6 tips for an eco-friendly move in Toronto

Moving is one of the most wasteful single-day household events. The boxes, the packing materials, the items that get tossed instead of rehomed, it adds up fast. But it does not have to be that way. With a little intention, your next move can be a lot kinder to the planet without making things harder on yourself.

At Six Moving, environmental responsibility is part of how we operate. We follow eco-conscious practices across our entire business, and we want to help our clients do the same.

Here are six practical tips for a greener move in Toronto.

1. Use what you already have

Before you buy a single box or roll of bubble wrap, take a look around your home. Chances are, you already have more packing materials than you think. Suitcases, plastic bins, duffel bags, laundry baskets, and reusable grocery totes can all stand in for boxes. Clothing, blankets, linens, and pillows make excellent padding for fragile items. The more you pack with what you already own, the less you need to buy, and the less waste ends up in a landfill after your move.

2. Choose eco-friendly packing supplies

When you do need to buy supplies, look for boxes and packing paper made from 100% recycled materials. At Six Moving, all of our boxes, cardboard, and packing paper are made from recycled materials. We also recycle your used boxes after your move. If you end up with boxes you did not use, we will issue a refund for their return.

Not sure how many boxes you will need? Check out our supply calculator to get an estimate, or take a look at our boxes guide to figure out exactly what you need before you buy. Less waste, less cost, better for everyone.

3. Donate before you dispose

Decluttering before a move is almost unavoidable, and it can be tempting to just throw things out as you go through closets and cupboards. Before you do, ask yourself whether those items could be given a second life. Clothes can be donated to the Salvation Army, Value Village, or local donation bins. Furniture and household items in good condition can go to a Habitat for Humanity ReStore location in Toronto.

Six Moving can drop donations off at ReStore locations during store hours as part of your move. And as a bonus, keep your donation receipts because they can save you money at tax time.

4. Recycle your electronics

E-waste is one of the most commonly overlooked parts of a move. When you are sorting through your belongings, set aside any electronics you no longer need, including old computers, batteries, televisions, and small appliances, and make sure they are recycled properly rather than ending up in the trash.

In Toronto, you have several good options, such as:

• City of Toronto Drop-Off Depots: Offers free e-waste drop-off at locations in Etobicoke, Scarborough, Toronto, and North York, or put electronics out on garbage day for free pickup.
• Electronic Recycling Association (ERA): Accepts computers, laptops, monitors, printers, networking equipment, and mobile devices; functional items are refurbished and donated to local charities.
• Quantum Lifecycle: Has drop-off and pickup options available for both residents and businesses across the city.

Before dropping anything off, make sure to wipe your personal data from all devices first.

5. Clean green

Moving almost always involves cleaning, whether you are doing a final clean at your old place or freshening up your new one. Keep it eco-friendly by choosing biodegradable, non-toxic cleaning products made from renewable sources. Many brands now offer green household cleaners that work just as well as conventional ones. You can also go the traditional route: white vinegar is great for kitchens and bathrooms, and baking soda is effective for removing odours. Both are low-cost, low-impact, and surprisingly effective.

6. Hire an Eco-Friendly Moving Company

All of the above matters a lot more when your moving company is on the same page. At Six Moving, our entire team recycles and reuses materials wherever possible. Our office runs on energy-efficient equipment and lighting. Our uniforms are made from 100% cotton, a sustainable and renewable material. Our packing materials are fully recyclable, and our trucks run on biodiesel.

A company that cares about its environmental footprint is a company that genuinely cares about doing things right. That philosophy carries through to how we treat our clients, too.

Ready to make the smart move?

If your next chapter involves a move, let’s make getting there feel exciting, not exhausting. At Six Moving, we know every move comes with its own set of details, from logistics and timing to access points and those unexpected little quirks along the way. We take care of it all so you can focus on what’s ahead, not what you have to lift. It’s as easy as one, two... six!

Related Resources

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