If you’re like most homeowners, you probably create a lot of waste when you move. Between packing materials, boxes, and the actual trash generated from packing and moving your belongings.
If you’re planning to move out of your home anytime soon, here are different ways to reduce the amount of waste you’ll produce. Keep on reading to learn more!
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1. Consider Donating Items You No Longer Use
Nothing is as gratifying as knowing your old stuff is going to be owned by someone who needs and will use it. If you have any clothes, furniture, appliances, or toys in good condition that you no longer need, consider donating them. You can also donate items that are in a less-than-perfect condition to many thrift stores that will accept them to repair or resell.
If you don’t have sufficient time to go through all the processes, you can call a donation pickup service in your area. With a quick call, you can schedule a time for them to come to pick up your donations.
2. Sell Items You No Longer Use
The process of moving out can drain you financially and emotionally. You have to deal with the hassle of packing, cleaning, and organizing your belongings before you can finally say goodbye to your old place and start a new chapter in your life.
Luckily, selling some of your unused items can help alleviate some of the stress of moving. Decluttering your home before packing up can save you time and money, by lessening the items to pack and selling the items that are no longer of use to you, thus giving your extra spending cash for your moving expenses.
Here are tips to get you started:
- Start by making a list of items you no longer use. This includes clothes, furniture, decor, and anything else taking up space in your home.
- Then, do some research to see what similar items are selling online or at local garage sales. This will help you price your items competitively.
- Once you’ve determined prices, create listings on popular sites like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Craigslist. Be sure to include clear photos and a detailed description of each item.
- Finally, sit back and wait for buyers to avail your stuff. In most cases, every item gets sold in just a few days.
3. Dispose Of The Unwanted Items
Some items making up the clutter in your home might be old and unused, while others may be damaged or defective. Whatever the case might be, getting rid of these items will help declutter your space and make moving a lot easier.
One way to dispose of these unwanted items is by throwing them away in the garbage. You can hire a skip bin to make this process easier and less time-consuming.
There are a few things to keep in mind when using a skip bin:
- Ensure that the container is spacious enough for all the items you need to dispose of.
- Confirm with your local authority about any permits or restrictions that might be in place regarding skip bins.
- Be mindful of what goes into the bin, because some items, such as paint and chemicals cannot be disposed of in this way.
4. Recycle/Reuse
If you’re looking for habits to keep your home clean and tidy, recycling and reusing are two of the best things you can do. Not only will it help the environment, but it can also save you money. If you’re unsure how to get it started, here are some tips:
- Before you throw out something, ask yourself first if there’s a way you could recycle or reuse it.
- Start a compost pile for your organic waste like fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and eggshells.
- Donate items that you no longer need or want to local charities or thrift stores.
- Repurpose old furniture or clothes instead of buying new things.
- Use reusable bags when you go grocery shopping.
- Use cleaning products with simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice.
- Invest in a water filter pitcher or reusable water containers to reduce your reliance on plastic bottles.
5. Don’t Buy Moving Boxes
One important way to reduce waste before a move is not to buy moving boxes. Instead, look for ways to reuse boxes you already have. For example, if you have any large Amazon boxes lying around, those can be perfect for moving clothes and other smaller items. You can also usually find good-quality used boxes at your local liquor store.
Another option is to rent reusable plastic bins from a company like Bin It. This can be a perfect option if you’re worried about damaging delicate items during the move. Plus, it’s more environmentally friendly than using disposable cardboard boxes.
Also, most moving companies will recycle any cardboard boxes they receive, so don’t worry if you do end up using them.
Of course, if you do end up with some extra cardboard boxes after your move, make sure to recycle them!
6. Pack Your Belongings Efficiently To Save On Packing Materials
If you’re looking to save on packing materials, you can do so by packing your belongings efficiently. This means using smaller boxes for heavier items and large boxes for lighter items. You can also use old newspapers or towels to wrap delicate items.
Whenever you pack efficiently, you will also be saving on packing materials. This means that you can spend that money on other things related to your move, such as hiring a moving company or buying supplies.
7. Hire A Moving Company
When it comes to reducing waste before a move, one of the best things you can do is hire a moving company. They will take care of all of the packagings and unpacking for you, which means less waste in your home. Also, they will have all the necessary materials to properly pack your belongings so that nothing gets damaged in transit.
If you’re looking to get the services of a moving company, research and find one if it’s reputable and has good reviews. You don’t want to end up with a company that damages your belongings or doesn’t show up on time.
Once you’ve found a good moving company, give them a call and schedule a consultation. This is the time when they will come to your home and assess how much stuff you have and what kind of services you need.
Final Word
Reducing waste doesn’t have to be complicated, rather it can be as simple as making small changes to your everyday habits. By implementing the above-mentioned tips shared in this article into your routine, you’ll have a stress-free move, play a role in helping the environment and save money at the same time.
