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How To Keep Your Move As Green As Possible

By
Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX

Relocating from one place to another, whether around the corner or all the way to another side of the globe, has an impact on several things, including the cost of moving, disruption, and even an emotional impact. But did you ever stop to think about the impact of relocation on our Mother Nature? Perhaps not!

An impending house move can put enough stress on your mind. Amidst the chaos of packing and ensuring a smooth transition, who has the time to stop and think about where will the things that we are planning to throw out end up? We need a lot of bubble wraps and cardboard boxes to secure our valuables, right? But after unpacking, where will the waste end up, landfills?

Well, considering the impact of relocation might not be on top of your moving to-do list, but it's not that difficult or expensive to plan a greener move. In this post, we list out some simple and effective ways to make your move eco-friendly and hassle-free. Dig in!

Donate- Don't Ditch:

Home removal is a task, but it's also a chance to make a fresh start!

Although it's the perfect time to get rid of the things you don't want anymore, throwing them in a bin is not a good idea. So, before tossing out things to fill boxes, make a bag of the stuff you don't need. Shuffle smartly and put the donated goods in one bag and non-donated in another.

Recycle! Recycle!

Recycling is not just about donating plastic bottles and boxes; there are many other goods that you can recycle as well. Be it old electronics or batteries; you can use them in many ways.

For batteries: Take batteries to a local library or post office that already has a recycling center for batteries. Stuff like this contains lead, sulfuric acid, and cadmium which can leak. So instead of moving them with you, take them to recycling centers.

Electronics: Many local resource recovery centers take old electronics and cords. If you have one lying in the basement, give that to recovery stores or use give them to Goodwill. Many places accept the donation of such goods.

Paint cans: Many centers accept open bottles of varnish, paint, and stains.

Appliances: Old appliances also contain lead and other harmful substances that can hamper the environment. So instead of putting them in the trash, send them to recycle centers.

Eco-Friendly Packing:

People mostly use bubble wrap and other packing peanuts to safeguard their goods. Although these things are handy, they are not recyclable. So, where do you find recyclable materials?

At home!

Old newspapers and magazines make perfect packing materials. Before moving, gather old newspapers or magazines and make them useful for wrapping. You can also use clothes as packing material. But don't use fresh ones, use rags or ones that you can't donate.

You can also use corrugated boxes for packing as they are very easy to recycle. Or hire a returnable box service where you can return bins after use.

Use Eco-Friendly Products For Cleaning:

Use grandparent's tricks for a clean house! Don't use harmful chemicals; instead, use eco-friendly products. You can use vinegar, baking soda, and even ammonia for cleaning as well as laundering. These eco-friendly products make a perfect replacement for all-purpose cleaners and kitchen cleaners.

Mix baking soda with water and clean spots on cabinets and tables! Get them from your kitchen and give your home that eco-friendly finish!

After all, the new owners should see how beautifully you have kept you're your abode.

Sharing and Caring Mantra:

Transporting from one place to another is a tough and money consuming job. No matter how many loads you have, be it a full truck or not even half, you must have a truck for that. So if you have few cartons, share your truck with someone who is locating to the same place. Many companies provide sharing services.

Make Use of Containers You Already Have:

If you already have containers lying in your home, you would need only a few more things to tote your stuff. Haul-out your boxes, suitcases, and bins and fill them. Don't use paper to pack things that are delicate. Instead, use pillows to pack fragile stuff.

Rent Reusable Bins:

Many companies rent reusable containers which are made from plastic. Ask them and get a few for your stuff. Not only it is eco-friendly, but they are also more cost-effective than other cartons.

Look For an Eco-Friendly Company:

Ask questions like what the company uses for moving, a gas guzzling truck or biodiesel rigs? Do they sell recycled boxes? Will the movers pack your stuff? And, many more.

So, those were some of the most effective and used full tricks to make your moving green!

Written by Realty Times Staff

Show All Comments Sort:
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

These are all great ideas to keep a move as "green" as possible. We sold, gave away, and recycled a lot of items during our last move. Although we were guilty of using a lot of bubble wrap....  I like the in-home ideas for wrapping items.

Apr 21, 2021 06:00 AM
Shayne Stone
HomeSmart - Fulshear, TX
"Your Rock Solid Choice Realtor" RETIRED

Great information!  Thanks for sharing and have a wonderful day!

Apr 21, 2021 06:37 AM
Kristin Johnston - REALTOR®
RE/MAX Platinum - Waukesha, WI
Giving Back With Each Home Sold!

Great information.   Thanks for sharing and have a wonderful day!

May 13, 2021 06:11 AM