If you’ve ever moved, then you know that it can be a time-consuming and stressful process. But, it doesn’t have to be this way. We’ve compiled some of the best tips we’ve found for a sustainable relocation process and less waste during this time, so make sure to keep reading.
Recycle
Recycling is an important part of sustainable living. Here are some tips for getting started:
- What to recycle: Anything you can reuse, from old clothing and furniture to paper products and household cleaners. If it’s made from plastic, metal, or glass (and doesn’t have food residue on it), then it’s fair game for recycling.
- How to recycle: There are many different types of recycling bins available at most grocery stores or big box retailers like Target or Walmart. If your city doesn’t offer curbside pickup service yet though…don’t worry! There are still plenty of ways to help reduce waste while living sustainably in your new hometown. Besides recycling, you should also consider disposing of old furniture and other items you don’t plan to use.
Reduce, reuse and refuse
These three rules could help you with your sustainable relocation, but also save you a lot of time:
- Reduce. Reduce your use of single-use items, such as plastic straws and bottles. If you can’t do without them entirely, make sure they’re reusable (and if they aren’t, consider using them only once).
- Reuse. Consider reusing boxes that you’ve previously moved; just be sure they’re in good condition before using them again! You can also reuse furniture or household items if possible — just be sure they’re clean before doing so!
- Refuse and recycle items you don’t want any more by donating them instead of throwing away or trashing them. There are many organizations that will gladly take your unwanted goods and put them to good use!
Use reusable containers for moving
You can use your own containers for moving. This is the most sustainable option, but it does require a bit of planning and forethought. You’ll need to pack up all of your belongings into boxes before the move, so make sure you have enough space in your new home for all those boxes.
Once you do arrive at your new location, you may want to reuse some of those same containers for unpacking or storing things until they find their permanent homes around the house. If this isn’t possible because they’re too big or heavy, consider giving them away as extra storage space for friends who are also moving into new places (or just looking for extra storage).
Know what to do with unwanted items
When you’re moving, it’s easy to accumulate a lot of stuff. But what do you do with all that junk?
- Donate items to charity. If you don’t want an item anymore, consider donating it instead of throwing it away or recycling it. The best thing about this option is that the item will go directly into someone else’s hands and help them out! Plus, donating allows you to have more space in your new home (and maybe even helps make room for something else).
- Recycle items if possible. Sometimes recycling can be more difficult than people realize. For example, there might only be one recycling center near your current residence but several options for disposal closer to where you’re moving.
Make the most of your stuff
If you’re moving to a new place, chances are that you’ll be downsizing your belongings. There is a simple way to make sure your old stuff gets put to good use – sell it online. Marketplaces like Craigslist and eBay allow users to list items for sale across different categories (eBay even allows sellers who don’t want cash payments). This can be useful if there’s something specific that people are looking for. For example, if there’s an antique lamp sitting around taking up space in your apartment but no one else wants it either way! The downside here is that some of these sites take fees from both buyers and sellers. However, those fees tend not to go above 10%.
When it comes to moving, you should leave packing to professionals. No matter how valuable your inventory is, this will be the best way to secure your belongings. Professional packers will bring the best packing supplies and handle this process efficiently.
Buy used furniture and appliances
There is nothing wrong in buying used furniture and appliances. Moreover, this is the best way to conduct a sustainable relocation process. Here’s what you should do:
- Buy used furniture and appliances.
- Buy items from friends and family.
- Check with local charities, thrift stores and garage sales.
- Buy online (eBay and Craigslist are great places to start). You can also try Facebook Marketplace or other online classifieds sites in your area if you don’t want to deal with shipping costs or having things delivered by strangers who might not be trustworthy!
- Consider refurbished appliances instead of new ones. This can save up to 80% on the cost of buying something new!
Select greener boxes and packing materials
Getting packing supplies could take more time than one might think. If you are moving, Movers Not Shakers NYC suggest looking for supplies that work the best for your inventory:
- Use recycled boxes and packing materials.
- Choose biodegradable packing materials.
- Reuse your own items, such as boxes and containers that you’ve used in the past.
- Recycle any materials you can’t reuse or donate them to a charity that will reuse them (such as Goodwill). Don’t use Styrofoam peanuts or bubble wrap; they are both petroleum-based products that won’t break down easily in landfills or compost piles!
Reduce the amount of waste you produce during your relocation process!
You can reduce the amount of waste you produce during your relocation process by recycling, composting or donating unwanted items. Reduce the amount of stuff that you will have to move by making the most of what you already own (by reusing it) or refusing items that are not useful for you and your family. Recycle items such as cardboard boxes and packing materials. Make sure they are clean before recycling them so no moisture gets trapped inside which could cause mold growth later. Also, if you lack storage space in your new home, consider installing custom cabinets. After your sustainable relocation is over, you should make sure that every item in your home has its place.
Conclusion
Moving is a stressful process, but there are simple ways you can achieve sustainable relocation. By following some of the tips we’ve given you here and, in the article, above, you can reduce both your environmental impact and stress levels by making smarter choices when relocating.