Last updated October 2025
There’s no doubt moving home is exciting — a fresh start, a new neighbourhood, and a chance to declutter your life. But all that packing, sorting, and transporting can leave a surprisingly big mark on the environment. From cardboard boxes and bubble wrap to truck fuel and household waste, the logistics of moving often come at a cost to the planet. Fortunately, with a little planning, there are plenty of ways to make your move more eco-friendly.
1. Plan Ahead
It sounds obvious, but the earlier you start organising your move, the more choices you have to be conscious about your impact. Rushing at the last minute often leads to disposable packing materials and extra trips that could have been avoided.
Take some time to make an inventory of what’s staying, what’s going, and what could be donated or recycled. Not only does this cut down on waste, it can also reduce the number of truck trips, saving both fuel and money.
2. Declutter Responsibly
Most Australians say they have too many belongings when they move, and it’s easy to let clutter pile up. But decluttering doesn’t have to mean landfill.
Consider donating to charity — furniture, clothes, toys, and household items can find a second life with organisations like Salvation Army or St Vincent de Paul. Online platforms such as Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree also make it easy to sell unwanted items locally.
For things that can’t be donated or sold, check your council’s recycling guidelines. Hazardous materials like paint, batteries, and electronics need to be disposed of safely — environment.gov.au is a useful starting point.
3. Limit Single-Use Packing Supplies
Packing supplies are often the biggest source of waste on moving day. Bubble wrap, packing peanuts, and brand-new cardboard boxes can all end up in a landfill. With a bit of creativity, you can make your packing more sustainable:
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Eco-friendly moving blankets: These can protect fragile items while avoiding single-use plastics. Second-hand blankets are a great option too, and you can pass them on once you’ve unpacked.
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Household items as padding: Towels, blankets, and even clothing can serve as cushioning for delicate items.
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Reusable or recycled boxes: At Palmers, you can choose between brand-new, 100% recyclable packing materials or gently-used boxes in excellent condition — both great ways to reduce waste while keeping your move smooth and eco-friendly, or you can source used boxes locally if you prefer.
Even small swaps like these can make a surprisingly big difference to your move’s environmental impact.
4. Optimise Your Move
Packing efficiently and consolidating your items reduces the number of boxes and truck trips required. If possible, plan your move during off-peak traffic times to save fuel and reduce emissions. It may seem like a small step, but taken together, these choices add up to a much greener move.
5. Choose a Green Moving Company
If you’re using professional removalists, ask about their eco-friendly practices. Look for:
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Fuel-efficient or hybrid trucks.
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Recyclable or reusable packing materials.
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Waste management policies that minimise landfill contributions.
At Palmers, we combine the care of your belongings with a focus on sustainability. Our recyclable packing materials and furniture covers help protect both your items and the environment — without adding stress to your move.
6. Settle in Sustainably
Once you’re in your new home, it’s a great time to carry forward eco-friendly habits:
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Switch to LED lighting and energy-efficient appliances.
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Use water-saving fixtures and consider rainwater tanks for the garden.
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Continue to recycle, donate, or sell unwanted items.
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Move towards paperless billing and online account management to reduce paper waste.
A sustainable move doesn’t have to end on moving day. Every small change contributes to a greener lifestyle for you and your family.
Moving home can be an opportunity to reduce your environmental footprint — from decluttering responsibly and choosing sustainable packing materials to consolidating trips and picking a green moving company. With a little planning and thought, you can make your move easier on the planet without compromising on convenience.
Every step counts, and even small choices can make a big difference for the environment.
Sustainable packaging