Green Moving Tips

In light of moving this week, I wanted to post some tips I have discovered in our 12 moves in under 10 years!!!

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!

Any tips??   I'd love to hear them!!!

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