Yes, it’s possible! Even the most dedicated recycler is faced regularly with piles of packing supplies after making the move to Solana Beach. It takes a lot of boxes and packing paper to pack up your stuff for safe transport. But now what do you do with all that stuff? You may be shocked at all the squandered materials it takes to get you moved out of one house and into another. But yet there is a way to reduce your moving impact and do your part to save the environment.
Here are some tips to heed before and after your house move to Solana Beach, a charming seaside community tucked along the northern coast of San Diego County.
1. Perform Periodic Purging
For many people, it’s the process of moving that reveals how much of a pack rat we really are. You may even realize you have been hoarding things, letting clutter accumulate in closets, attics and behind closed doors. It’s normal for people to accumulate “stuff” throughout the years, but some have more than others. Why else do you think those home organization pros on TV get so much attention?
Make a commitment once you move into the new house to periodically purge items that no longer serve you throughout the year. For example, after the holidays, recycle or donate wrapping materials, boxes, packaging and decorations; or, after your kid’s sports season comes to a close, donate or sell his outgrown cleats and jerseys to another deserving child in the community. We all know how fast kids outgrow clothing and shoes! Hanging onto those through the years can be the biggest source of clutter in a home.
You can also hold a purge session right before moving out of your old home. This will save you money, as you won’t have to pay movers to transport quite so much stuff. Plus, it will allow you to recycle or donate items that can make someone else’s life easier. And who doesn’t want to pack fewer things? This will reduce your stress level come packing and unpacking time.
2. Use What You Have, or Get it For Free
It can cost a small fortune to buy brand new moving supplies at an office supply store or moving materials store. Save some money and resources by using what you already have in your home.
- Use suitcases to pack clothing.
- Use old newspapers for wrapping and filling in gaps, then recycle that newspaper after unpacking.
- Use old t-shirts, bath towels, sheets and linens to pad boxes of small home appliances, shoes, toys, and gadgets. Tear them into strips or use the whole thing depending on how much padding you need.
- Head to the liquor store or grocery store and scrounge up some free boxes. Most of these places will be happy to give you boxes, as they are overrun with them thanks to daily deliveries. Liquor store boxes are best, as they are usually reinforced (all those full bottles of alcohol are very heavy) and are great to pack awkward-shaped and heavy belongings. You can even transport the contents of your own wine collection in these boxes, which usually come with many dividers in one box. Donate or recycle the boxes when done.
- Use tote bags and coolers to store items. You likely have a lot of those lying around, especially those recyclable grocery store bags that you bring with you when food shopping all the time. You can even use roasting pans to store items, housing flatware wrapped in an old t shirt.
3. Use Natural Materials
To protect furniture, forget the plastic wrap for your end tables and beds. Instead, use natural materials you already have, such as flannel sheets, tarps and garbage bags on top (if it’s raining), drop cloth, muslin and other fabrics. Secure with packing tape and you have yourself some secure furniture. Padded blankets work well for treasured and valuable furniture pieces.
4. Rent Moving Cartons
Why buy when you can rent? These plastic, durable, multi-use totes can be rented and will arrive right at your doorstep. Use them and then send them back when finished. It’s that simple. Plus, they’re see-through, which means you can easily spot the contents when filled. We recommend also labeling the boxes as well, with the destination room and details of contents. Don’t write directly on the rented totes. Use removable stickers or pieces of paper taped to the sides.
5. Avoid Food Waste
As you approach Moving Day, you will likely have a lot of food in your refrigerator. Make a conscious effort to make home cooked meals in the week leading up to moving day so you can avoid having to throw away a lot of food. As you know, your movers won’t take perishables. Make apple pie with those extra apples in the crisper and bring it to your neighbor. Donate canned goods to a local food shelter.
6. Sell or Donate Leftovers
Despite all that purging, there will be things that you won’t want to take with you. This is a good time to sell or donate those items. Non-profits would be happy to pick up items such as old furniture. You can also go online to sell items that are still in very good condition. Post on Craigslist, eBay and Facebook Marketplace, as well as neighborhood-specific sites.
On top of all the above tips, you can also make it a point to hire an eco-conscious moving company in Solana Beach dedicated to reducing their carbon footprint.
Contact Best Fit Movers
To save time and aggravation during the packing process, let Best Fit Movers bring you the supplies you need to pack your stuff, or better yet, let us pack it all up for you. We offer wrapping and packing, transport and storage for anyone facing a move to Solana Beach and beyond. Contact us to get a free quote from our trusted Solana Beach movers.
