Did you know that even your move can be environmentally friendly? A lot of the waste that exists in the country is in the form of cardboard and paper, and if one thing is never in short supply when moving, it is cardboard and paper. In addition to the boxes and packaging materials, you will find there are boxes and cardboard from new products, copies of documents that are no longer needed, and wrappers and bags from the takeout you ordered every night while packing.
An experienced moving company like Atlantic Relocation will be able to provide you with green moving tips. Consider following a few ideas suggested by these movers, as well as the Environmental Protection Agency.
Box It Up
One of the biggest challenges of moving is finding enough boxes. Brand new moving boxes are sturdy, but there are cheaper, better options for getting boxes. You can speak with friends and family who have recently moved. A lot of people save their moving boxes in case they need them again, or to share with others. You can also find boxes at yard sales and online flea markets. Some people can arrange with the family moving into your old home or moving out of your new one to share boxes. Timing will be everything, but if the previous homeowners are out and settled into their new home, you can pick up their newly unpacked boxes. You will be surprised by the number of boxes available to you if you ask for them. As soon as you begin thinking about moving, start saving boxes.
Consider the number of other options for packing that does not include boxes. You can pack all of your clothes in suitcases and duffel bags. Out of season clothing may already be stored in areas that can be moved as is. If you are only moving a short distance, consider just pulling drawers from dressers and move clothing that way. Try to prevent tipping while in transit, but to avoid a big mess if something does tip, tape across the open area of the drawer so items are relatively secured. Some moving companies also provide storage crates that are available for rental. These may be cheaper than purchasing boxes, and they can be used again and again by the moving company.
Alternative Packing Materials
Instead of using brand new packing materials, some of which are not good for the environment regardless of how often they are used, wrap breakables in old newspapers. If you would typically recycle your Sunday paper after reading, hold on to a few week’s worth and use the pages to protect your fragile items. Remember the ink will wear off on your hands and on the items being wrapped. Wash your hands often while working, and be prepared to wipe down items with a damp cloth once they are unwrapped. You can get green packing materials like packing peanuts made of cornstarch and bubble wrap created from recycled plastic. If you decide to use these items to avoid the ink mess, make an effort to reuse them once you have unpacked. Consider children’s crafts, offering them to other movers, and using them for wrapping holiday gifts.
Hazardous Disposal
When you leave your home, there may be a number of things onhand that are hazardous to move. You do not want to leave these items for the new homeowners to deal with. Instead, properly dispose of the materials a few weeks prior to the move. Items in this category include paint, paint remover and turpentine, cleaning supplies, auto supplies, and lighter fluid. Your local government will have advice on where these items should be thrown away.
Remember, the most environmentally conscious way to clean up before packing and moving is to hold a yard sale. Any time an item can be passed to someone else for use instead of being disposed, you have helped the environment. No new materials are being used, and the old item is not taking up space in a dump. Best of all, you get some spending money during a time when cash is usually tight. If you have enough time, designate a weekend to hold a moving sale. Let the whole family participate and use the extra cash you make to do something great in your new home. Moving is no time to abandon your green lifestyle. Rely on Atlantic Relocation to help you through your move.
