Moving is a pain, expensive, back breaking, but it can be green and more budget friendly and here are some ideas for your next move!
Pre-Move
- Reuse boxes- gather boxes from local stores
- we have found that grocery stores, hospitals, and shopping retailers have the largest most sturdy boxes(call ahead, but generally they always have some & gladly part with them)
- Use green cleaning supplies
- it is a great time to get rid of toxic cleaners you have and start trying green cleaners
- contact your local garbage service to find out how to properly dispose of all chemicals, paints, flammables that you will not be moving
- Have three piles of things you no longer want or need
- Donate
- women's & children's shelter will take baby/child/blankets/towels etc...
- Goodwill will take most anything
- Habitat for Humanity will take any home improvement items
- Sell
- craigslist and local 'for sale' papers are a great way to make a buck and clear out things you don't want but can't afford to donate
- Trash
- not every trash can be someones treasure!!
- Use a trailer instead of renting a truck
- use of a trailer may consume more gas on your vehicle but it is more eco-friendly than the large box trucks
- trailers are often more affordable than a rental truck as well and no mileage is clock so you can make multiple trips if moving across town and save on gas and rental fees
- If you must rent a truck, get a vehicle tow behind trailer
- avoid burning gas in two or three vehicles by towing your vehicle
Post Move
- Recycle or re-gift your boxes
- believe it or not posting moving boxes on freecycle or craigslist will often take boxes off your hands and you know that they are being reused
- Set up curbside recycling at your new address or find out ways your county/city recycles and make a plan to start right away
- establishing a new habit is a lot easier when it becomes part of the new home!
Got a blog of your own...post a link and I would love to follow you!
Great ideas, Christin! I am loving your blog.
ReplyDeleteThank you Christi!!! I love frugalnovice.com too!!! Especially the meal planning!! It helps a lot and I have made a new habit of doing it!
ReplyDelete