Moving often involves considerable waste due to the large number of packing materials required. If you’re surprised by the amount of waste generated during a move, consider these strategies to reduce your moving footprint.
Seasonal Decluttering
Many people discover during a move that they’ve been unknowingly hoarding unnecessary items. Home organization experts recommend regularly going through your house and recycling or donating items that are no longer in use. By doing this, you’ll have less to move when the time comes.
Use What You Have or Obtain Free Materials
Instead of spending money on wrapping and packing materials, why not use what you already have or can get for free? Consider the following:
- Save newspapers and ask your neighbors to do the same for wrapping. If ink residue is left after unpacking, wash the item and recycle the paper.
- Use old t-shirts, towels, and linens as insulation for non-fragile items.
- Instead of buying moving boxes, visit the liquor store for their empty, reinforced boxes.
- Use other packable household items to store belongings, such as coolers and tote bags.
Choose Natural Materials
Use natural materials rather than plastic wrap to protect furniture and mattresses. Consider using used flannel sheets or yards of muslin, which can be purchased inexpensively at most big-box or fabric stores. Alternatively, rent cushioned blankets from a local moving company for valuable furniture.
Rent Moving Boxes
You can rent sturdy, reusable plastic totes that will be delivered to your door and picked up once you’re unpacked. Check with your moving company to see if they rent boxes.
Sell or Donate Unwanted Items
Despite careful decluttering; you may still have items you don’t want to move. Sell or donate these items, as many non-profits will pick them up, and there are numerous online selling platforms available.
In addition to these tips, hiring an eco-friendly moving company is essential. Click here to contact the professionals at Illuminated Moving & Packing, about their efforts to reduce their environmental impact.