With moving, a lot of waste is quickly created. There are a few reasons we should be focusing on doing what we can to reduce the amount of waste generated in the process. Not only it it important for our environmental impact, but we can save time and money by being smart with our resources. We know it’s not always possible to have a perfectly sustainable move, but every small action you can take makes a difference. Here are some ways you can reduce, reuse, and recycle during your move.
Declutter Your Home
It’s key to begin decluttering as soon as possible. Give yourself enough time to sort through all your belongings and decide what to keep, donate, sell, or discard. Be honest with yourself about what you need and what you don’t. If you haven’t used something in a year, it’s likely that you don’t need to hold onto it. If you have items in good condition that you no longer need, consider hosting a yard sale or posting them online. It’s also great to donate what you can to local charities. This will help you reduce the amount of stuff you need to move and keep things in order for packing.
Use Supplies You Already Have
Sometimes a little creativity can allow you to reuse items you already have around your home. Consider packing with reusable containers like suitcases, baskets, or bins when you can. To protect fragile items, use towels, blankets, or old t-shirts. Extra newspapers can work well, too. This will save you from the cost and stress of having to purchase things like bubble wrap or extra packing paper.
Create DIY Home Cleaners
As you’re cleaning out your home, consider making natural home cleaners with household items you already have. DIY cleaners will help you save money, reduce waste, and lessen the chemicals in your home. For a simple spray cleaner, mix one cup of vinegar and one cup water into a spray bottle. This creates a gentle, natural deodorizer that will dissolve dirt, soap scum, and hard water stains. For a glass cleaner, mix one cup rubbing alcohol, one cup water, and 1 tablespoon white vinegar into a spray bottle.
Donate or Sell Supplies
Once you’re settled into your new home, you’ll likely find yourself with an overwhelming amount of moving supplies left over. Fortunately, many charities, such as Goodwill or The Salvation Army, accept moving supplies. These can include boxes, packing paper, and bubble wrap donations. Check with your local charity to see if they have any specific needs. You can also reach out to friends and family, or consider using social media to post about what you’re trying to get rid of.
Check Local Recycling Programs
For any other moving supplies that you find yourself stuck with, or that are damaged, it’s a great idea to look into your local recycling programs. It’s important to note that recycling guidelines can vary by location. Cardboard and paper boxes is often accepted, you might just need to flatten them and remove any tape, stickers, or labels. Packing paper is usually recyclable with similar paper products. Bubble wrap, foam packing peanuts, and plastic wraps are typically not accepted in curbside recycling, so you’ll need to seek out alternative programs.
Overwhelmed with everything that goes into the moving process? Consider hiring professionals, like Megan’s Moving. We have the supplies and equipment so you don’t have to worry about finding the right materials to protect your items. Our full-service company is ready to help simplify your move from start to finish. Request a quote from one of our moving experts today!