We’re going to bet that there isn’t one person on this green earth who enjoys moving. It’s always stressful, no matter where you live! If you’re a sustainability junkie like we are, you may be overwhelmed by the task of keeping your move green. We wanted to compile some tips for you to help you in your efforts. Many are quick and simple, some take more planning, but we promise that all are worth it!
Ahead of time…
- Ask yourself, “What things don’t I need?” Packing items we no longer need or cherish adds weight to your load. Once you decide what items don’t need to come with you, you can host a garage sale, sell your items online (Craigslist, eBay, etc) or donate the items to charity!
- Throw out old or broken electronics. Visit the EPA’s recycling site to find local e-waste programs and stores that offer electronics recycling.
- Find unopened canned goods that you don’t want to bring to your next home, and do your research about the best place to donate instead of throwing them away.
Whilst packing…
- If you are using cardboard boxes to hold your belongings, be sure to recycle them after your move. (Better yet, ditch the cardboard boxes and use reusable moving crates instead!)
- Old newspapers or magazine pages are a great alternative to packing paper when you need to cushion fragile items. Sheets, towels and throw pillows also make great packing materials.
- View every item as a potential vessel. Pack wrapped kitchen goods inside a pot instead of just stuffing the interior with paper, and turn pot lids upside down to stack them. Use your suitcases as moving boxes. Viola!
- Instead of those giant heavy plastic sleeves for mattresses and upholstered furniture, utilize yardage of muslin fabric or a painter’s drop cloth. Later on, you can use these in other ways! They are perfect as a painter’s drop cloth, an outdoor tablecloth, or cut into rags for cleaning.
During the move…
- After the house is empty, do your cleaning with green products like our Household Oxi Booster Pods! Green cleaning solvents reduce the pollution your move-out cleaning can cause.
- Choose the most direct route to your new destination to cut down on gas, and therefore limit your carbon footprint. This will also help you save money as well, which is always a plus!
- If you plan to drive a moving truck or van, transport your everyday car via rail. On average, a train is four times more efficient than a truck.
- Need to furnish your new place? Instead of buying new furniture, check out second-hand stores.
Moving is never easy, especially if it’s rushed and there isn’t time to plan properly. We encourage you to make sure you have plenty of time to map out what will work best for your family and what aligns with your own values. If you’re planning a move soon, we are wishing you the best of luck for a happy and healthy transition!
Sources:
https://livability.com/topics/make-your-move/how-to-make-your-move-green-tips-for-a-sustainable-move
https://www.organized-home.com/posts/eco-friendly-sustainable-packing-moving-tips/
https://www.wheatonworldwide.com/2015/08/12/how-to-make-your-move-more-sustainable/