Moving is not only stressful, it is also a huge waste of energy and resources. In the US alone, nearly 40 million families move every year, that’s an average of 60 cardboard boxes or half a ton of a tree per family. If you think about it, that’s a huge of waste of good trees. Trees that could have provided shade and warmth. Trees that could have made the air fresher, the water cleaner, and the earth greener.
To help address this problem, a growing number of moving companies are going green to help save the environment. By putting the welfare of the environment into consideration and part of their agenda, they are taking small steps to saving the future generation from the devastating effects of climate change.
Saving the environment may be the least of your worries now when you’re also busy packing and making the move as less stressful as possible, but if you’re one of the few people who actually care for Mother Earth, these moving tips can prove helpful on your moving day.
Minimize Your Inventory
Less is always better when it comes to moving. Minimizing your household items is a good way to start an eco-conscious move. Aside from saving a lot of bucks, it can also save space and energy. Here are ways you can minimize your inventory:
- Give away / Donate – Pre-loved items in good condition that you just can’t bring in your new apartment can be given to family or close friends. You will not only make your friend happy, but you’ll also see your precious items used by people you care about. Examples of items you can give away are: glass plates, dressers, cabinets, mirrors, and clothing.
- Garage Sale – Lighten your move by hosting a garage sale. You can rid of stuff you don’t use and also earn some extra cash on the side. Here are some examples of things you can put in garage sales: toys, sport equipment, kitchen appliances, record tapes, baby items and old CD’s.
- Recycle Items – Before investing in new household items, see your old items for things you can recycle and use in your new home. Examples of items that can be recycled are: jars –containers, old clothes –rags, paint cans – pots, and cartons –packaging.
Use Recyclable Packing Supplies
Most people invest in packing supplies; this is not only additional expense but also a waste of resource. So instead of buying bubble wraps or other costly packaging fills – use old cloths, towels or linens to wrap fragile items.
Boxes are incredibly important when you’re moving. Instead of buying new ones, you can recycle old boxes or ask for free boxes from local business like grocery, electronic, and clothing stores. Don’t be shy to ask for boxes, most owners are often happy to rid these clutters and give you some for free.
If you’re going to move in July, start collecting boxes a few months before your move. You can ask help from friends to help you find reusable packing boxes or from your neighbors who are happy to lend you a hand.
Find Eco-Friendly Movers
The best way to have a green move is to hire eco-friendly professional movers. These movers often use bio-diesel trucks, recyclable green boxes and biodegradable packing materials for your green move. They can also help you make your move more organized by giving you tips on how to save space, resource and time. There are many moving companies online that can help you find eco-friendly movers for hire in your area.
Use Biodegradable Products
Part of being eco-friendly is using items that can easily be composted. Minimizing waste will save our environment from harmful chemicals that can have damaging effects on our planet. It will help keep earth clean and free from growing toxic landfills that pollute our air. Today there are many biodegradable products found in the market. Now you can find biodegradable: detergents, soap, trash bags, and eating utensils.
Having an eco-conscious move is a great effort to save our environment. But do not only aim for an eco-friendly move; also adopt these eco-friendly practices when you are in your new home.
Featured photo credit: Unsplash via pixabay.com
