Green Moving Tips: Make an Eco-Friendly Relocation

In this day and age, almost everything we do has an impact on the environment. From the gas we burn in our vehicles to plastic containers that we use on a daily basis. We throw away a lot of stuff and don’t really think about reusing them. And relocation is no different. While cardboard boxes you use to pack your belongings are easily recycled, bubble wrap and packing tape are not. And now, it is more important than ever that we all do what we can to keep the environment safe. If you want to do your part, follow these green moving tips for an eco-friendly relocation brought to you by some of the best movers in Brooklyn.

Packing Tips for Green Moving

Packing usually involves a lot of boxes, bubble wrap, shrink wrap, and packing tape. Most of those things are not so easily recyclable. While you can always gather all that stuff and take it to the recycling center, most of us don’t have the time, or we simply forget about it. Packing tape might seem like a fairly small amount of plastic, but it adds up over time. And even if you want to recycle it, it’s not as easy as recycling plastic bottles, for example. You can use all sorts of things you already own for transport. Fill your suitcases, dresser drawers, and duffel bags. That way, you can minimize the need for boxes and still move all your belongings safely.

Inspect Your Belongings First

Begin by checking all your furniture and belongings. Place them on the list and categorize them adequately. This way you will realize how many robust pieces you have and the number of packing materials you must purchase. The fewer packing materials you use, the better for the environment. So, take into account all areas of your home and make sure to create a moving checklist that’ll support the conscientious use of packing materials. Once you create an inventory of your belongings, you’ll know exactly which moving and storage New York services you’ll need. The more information you have, the easier it is for yourself and your movers.

Declutter as Much as Possible for an Eco-Friendly Relocation

Arguably, the best way to achieve an eco-friendly relocation is to declutter as much as possible. Unless you have a tendency to hoard, this step should be relatively straightforward, although it might be emotionally challenging for some. Done correctly, decluttering can lead to not just a greener move but also a more efficient one. Most importantly, you’ll avoid moving unnecessary items and clutter to your new space, allowing you to maintain a clean and clutter-free environment for longer. As you sort through your belongings, set aside anything you no longer need. This could range from old clothing and holiday decorations to furniture and miscellaneous items. Special attention should be given to your garage, where you’re likely to find several environmentally unfriendly items.

Safely Handling Hazardous Materials

After inspecting your loft, garage, and basement, you will surely find a few chemicals, cleaning supplies, pesticides, motor oil, or something similar. You shouldn’t bring those items with you. Firstly, movers won’t relocate those. Secondly, you will easily purchase a new batch if you need it. Relocating hazardous materials and liquids can only boost the chance of moving mishaps. Hence, give those items to your neighbors or friends, or dispose of hazardous materials by enlisting one of the local junk removal companies. You will easily find them online.

Selecting a Full Packing Service for an Eco-Friendly Relocation in NYC

Finding a reliable and eco-friendly moving service becomes easier when you know what to look for. Ideally, you’d want a service that offers a full packing service in NYC with a focus on sustainability. Inquire about the types of packing materials they use. Are they biodegradable or reusable? This is a crucial aspect of ensuring your move is eco-friendly. Since you’ve already inspected and inventoried your belongings, you can clearly communicate your specific needs and preferences. Discuss your eco-friendly relocation goals in detail with the moving company to ensure the service you choose aligns with your sustainability objectives, making your moving experience both stress-free and eco-conscious.

Use Original Boxes

Whenever you buy something, you get it in a cardboard box, probably with styrofoam in it. Every gadget, every home appliance, every set of glasses. While it can be a hustle to keep all those boxes lying around for future use, it is a great thing for the environment. So, if you have some of those old boxes lying around, use them. It’s not just a great green moving tip. It is also a great way to protect your belongings when transporting them. Those boxes are specially made for the items that came in them. And they are designed so they can transport and store those items safely.

Get Used Boxes

If you didn’t save all the original boxes for every single thing you ever bought, there is an option. But even so, you don’t necessarily need to buy new moving boxes in Brooklyn. Call your friends and family. Check with your neighbors who might have moved in recently. A lot of people like to keep their boxes just in case they ever need them again. They might have some lying around that they don’t need. That way, you can only get the bare minimum of new boxes. It will make your green moving more affordable and help the environment.

Be Creative

You can use some of the common household items as replacements for bubble wrap and packing paper. Use towels to wrap your cups and glasses. Place your clothes beneath and above fragile items to keep them safe. You will be transporting them anyway, so why not use them to their full potential? You want to have as little trash as possible both before and after your move. So get creative and use everything that you can.

Think About the Future

After you are done moving to Brooklyn, consider saving at least some of your boxes and packing material. Just like you called your friends and asked them for boxes, someone might call you for the same thing. And if you ever need to move again, it will save you from the hustle of finding boxes again.

Transport Responsibly

When you are transporting your stuff, it is best that you make as few back-and-forth trips as possible. Using your or your friend’s car means that you probably won’t be able to transport everything in one go. That means more gas is burnt and there is a larger amount of pollution. That’s why hiring a moving company can be a very eco-friendly solution. It’s easy to find a safe moving truck in Brooklyn that is also eco-friendly. Moving companies try to minimize their gas expense, and they own trucks that have much better mileage per gallon than your car.

