Written by Michelle Reeves, Four Green Steps

Here’s how to make your move as green as possible this summer:

1. De-clutter as early as possible: it’s the perfect time to get rid of all that stuff you’ve been hoarding and lose anything that’s bad for the environment. Having a lighter load while moving is also greener, reducing fuel use, packaging needed and possibly moving to a smaller home which requires less energy to heat and cool.
   
   
2. Donate or sell what you don’t need: If you have time, sell unwanted goods on Craiglist or Kijiji. If not, donate them to a mission based thrift store like the Salvation Army.
   
   
3. Junk the rest: If you’re still left with a lot of stuff and you don’t want to just throw it out, call 1-800-GOT-JUNK. They’re usually available for next day pick-up and it’s good to know that they’ll recycle and donate what they can.
   
   
4. Rent eco-friendly reusable moving boxes: Reduce cardboard waste and save time and money by renting reusable boxes. Companies like FrogBox rent them and they are weather resistant, easy to stack and move and don’t require any assembly!
   
   
5. Rent a small van or truck: Depending on how much stock you’ve got, try to use the smallest and greenest method of moving. Rent a small trailer, or make sure to find licensed and bonded movers.
   
   
6. Plan for fragile items: For things like art, glass or the good china, you might want to move them yourself. Wrap them in recycled packing paper or in your own towels and dishcloths, where applicable of course.
   
   
7. Create a green cleaning kit: When cleaning your new and old house, use a complete range of eco-friendly cleaning products to protect your family-s health and the environment!
   
   
8. Lose the junk mail: Take this opportunity to organize your mail with services like DMAchoice, OptOutPrescreen or Catalog Choice. Enjoy the de-cluttering of your mail and save thousands of trees every year!
   
   
9. Plan healthy snacks for moving day: Moving is completely exhausting, physically and emotionally. So revive you mind and body with some organic fruits and veggies and whole grains.
   
   
10. Make your new home green: Tackle that job right away by installing electricity-saving light bulbs and maybe some solar panels or rain catching systems.

Now that you’re almost settled, take your time unpacking. Simply set a goal for how many boxes you’d like to get through every day and stick to it. But relax! You deserve it!

Image courtesy of Creative Commons.

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