If you're moving home soon, you might be considering how you can move as sustainably as possible, without too much of a knock on effect on the planet. Moving from home to home - especially if the new place is a great distance away - can use lots of fuel, but the actual moving can be done in an eco-friendly fashion if you're careful and follow these great tips below.

Be smart with your moving boxes - A really great way to be eco-friendly in your packing, is to use reusable plastic boxes. They can be used hundreds of times in comparison to cardboard ones which might only last a few trips before breaking. They also remove the hassle of assembling cardboard too, as well as protecting your possessions safely. There are local companies that rent reusable plastic boxes; check out your local directory. Another environmentally friendly way is to look at adverts locally. Many people who move then advertise the boxes they have used, to get rid of them. When packaging your items too, ensure you use packaging wrap and paper than can be recycled.

De-clutter and sort - Moving is a great time to assess what you really need and what you should get rid of. While it is quite easy to simply throw things away in to a normal bin, ensure that anything you decide to get rid of, is done as environmentally consciously as possible. You could give unwanted items to friends and family who may need them, or donate items to charity. You could also sell things through websites such as Ebay or Amazon, or through local adverts. If there's anything you simply can't shift, ensure it is recycled responsibly.

Check out the movers - If you're going to be using a moving company to help you move, ensure that they are green in their practices. Ask them about their eco-friendly features; if they look at you blankly, they're not eco-conscious. The majority should be able to explain the ways that they look after the environment while working, and also offer you options to improve your green move too. Such examples are having fuel-efficient trucks and having their own recycled boxes. Some will also have relationships with companies to help you donate or sell furniture you don't want.

Clean, Clean, Clean - You're going to want to clean a new house from top to bottom as soon as you're in there, so don't forget to be green here too. Check out our great blog post, '5 Eco-Friendly Ways to Refresh Your Home' for some great cleaning tips on refreshing your home.

Do you have any other great idea on being eco-friendly during a house move? Share them in the box below!