Even the most straightforward move can be a hassle and a half, but did you also know that relocation can be very detrimental to the environment? Not only that, but most people engage in wasteful practices when they move, including time-wasting, inefficient moving processes.
Luckily, you can cut back on waste and make your move more eco-efficient with just a few simple swaps. Here are eight tips to make the most of your next relocation.
Avoid time-wasters
Along with wasting resources and energy, your own time is one of the worst things that fall by the wayside in a move. We all have twenty-four hours a day, so a more efficient relocation is about effectively using that time. Start by creating a detailed schedule and checklist that ends with your moving date and follow it to a T.
You should also dedicate some thought to your packing list. Don’t prematurely pack belongings that you know you’re still going to need, and be sure to label boxes in detail, so you know just where to find your essentials when you’re in your new home.
Finally, if you’re facing a long-distance move, don’t put extra stress on yourself by adding a road trip on top of your move. You can save even more time by flying and shipping your car via top-tier auto shipping companies like Guardian Auto Transport, a highly reviewed Ohio auto transport provider.
Use towels and linens as packing materials
Instead of buying rolls upon rolls of wrapping paper and bubble wrap, use your supply of linens and towels to cushion your boxes. Consider lining the sides and bottoms with pillows for boxes of fragile items, and then wrap each item in a towel or hand cloth.
You can also use your blankets and sheets to wrap more oversized items, such as furniture. Sometimes, moving companies provide materials for this purpose, but you’ll need to buy them if you’re doing the moving yourself.
If you find yourself running out of towels, don’t be afraid to be creative. If you’re moving in the summer, use your winter jackets and sweaters as additional padding.
Buy reusable packing containers
Every home needs storage containers, whether you use them to store out-of-season clothing, holiday decorations, or anything else. Instead of buying additional cardboard boxes, but reusable containers that you can repurpose after you unpack. If your items are currently in cardboard, switch them out when you arrive in your new home, and keep reading to discover what to do with the old ones.
Recycle or reuse cardboard boxes
Using some cardboard boxes will most likely be inevitable. When you suspect that you’re going to need to move, start saving them from shipments you receive. Instead of buying new packing materials, ask neighbors and local grocery stores for any leftover cardboard containers.
Once you’ve moved, break down the boxes (removing all the tape) and put them in the recycling. You can also post an ad on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace offering the boxes free or for sale at a low price. You can pay it forward and help out another family facing a move.
Clean out and donate or have a yard sale
Even if you’re just moving down the street, it’s a waste of time, space, and fuel to move items you no longer need and want. As you pack, carefully sort your things and decide what you can leave. If you do this process early on, you can host a yard sale and make a little money.
You can also get cash for your electronics while also reducing waste! Many people throw away their devices, (such as computers and smartphones) when the tech breaks or becomes outdated. That’s not good for the environment. You can sell your electronics to a company that will recycle them responsibly instead, and then you’ll get money for what it was worth!
Use recyclable materials
As much as possible, try to use recyclable packing and moving materials. Don’t buy plastic bubble wrap or styrofoam peanuts if you run out of linens as packing materials. Instead, use newspapers or buy butcher-block paper from a craft store. It’s recyclable and cheaper.
Do the same for mattress covers. Consider buying inexpensive cloth mattress pads instead of giant plastic covers for them. Remember, there’s almost always an eco-friendly alternative.
Make your own natural cleaners
You’ll need to clean on both ends of the move. Instead of using harsh disinfectants, consider making your own from household items such as vinegar, baking soda, and castile soap.
If you don’t have time, buy natural cleaners from brands like Seventh Generation and Mrs. Meyers. Not only does this swap help the environment, but it also keeps your family safer.
Utilize daylight hours and turn off the air conditioning
Finally, do what you can to have Mother Nature work with you instead of against you. If you can, don’t move during the hottest or coldest times of the year so that you can have doors open without cranking the cooling or heating systems.
Also, try to do the bulk of your heavy lifting during daylight hours. It’s unsafe to move bulky items in the dark, and you’ll save a lot of energy by not having to light your home late into the night.
Before you go
Not only will following these steps help ease the environmental impact of your move, but they’ll also help you save time and money. Perhaps best of all, you can rest easy with a clear conscience. Changing your geographic stomping grounds doesn’t have to come with a giant carbon footprint.
