Make Your Next Move More Eco-Friendly

With PCS season just around the corner, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and stressed out about your upcoming move. If you're doing a personally procured move, you are most likely going to be spending a lot of time packing, planning, scheduling, and losing sleep. When it comes to relocating, there are a few things you can do to take some of the stress away and make sure your move is eco-friendly and simple.

Try some of these tips and tricks to make your PCS greener and more environmentally friendly:

Use Natural Cleaners

It's amazing how much dust you discover during a move. Even if you are a clean family that maintains a relatively dust-free home, you will most likely want to go for a deep clean before packing up all your belongings. Using non-toxic natural cleaners is best for this because it means you won't need to breathe in harmful fumes when you are packing or unpacking your home. There are numerous reliable brands you can turn to, and in a pinch, vinegar is a great option for deep cleaning your home and belongings for green moving.

Use Eco-Friendly Packing Materials

Instead of going out to the nearest moving store and purchasing a truck full of cardboard boxes, try reusing boxes in your home. Another option is making a trip to the mall and asking stores if you can take their empty boxes off their hands. Reusing cardboard boxes will reduce waste. Additionally, instead of purchasing rolls of tissue paper, try packing your valuables in old newspapers or recycled polyethylene bubble wrap.

Or Simply Use Reusable Containers

In addition to recycled cardboard boxes, you can also purchase some reusable containers that will then get used as storage in your home. Many bins that you can get from your local Wal-Mart or Target store are made from recycled plastic, making them perfect for your eco-friendly home. Once you've unpacked, use the bins for storage around the house for things like toys, documents, seasonal clothes, camping equipment, and more! These green moving boxes and green moving totes can either be stored or recycled after you unpack.

Pack as Compactly As Possible to Save Trips and Boxes

Reducing the number of boxes and other containers needed for your move is another great way to reduce waste generated through the process. Compact packing techniques make the most of each box, bag, and crate to optimize the use of more costly packing materials like bubble wrap and packing peanuts. Whether you're doing the packing yourself or paying for professional services, disassemble as much furniture as possible to allow for flat packing that is far more space efficient. Vacuum packing bags compress clothing, bulky winter garments, and fluffy pillows and comforters that can take up a lot of space for their relatively  light weight.

According to house relocation professional Ryan Banks, optimal organizing can save up to 30% in both time and fuel. If you're packing extra sets of luggage and suitcases that aren't full of personal items already, use these existing containers as extra packing space to reduce the use of disposable materials. Rolling linens and clothing can help you pack more items into each box or bag without any damage to the textiles. Less delicate clothing and towels can double as packing materials for delicate items like dishes and glass ware. Just make sure all the items you pack are clean to avoid stains on clothing used as cushioning and packing material. Finally, stack similar items like dishes and books so they fit as tightly as possible in cartons and boxes without risking damage to the contents. Proper padding allows for plenty of stacking and unusual packing arrangements as long as breakable items are isolated from each other.

Declutter as Much as Possible

Moving is the perfect opportunity to take inventory of your home and toss or donate things that do not get used. Old clothes, kitchen accessories, books, and other items in your home are all ideal for donating to your local thrift shop or charity. If you haven't used an item in several years or you don't see yourself using it in the future, get rid of it. It will lighten your load when you move and could possibly benefit someone who is less fortunate than you.

Contact MilitaryHomeSearch.com today at 719-338-7294 for more information relocating to Colorado Springs, VA home loans, and more!

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