When moving a
household, you can generate a lot of waste. Before, during, and after
your move, think of ways to reduce the amount of packing and moving
waste you use and throw away. Here are four ways to move and be
sustainable, too.
The best way to cut
down on moving-related waste is to move fewer items. Consider
donating fragile items you haven't used in some time. A local church,
women's club, veterans home, or school may appreciate your used
dishes, books, or DVDs. And thrift stores, animal shelters, and
charities appreciate linens, bedding, and clothing.
Check with charities
in your area before dropping off items. Some non-profits and churches
will come pick up donations for you and save you a trip. The fewer
items you keep, the fewer items you have to pack and ultimately
unpack.
Cardboard is very
sustainable when it's properly reused and recycled. But a large
household may need dozens of large containers to hold all of the
items being relocated from the home. Think outside the cardboard box
and use plastic totes, bins, and boxes to move some belongings.
Small, sturdy crates
with handles are ideal for moving books, toys, tools, and other
random items. Large garbage bins (after being cleaned and
disinfected) can hold yard tools, camping supplies, and automotive
accessories.
Your dresser drawers
can also hold items whether you leave the items in the dressers or
pack them separately. The moving company has wrap to cover and secure
drawers either way.
If you're moving a
large amount of linens, socks, or clothes, use the fabric you won't
need right away to act as cushions for your belongings. For example,
sculptures, framed wall art, and dishware can all be partially
cushioned with layers of fabric.
After placing oddly
shaped items in boxes, you can fill in the spaces between the items
and the box tops with bunched up sweatshirts, t-shirts, or socks. Use
large folded tablecloths to help protect ceramic platters and other
serving pieces before packing.
When wrapping
glassware, wrap it in sturdy paper first, then use socks to cover
wine glasses and other beverage glasses. If the glasses break, the
shards stick to the paper.
Hanging fabric items
don't need expensive moving supplies, Gather 10 or 12 hangers (with
clothes on them) and make the hangers go in the same direction before
wrapping a rubber band or zip tie around the collected hanger tops.
Then, poke a hole in
the center of a large garbage bag, and slip the hole over the top
hanger part. Pull the drawstring at the bottom of the trash bag tight
to protect hanging clothes from scraping on dirty ground or floors.
Your hanging clothes bags can then be used as cushions on top of and
between furnishings.
After you've moved
all your items, you don't have to waste all of your packing material
after unpacking. For example, excess plain newsprint from moving
makes great art paper for kids. You could also use the paper in
entryways as protection from muddy feet and boots or place paper
under houseplants and pet bowls to contain messes.
Even packing peanuts
can be reused. Packing peanuts are sorted by color. The green-hued
packing peanuts are composed of 70
percent
recycled material, and white and pink packing peanuts are
made of all raw materials. You can use green packing peanuts in your
landscaping, as they break down in the garden, compost heap, and
plant pots.
While pink and white
packing peanuts can't be used in gardens, you can recycle them by
reaching out to schools and businesses in your new location. Schools
may want the peanuts for craft projects, and local small businesses
that ship items may appreciate free packing supplies.
Online recycling
forums and groups can also hook you up with individuals and
organizations that accept packing peanuts and other post-move waste.
By finding a new use or home for your moving supplies, you keep
materials out of landfills, and you continue your sustainable choices
through helping others.
Plan your efficient,
clean household move to or from Houston, Texas by contacting Los
Flores Movers today. We offer full-service packing and moving
services, and we're your one-stop place for packing
supplies.
