Editor’s Note: The following is a guest post from Zoocasa. Zoocasa is a full-service brokerage that offers advanced online search tools to empower Canadians with the data and expertise they need to make more successful real estate decisions.

Being environmentally conscious is important now more than ever. There are countless ways to support the movement towards a greener planet, but it requires being mindful of how everyday tasks can be impactful. The moving process generally creates a lot of waste that is harmful to the environment, so keeping the wellbeing of the earth in mind can often be forgotten.

By being aware of your responsibilities as a human on this planet, you can make more informed decisions in your daily life. Whether you’re looking to move a few blocks away or if you’re regularly looking at condos for sale in Toronto, here are a few tips to assist you in planning an eco-friendly move.

Eco Friendly Moving Tip 1: Declutter

First, take inventory of everything you own and declutter anything you no longer want to take to your new home. This will give you the opportunity to start fresh in your new place. Donating your used items to local thrift stores or selling pieces online are great options to dispose of gently used items. Throwing away or recycling should be a last resort and only if the items are unsalvageable. When getting rid of your garbage or recycling, make sure to check with your local disposal centers to ensure proper removal, as some items require special processes.

Eco Friendly Moving Tip 2: If You’ve Got It, Use It

Once you begin looking at New York, Texas, or Toronto real estate listings and you’ve figured out that you’re going to move, start saving boxes from grocery stores or packages you receive leading up to the big day. Reusing these instead of purchasing brand new boxes later is better for the environment and your wallet. It’s inevitable that you will still need to get more moving boxes, and when this happens, you can purchase high quality, gently used boxes from moving companies such as Gentle Giant Moving Company to reduce your environmental footprint.

When it’s time to start packing, it’s best to make use of possible packing materials you already own. These can be plastic storage boxes, suitcases, gym bags, and reusable totes you already own so you can carry as many items as you can fit.

Eco Friendly Moving Tip 3: Pack the Kitchen Last

The kitchen should be packed last, as it is among the most frequently used rooms in the house. Often, people choose to pack their kitchen a couple of days or weeks before moving and resort to using plastic plates, cups, and utensils, which proves to be wasteful. If you do choose to pack in advance, consider leaving the right amount of cookware and tableware out to avoid having to rely on single-use ones.

Preparing to move is an exciting time and taking certain precautions will reduce the amount of waste generated. Being environmentally conscious shouldn’t end after you’ve moved in and settled. Instead, it should be an ongoing process to protect the overall wellbeing of the planet.