PACK WITH CARE FOR A ZERO WASTE MOVE
Whether you’re moving out of your college dorm for the summer, moving into your first home, or even your third, moving gets stressful, costly and extremely wasteful.
On average more than 40 million people move each year in the United States and 80% of moves occur between April and September. Just in time for moving season, we've prepared these helpful tips to make your next move a little easier and a lot less wasteful!
PREP IN ADVANCE
Try and start as early as possible to give yourself the maximum amount of time to mentally prepare and organize yourself to move.
It’s tempting to sit on your bed staring at all the things you have to do and put it off. I know, I’ve been there - but being prepared will allow yourself more time to sort your things to keep, donate, or recycle and give yourself a piece of mind which will help your moving process go a little more smoothly.
Click HERE to download the #CHECKLIST
I DON’T HAVE ROOM FOR IT BUT HOW CAN I LET IT GO?
Hoarding household items sneaks up on you. I always think I’m a minimalist until I re-organize my apartment and I am horrified with all the extras I’ve been holding on to.
Start by sorting your belongings into two piles: one for things you love and want to keep and the second for the items that you are letting go.
Think about the items that bring you joy, make you happy and absolutely can’t live without.
Reconsider ways you can incorporate your current furniture pieces into your new space so you don’t have to rebuy new.
Don’t get caught up on what you need to “purge” but rather, focus on organizing what you are going to keep.
When I moved last year, I made it my goal to go through my closet and shelves once a week. Each each time I would donate or give away at least 10 items. It was so liberating and allowed me to cut down little bits at a time!
WHAT DO I DO WITH WHAT I CAN’T KEEP?
A library of books you haven’t touched? Donate them to your local public school or library!
A handful of clothing pieces you can’t remember the last time you wore? Organize a fashion swap them to your friends. Donate them at a goodwill near you or resell them at a local consignment shop and online platforms. What to do with furniture pieces you can’t take with you or don’t suit your needs anymore? Don't send it to landfills!
Furniture is one of the least recycled household items and more than 9.8 million tons of furniture is wasted per year.
There are many alternatives to leaving them on the curb for the garbage truck to collect.
If you’re able to transport it, you can bring it to your local donation center.
If you’re unable to transport it yourself, you can contact a furniture pick up company to collect and recycle your furniture for you. You can find a local recycling center or pick-up company HERE.
PACK YOUR BOXES
You’ve narrowed down the items you’re bringing into your new home and now you’re ready to pack it up!
Don't tackle your whole home all at once, take it one room at a time. Utilize any suitcases, storage containers and boxes you already have in your home. If you are packing fragile items, you can wrap and cushion them in clothes or towels to protect them from breaking and will save you space too! If you need moving boxes, companies like Rent a Green Box, Bin It and Box Up Rental will rent you reusable boxes and pick them up after you move!
Click HERE to download the #CHECKLIST
DO ECO-FRIENDLY MOVING COMPANIES EXIST?
There are a bunch of options when it comes to finding the best option for a moving company. With a little research, you can find green or environmentally certified moving company that makes the extra effort to use eco-friendly vehicles and packing materials that serve your area.
SETTLE INTO YOUR NEW SPACE
You made it! Now the fun part is decorating and making your new space your new home. Look for inspiration ideas that reflect your personal style and aesthetics.
THINK LIKE A DESIGNER!
Take measurements of your space and draft a floor plan. Create a mood board on Pinterest to visualize your personal style and aesthetics.
Write a shopping list so you narrow down what you really need only then start ordering. When looking for items, first try to look for second hand pieces and demand sustainable products from eco-conscious companies that are transparent about their manufacturing processes.
Click HERE to download the #CHECKLIST