After I started using my storage unit year-round, I realized that I needed to clean the place up. There were boxes everywhere, which made it really frustrating to find the things that I needed. My disorganized space also caused damage, since things got crushed and stepped on whenever I tried to find things. It took a lot of work, but I decided to take an entire weekend and simplify my space. I removed all of my belongings and then sorted, labeled, and reorganized all of my boxes. When I was finished, my space was clean, tidy, and easy to use. Read here to learn how to simplify your storage unit.
The cardboard, paper, and plastic bubble wrap you use to pack things up when moving your household can end up in a landfill where it will sit and decompose into the ground. To save the environment, consider the mantra "Reduce, re-use, recycle." Here are a few options for doing just that as you start to pack and move your home.
Reduce
Be realistic when packing. Do not take things that are broken or you know you will not use again. This should include old clothes that don't fit anyone, old cell phones and electronics that no longer work or have become obsolete, and toys your children have outgrown. However, get rid of them in an eco-friendly manner. Clothes and old toys can be donated to charities and electronics should go to a facility where they will be recycled.
Re-use
Once you have cleared out the clutter, it is time to start packing. Do not spend money on boxes from the moving company. Look around the house for items that can be filled. Fill your dresser drawers with clothes from the closet. Suitcases and travel bags should be utilized too. After filling everything possible, you have the choice of renting plastic bins or making a late night run to a grocery or chain store and asking for their boxes. It is best to go at night because that is when most places are restocking their shelves and will have empty boxes. If you go on the night the advertising flyers change, you can ask for the old ones to use for wrapping purposes. Check your phone book, or online at websites like http://www.securityselfstorageelginil.com/, for businesses that rent out plastic crates for moving.
Recycle
After the move, as you are unpacking, make sure you put aside the packaging materials for recycling. You can ask your trash pick-up company to drop off recycling bins or take the trash to the facility yourself. The important thing is to keep it from ending up in a landfill.
Every move gives you the opportunity to start fresh in a new home. If you had bad habits in the past pertaining to the environment, change the way you do things as soon as you move. Avoid hoarding things you don't need or want and start a recycling program within your family. Hopefully, the place you are moving into has energy efficient appliances and HVAC. Everything you do for the environment, no matter how small, is a step in the right direction.
Share6 January 2016
