbane or South-East Queensland? OzWide Movers specializes in eco-friendly removals using reusable crates, biodiesel trucks, and carbon offsetting. Get a free quote today and move the green way. Get Direction