A cross country move can be a daunting prospect, there are so many factors to consider; what to pack, how to pack, and how to get all that stuff from point A to point B safely and with minimal cost and stress!
You may also want your cross country move to fit in with your sustainable/eco-friendly values. If so, we have some simple questions for you to consider as you plan your cross country moving adventure.
- What needs to come with you? One of the best things you can do is edit down the items you need to pack and move, and moving house is a great chance for you to reassess what items you really want and need. You could sell items to help offset the moving costs, or you could donate them to local charities in your existing area
- How will you pack your items? – So once you have decided what to take, think about how you are going to package up your most prized possessions. You can often find packing boxes and materials free on local online community groups – cardboard packing boxes are sturdy and can be used multiple times. Consider if you have any items that can be used as packing itself – for example wrapping items in curtains or bedsheets rather than bubble wrap, or moving items in boxes and baskets that you have already planned to use as lasting storage in your new home. Where possible look for recyclable boxes/tape etc.
- How will you then transport all of these items? – Plan your move ahead with plenty of time to limit the number of trips that you will need to make. This doesn’t just include the main event of the cross country move but also the trips to donation points, packing stores and storage sites etc. There is so much to think about with a big move, and giving yourself time to think and plan will allow you the time and headspace to keep sustainable living as a priority. There are plenty of professional moving companies who can help you with this.
- What about the clean up of my old property? – Undoubtedly part of the moving process includes making your old home ready for its new life. One of the most eco friendly cleaning solutions is also one of the most purse friendly too – what a win! A multi-purpose cleaner suitable across most of the home can be made from ¼ cup of white vinegar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, ½ a squeezed lemon and a litre of hot water. This can then be used in a spray bottle that you can reuse time and time again.
We hope you have found this useful, and you have a successful and eco friendly move to your new home!