Packing up for the big move? Now’s the perfect time to make your household a little greener. Here are a few easy ways from our friends at Cheap Movers San Francisco, source of affordable moving services in San Francisco:
1. Seal up the cracks
Before you move in, take some time to add a bit of extra insulation and seal up any cracks or drafts in your new home. This is much easier to do when you don’t need to move the furniture around to get easy access, and it can drastically cut your energy use for heating and cooling.
2. Consider your lighting
Did you know your paint choice can make your home more energy efficient? By choosing light colors in areas that receive less direct light, you can make the most of natural lighting and avoid having to use additional lamps or fixtures for much of the day. And speaking of fixtures, take a look at the bulbs already in place throughout your new house. Wherever possible, swap out lingering incandescent bulbs for compact fluorescent or LED bulbs.
3. Count your [energy] stars
ENERGY STAR appliances and fixtures are rated not only for their purchase price but also for the cost to operate them over time. Designed to use less water and electricity, they have a lighter impact on the planet without sacrificing convenience and function. If you’re moving into a new home, consider upgrading your appliances to ENERGY STAR models. Need help getting started? Check out this guide to the most energy efficient appliances available.
4. Manage the trash
Moving house often comes with a major purge of belongings. While it’s good to get rid of things you don’t need, be sure to think about how you’re disposing of them. Make sure any hazardous waste, such as batteries, some leftover household chemicals, and fluorescent light bulbs, are taken to an appropriate drop off point to be disposed of safely. For other household goods, if they’re in good repair, consider donating them to a San Francisco thrift shop or holding a yard sale instead of letting them take up space in a landfill.
5. Ditch the Styrofoam
Styrofoam takes a very long time to decompose. In fact, some scientists don’t think it ever properly decomposes at all, simply breaking down into smaller and smaller bits of foam rather than into its component substances. So when it comes to packing up the fragile items in your home, don’t rely on foam filler. Instead, check with local libraries and schools to see if they have old newspapers you can use. Wrap fragile items individually, and use loosely balled paper to take up space and offer padding in boxes.
Making the transition from your old home to your new one a bit more eco-friendly doesn’t require anything special in the way of time or materials. There’s no magic bullet that will immediately make your home the greenest on the block. But with a bit of planning and a forward-thinking attitude, you’ll find that the biggest impact can come from making lots of small changes. Where will you start?