Moving is a certainty in life. Sometimes moving your home is wanted, but sometimes it’s unwanted. It’s always stressful, though, and no matter how well you’re prepared, it’s always chaotic. (Does anyone really enjoy living out of boxes?)Regardless of the unpleasant aspects of moving, a move can be made with some green choices. Since I’ve moved twelve times in the past seventeen years, I’ve got a lot of cheap, green moving tips to share. (Thanks to Accidentally Green’s Facebook fans who offered advice!)
- Pack in reusable boxes. We stocked up on plastic storage totes before our last couple moves. We’re able to use the totes to store holiday decorations and off season clothing when we’re not moving. Since the boxes are airtight, we can store them in musty basements, crawl spaces and garages without worry. Then, when it comes time for moving day, packing and moving is a breeze.
- Speaking of reusable boxes, get creative! Remember to fill every suitcase, garment bag and tote bag – all are great for clothing. And if you’re making a local move, try moving your clothing in your dresser drawers.
- If you know you’re planning to move again in the next year or two, save your boxes. Last year my husband and I knew we would only stay in our apartment for one year. We only unpacked our essentials and kept everything else in boxes. Then, we broke down the boxes we did unpack and stored them in our garage. When this year’s move came around, it was easy to build the boxes again and seal with packing tape.
- When you know a move is imminent, scrounge for packing boxes. Be sure to ask co-workers and family members to keep their eyes out for boxes. And don’t be shy to ask at stores. Our local discount store was happy to give us as many boxes as we could carry. (They were planning to dispose of them anyway.) And as long as you don’t care about what is printed on your boxes, ask for empty boxes at liquor stores. The boxes come in great sizes and are incredibly sturdy.
- Once you’re done with your move and you want to get rid of your boxes, either recycle them or find another person who’s moving and offer the boxes. You can even post them in the “free” section of Craigslist.
- Recycle used tissue paper and gift wrap. Pack your breakables in them! Wadded up tissue paper is especially effective when it comes to cushioning breakables. You can also reuse shipping and mailing materials like bubble wrap or air cushions. Or, wrap fragile items in plastic grocery store bags.
- Use fabric to wrap your breakables, too. When you’re packing plates and baking dishes, wrap them in kitchen towels. A few years ago I didn’t feel like packing my rag and paint clothes collection in a separate box, so I used them to wrap breakable picture frames.
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Hilary Kimes Bernstein is a Christ follower, wife, mama, and journalist. She writes about making healthy decisions that honor God and happen to help the environment at Accidentally Green. Short and sweet - like her writing - Hilary is the author of several healthy living eBooks.
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There are indeed green ways to move house and these are very good examples of it. Moving is inevitable, that’s for sure but it can be done the eco-friendly way!
Moving can definitely be green and these are just examples of the practical ways that can be applied. Home owners, when in the process of moving, can actually realize that there are certain items that need not be transferred and instead stored in rented storage facilities. This can make the move faster and more convenient.