As I enter the final stages of the transition to adulthood, I find myself in the midst of a number of housewarming parties. In all this I’ve come to learn that when moving into a new residence, you begin to realize just how much you own- and how much you don’t. But moving doesn’t need to be a disparaging event. Instead, “cleaning house” can be a great way to get off to a new, eco-friendly start.
The first step is donation. When moving out, decide what you use and what you don’t. Donating old clothes, furniture and electronics to companies like Purple Heart, Goodwill, and the Salvation Army ensures that your old belongings will not end up in a dump or landfill, but instead will be adequately reused. In the end, the less you own, the less you will decide you need.
The next step is planning. Make a list of what you need, and what you want. When living on your own for the first time, you find there are many small items you never thought of needing. But think again; do you really need them? What is necessary to live? Certainly a bed is necessary, but is that brand-new plasma television? It’s temping to buy everything in the store, but your need/want list will help keep you in control- and save money.
Buying smart is next. When investigating your new mattress, ask not only about comfort, but also about recyclables. Are the fibers biodegradable? What about plastic ware as opposed to silverware? In your own home it’s both more money savvy and eco-savvy to wash dishes more often rather than use disposable plates. You’ll also need a plethora of new cleansing materials for your home. Start out eco-friendly with options like homemade detergents or ready-made “Green Clean Kits.”
Renovations like painting and new carpet can be tricky as well. Try using homemade flour-based paints to reduce chemical use and unhealthy toxins in the air. If your home has been previously lived in, or even if you’re just renovating, carpet removal can be a necessity too. Wood floor installation can be expensive, but by purchasing a cork or bamboo floor your home will increase in value and you won’t have to worry about future carpet replacement and waste.
Future ideas for green homes can include new concept kitchens for smaller apartments, but until this time even the smallest effort when it come to moving house can help set a new pattern for future eco-friendly living.
Yes, Goodwill and St Vincent’s get lucky around moving time. Another thing you can do is list what you have to give away and email it to your friends; they may be needing what you need to throw away.
Try selling stuff on ebay too, it’s slower than just giving it away but you could make a bit of money from it.
My transition from Berlin to New York was hard. But I got rid of most of my things, because it was a lot cheaper to keep them or moving them back. It is a good thing to feel that you don’t need that many things as you thought!