So, it’s time for you to move. Whether you’re moving to a new Louisville home or across the country, getting everything packed up and moved to a new location is expensive no matter how you slice it. This means that even though you’re spending money to move, you can save a few bucks if you think ‘recycling’ before the big day arrives.
There are a lot of great tips for moving on this website. But in this article, we look at ways you can save green when you move by recycling.
Get Free Cardboard Boxes
Packing services say a big expense when moving is buying the boxes and packing materials needed to pack up everything. But you can save a ton of money if you head out and grab boxes for free that people are throwing away.
Check out your local stores like grocery stores or restaurants; they get shipments every day and throw away a lot of boxes. Another great idea is to hit up neighbors and co-workers and ask them to save any boxes they get from online shopping. Since most people throw away boxes once they get them, this is a great way to get all the shipping containers you need for free!
Get Creative With Packing Material
When people move, it’s tempting to head to the office supply store and buy a bag of styrofoam peanuts or bubble wrap to pack with. However, not only do these cost money, but they’re harmful to the environment once you dispose of them.
A great way to save money (and the environment) is to get creative with packing material. Consider using old clothes or towels to pack your valuable glass items. For other items, grab old newspapers that your neighbors might throw out. And if you’re dead set on using popcorn to pack with, why not try actual popcorn to pack your fragile glass items? These items are not only cheap, but they’re safer for the environment should you discard them later.
Declutter & Sell Before You Move
Another great way to save money before you move and recycle is to declutter your home and sell off unwanted items. To accomplish this, start a month or two before you move and begin by going through each room to decide what you can part with. These items can be clothes that don’t fit or appliances or furniture you don’t use.
Set all these items aside and then decide if you can sell them at a garage or yard sale, Also, you can donate them to a charity. Not only are you reducing the amount of stuff you have to move, which saves you on packing and moving costs, but you’re recycling your items by putting them into someone else’s hands instead of a landfill. It’s a win for you and the environment!
Shred Those Old Documents
Many of us accumulate piles of documents throughout the years; these items can be old taxes, insurance policies, bills, letters, and junk mail. Go through all of your documents and weed out the ones you don’t need and the ones you may have digital copies of and take them to a professional paper shredding service. This reduces the amount of stuff you have to carry with you and is more eco-friendly than tossing them into the trash.
Moving is a hassle, to be sure, and it can be expensive. However, if you plan enough in advance, and make a pact with yourself to get rid of unwanted items you can save a ton of dough and the environment in the process.
