Month: March 2023

Moving involves using fuel and packing materials, but if you’re looking for a more environmentally-friendly move, you can reduce your carbon footprint in many ways. The following are Earth-friendly strategies to minimize waste and conserve energy.

1. Use Sustainable Packaging Material Where Possible

Bubble wrap and tape are usually a few of the first things that come to mind when people think about packing for a residential move. While you want to take care in carefully wrapping fragile and one-of-a-kind items, using plastics isn’t the most eco-friendly approach. Instead of using bubble wrap, use soft fabrics to wrap breakable items.

• Bath and hand towels
• Dish towels
• Pillowcases
• Blankets
• Clothing

Alternatively, you can ask your friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues if they have any bubble wrap stashed in their homes. While it’s still using non-biodegradable materials, it’s at least being recycled and not purchased new. Still no luck? Try a bubble wrap alternative, such as Greenwrap, which is compostable, recyclable, and biodegradable.

2. Use Reusable Moving Boxes

Boxes are an integral part of moving. The downside is they tend to create lots of waste. So instead of buying new boxes, you substitute items in your home that are moving with you.

• Plastic bins
• Suitcases
• Laundry baskets
• Duffel bags
• Backpacks
• Tote bags

Another option to help boost your green initiatives is to rent reusable moving boxes from a rental company. Many will drop off at your chosen time and pick up the boxes when you’re done.

3. Wait Until Last to Pack the Kitchen

Instead of packing up the kitchen first, leave dishes, cookware, utensils, and glasses until last. Put your initial focus on the bedrooms, living room, closets, and other spaces. Plan to pack your everyday kitchen wares and pantry a day or two before you go.

You can be greener by utilizing your kitchen to eat the items you have in your pantry and refrigerator before you go, buying less takeout, and creating less waste to throw out. You also avoid using paper plates and plastic utensils. Alternatively, in the weeks leading up to moving day, cook and bake your food and stash it in the freezer for quick meals or snacks if you want to get the kitchen out of the way sooner than later.

4. Schedule Fewer Trips

DIY moving usually entails numerous trips, using gas and wear and tear on personal vehicles. Instead of taking this route, save your time and energy by hiring a professional mover. Your movers will finish the job with a van or truck within one trip. The fewer trips you can make for your move, the more eco-friendlier you’ll be.

5. Downsize Your Household

Plan in the months and weeks leading up to your move to donate, recycle or sell any items you don’t want to take. Transporting these items doesn’t make sense since it means more packing materials and fuel. Avoid throwing things out that are in useable condition and instead donate them.

Moving Made Easy!

Are you getting ready to move? Contact our professional moving company if you need help with your upcoming move. We can help ease your transition.

 

Moving means packing your belongings and transporting them from one location to another. However, not all moves are the same, especially if you move your things to a storage unit instead into a new home or apartment.

While you must pack everything in both situations, there are distinct approaches to packing for a move versus a storage unit. Let’s break down these differences to prepare yourself for each scenario.

Comparing Packing for a Move vs. Storage Unit

Packing Materials

When moving from one home to the next, your belongings will only stay packed briefly. However, when storing your stuff, it could sit in boxes and containers for several weeks, months, or even years.

So, you have to plan accordingly when packing for a storage unit. Instead of using cardboard boxes, springing for plastic bins with secure lids is often much better. This way, they resist mold, water damage, and pests.

Short-Term vs. Long-Term Storage

There are many reasons to get a storage unit, and you must consider what elements to pay attention to when choosing a suitable facility. However, when packing for storage, you need to know if your belongings will be there for a relatively short period (i.e., three to six months) or a long time (i.e., a year or more).

Both options may require different packing strategies and materials. For example, let’s say you plan to store your belongings for six months while you travel for work. Since you won’t check on your items until you return, you must pack heavier items on the bottom and lighter boxes up top.

Finally, consider how the environment in your storage unit changes. Some facilities have climate-controlled units, but others may get hot in the summer and cold in the winter. These temperature changes can lead to issues like mildew or condensation buildup. If you’re storing electronics, you must ensure they won’t get damaged by moisture.

Labeling and Organization

Typically, when packing for a move, you have boxes that belong in specific rooms, such as the kitchen, bathroom, or bedroom. When packing for storage, however, you may have miscellaneous items that don’t necessarily fit into a specific category.

When labeling and organizing your boxes, you may combine random items or keep them classified by specific traits. Also, consider whether you’ll need to move things in and out of your unit. In that case, you want to put those belongings up front, so they’re accessible, and items you won’t need for a long time in the back.

Pro Tip: It is best to keep any extremely valuable or sensitive items elsewhere, such as perishables, hazardous materials, or highly sensitive items. While most storage companies offer adequate protection against thieves, keeping any extremely valuable or sensitive items away from your storage unit is still best.

Get Help for Moving Your Belongings

Whether moving to a house or putting stuff into a storage unit, it helps to have professionals on the job. We can handle everything from packing to organizing, so you don’t have to. Contact us today to find out more.