Talk to Your Moving Company

When hiring local movers in NYC, talk to them about green moving. Many moving companies have the environment in mind and will help you in that regard. They might be able to get you a greener truck. Or offer you recyclable moving supplies that will make your impact on the environment as low as possible.

Recycle Unused Items

Moving is a great opportunity to get rid of all the things that you’ve been keeping for years. That old laptop you don’t use or a microwave that you’ve been intending to replace for months. Gather all your old gadgets and broken electronics and take them to the recycling center. It will make your new home clutter-free and make your green moving that much better. A lot of local movers in Brooklyn can give you great tips and advice on where to take your stuff for recycling. Things that you should definitely recycle can include:

• Old computers and laptops
• Empty batteries
• Gadgets and other electronics
• Home and kitchen appliances

By recycling, you are doing both you and your environment a favor. Your move is easier, you have less clutter and fewer things to pack. You can even get paid to recycle some of your old and broken items.

Donate

Decluttering while moving is great. Recycling helps the environment and saves you money on transport costs and packing materials. But also consider donating some of the things you don’t need. Things that are still in good condition that you don’t intend to use anymore. Old clothes that can still be worn just take up space in your closet, but for some people, they can mean a lot. And that old smartphone that is gathering dust in your drawer can be someone’s first smartphone. Many charities like Goodwill will be more than happy to take your old stuff off your hands. It will give them a new life and probably make someone at least a little bit happier. You will feel better about yourself and make the world a better place.

Clean Your Home Before You Leave Using Eco-Friendly Products

The final step in preparing for your move is to clean your old home. Naturally, you’ll also want to clean your new space before settling in, but it’s crucial to leave your old residence in excellent condition. If you own the property and are planning to sell it, consider making some minor upgrades or renovations. Regardless, it’s a matter of basic courtesy to clean the space thoroughly before you move out for good. While cleaning, opt for eco-friendly cleaning products. These environmentally friendly options are widely available and typically not expensive. Avoid using conventional cleaning products, as they can be harmful to the environment. Opt for eco-friendly solutions to handle this task responsibly.

The Importance of Eco-Friendly Cleaning in Your Relocation Journey

Using environmentally friendly cleaning products is a simple yet impactful way to contribute to sustainability. These products are widely available and often come at a reasonable price, so there’s no excuse for resorting to chemical-laden alternatives. If you find that you’ve over-purchased these green cleaning products, don’t fret. You could use cheap storage in Brooklyn for these surplus supplies. This allows you to keep valuable eco-friendly supplies for future use rather than wasting them, subtly connecting your cleaning efforts with sustainable living and storage solutions. Making smart choices at every stage of your move, even during the cleaning phase, can make your relocation not only efficient but also environmentally responsible.

Additional Eco-Friendly Moving Tips for the Conscientious Mover

You’ve already taken the first steps toward an eco-friendly move by considering reusable packing materials, opting for cardboard boxes and plastic bins, decluttering your space, handling hazardous materials safely, and using eco-friendly products. While these are fundamental aspects of a green move, there are additional ways to minimize your environmental impact during this major life transition. Below is an extensive list of extra tips for those moving to New York and looking to take their eco-friendly move to the next level.

List of Additional Eco-Friendly Moving Tips

• Digital Inventory: Keep track of your belongings with a digital inventory, reducing the need for paper lists.
• Efficient Route Planning: Make sure the moving truck takes the most fuel-efficient route to your new location.
• Seasonal Timing: Moving in mild weather conditions can reduce the need for air conditioning or heating during the move, saving energy.
• Shared Moves: If possible, share the move with someone else headed in the same direction to reduce carbon emissions.
• LED Bulbs: Replace old light bulbs at your new place with LED options that consume less energy.
• Carbon Offsetting: Invest in a carbon offset program to counteract the emissions from your move.
• Low-VOC Paints: If you’re painting your new home, choose paints with low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
• Eco-Friendly Floor Coverings: Opt for rugs and carpets made from natural fibers or recycled materials.
• Energy-Efficient Appliances: If you’re buying new appliances for your new home, make sure they are ENERGY STAR certified.
• Local Sourcing: Buy second-hand furniture and fixtures from local sources to reduce carbon emissions from transportation.
• Recycle Old Electronics: Don’t throw away old computers, phones, or other electronics; take them to a recycling facility.
• Use Natural Light: Plan your move during the daytime to make the most of natural light and reduce electricity consumption.
• Sustainable Landscaping: Opt for native plants when landscaping your new home, as they require less water and maintenance.
• Multi-Use Containers: Invest in containers that can be repurposed later, such as storage or garden planters.
• Recycle Packing Materials: After the move, recycle packing materials or donate them for someone else to reuse.

Mastering the Art of Green Moving

Green moving is more than just a trend—it’s a responsible choice that has long-term benefits for both you and the environment. You’ve learned about the importance of reusable packing materials, efficient decluttering, safe handling of hazardous items, and utilizing eco-friendly cleaning products. Additionally, the extensive list of extra tips provides a comprehensive guide for those who wish to minimize their carbon footprint during a move. The steps may seem small individually, but collectively, they contribute to a much larger impact. As you embark on this journey to a new home, regardless of whether you are just arriving or moving from New York, remember that the choices you make can set a sustainable example for others to follow.