Moving home isn’t just a chance to change your address – it’s a rare opportunity to rethink your living habits too, starting with the kitchen.
If you’ve been wondering how to live more sustainably at home while practising the vegan diet, a house move can be the perfect time to start.
Declutter to start the move
Before you begin the move, it’s worth sorting through your existing kitchen first. This way, you know what you already own so that you don’t buy any more new items than you need to.
In fact, decluttering is important when it comes to marketing your house for sale. If your kitchen feels very busy and dark, clearing the decks doesn’t just prepare you for running a more sustainable kitchen, but it also makes your existing one more appealing to potential buyers.
There are very few demographics of property buyers who don’t need to be ‘wowed’ to seal the deal. In fact, about the only demographic that is less fussed about aesthetics and clutter is cash buyers. There are online portals like We Buy Any Home that commit to guaranteed purchases on any property, regardless of their age and condition. Cash offers can even be quoted within the first 24 hours of making an enquiry.
Nevertheless, buyers as willing as this are the exception, so decluttering now is still the best option to better both your chances of selling, and your habits.
Essentials of a green, plant-based kitchen
Once you’re in your new place, the temptation is to rush out and buy everything brand-new. But pause for a second. Building a sustainable kitchen is about less, not more. Focus on reusable basics first. We’re talking glass jars, vegan wax wraps and long-lasting bamboo utensils. There’s a fascinating guide to bamboo cutlery from Jungle Culture which explains the eco benefits.
Don’t forget the saying ‘buy cheap, buy twice’. This is never more relevant than with kitchen tools. Where you do need new equipment, invest in good-quality tools that will last for years. A high-speed blender and a decent set of knives can go a long way in a plant-based and minimal-waste kitchen!
Your ingredients, and how to store them
A greener kitchen is also an organised one. Bulk buying pantry staples like lentils, rice, and oats and storing them in clear containers cuts down on packaging waste and makes it easier to plan your meals. Plus, it stops that last-minute panic when you realise you’ve run out of pasta for the 57th time.
But it’s not just about how you store fresh food and cupboard essentials, it’s about rethinking where your ingredients come from to begin with.
Ahead of your moving day, locate your nearest farmers’ markets and veg box schemes to stock up on seasonal, organic produce. There’s a good guide to the UK’s best farmers’ markets at Country Living. As we all know, buying locally is better for the environment with much fewer air miles, and it can be cheaper too. There’s nothing more satisfying than a home-cooked meal with home-grown produce.
Putting greener habits at the heart of your next chapter is easier than you think. By shopping and storing smart, and buying tools built to last, you can create a kitchen and lifestyle to be proud of.