Moving requires planning, making phone calls, organization, and patience. It’s one of the busiest times you’ll ever experience, which means it can also be a waste of resources if you’re not careful.
In our modern times, we each have a responsibility to look after our planet, which means looking at things from an eco-friendly perspective. Moving day is no exception.
To remain eco-friendly during your move, we suggest implementing the following tips:
1.Donate your unwanted items
The moment you start evaluating the items you have in your home is the moment you realize you have more than you thought. Moving time is the perfect time to donate clothing items you no longer wear, kitchen items you no longer use, and unwanted holiday decorations that are collecting dust in your storage area.
Taking your unwanted items to the nearest Cedar Rapids Goodwill or Salvation Army will ensure you’re not contributing to the 9.8 million tons of landfill waste that pile up each year. If you have some high-quality items that you’d like to get some money back on, consider hosting a garage sale or consigning them at Stuff Etc.
2.Recycle EVERYTHING
One of the nicest things about living in eastern Iowa is that cities such as Cedar Rapids, Marion, and Hiawatha have clean-up days where local law enforcement assist with the disposal of used batteries, prescription medication, eyeglasses, paint cans, and more.
Take advantage of these opportunities and if there isn’t a clean-up day during your moving prep, take your old appliances to Best Buy and your batteries, medications, etc. to the local recycling center.
3.Reuse moving boxes
Do you have a family member or friend who recently moved? Ask them for their moving boxes! You can also check out Craigslist, social media, and your workplace for sturdy boxes.
At White Glove Movers, we have the packing and moving supplies you need to make moving a breeze, but we fully support your efforts to be eco-friendly. Just let us know if you need some moving boxes on top of what you collect.
4.Forward your mail
You probably have forwarding your mail toward the top of your moving list because of the convenience factor, but have you also considered how much this benefits the environment? If you submit a forwarding request ahead of time, it will save the post office the trouble and fuel (that means C02 emissions) to deliver your mail to the wrong address.
5.Stop after a couple quotes
Most professional moving companies need to visit your home to give you an accurate quote. While this is convenient for you and necessary for the mover, it’s a waste of gas if you call mover after mover.
Arrange for two to three professional movers to come to your house after doing your initial research online. Look for moving companies that have excellent reviews, proof of insurance, license numbers, and packing services. Then once you find a few you’re comfortable with calling, invite them over for a quote.
Start planning your move today
Here at White Glove Movers, we strive to make the moving process an easy one. We’re a locally owned and operated moving company based out of Cedar Rapids, Iowa that offers residential and commercial long and short distance moves.
If you’d like to be kind to the environment during your move, we suggest that you follow our eco-friendly moving tips and give us a call today to receive an estimate.