Ways to Reduce Waste When Moving

As people have become more conscious of the effects our activities can have on the environment, waste reduction has emerged as a desirable goal. Aside from cutting down on environmental harm, reducing waste in a move can also be an effective way to reduce costs.

The nature of moving creates a number of opportunities for waste to accrue. Boxes and other packing products are often purchased to be used once and thrown away, and improper packing or labeling can lead to lost and broken products which may need to be replaced. Fortunately, with a little bit of foresight and extra effort, the amount of waste produced in a move can be significantly reduced.

Useful Tips

Observing the following simple rules is a great first step towards reducing the waste you may accumulate when moving:

• Reuse boxes – keep old boxes that are still in good condition and ask friends or neighbors if they have any to spare.
• Pack bags and suitcases – before you begin putting your things in boxes, fill luggage items such as duffel bags and suitcases with appropriate items.
• Consider renting storage crates – these reusable crates last for up to 10 years and can then be recycled.
• Buy boxes made from recycled material – this reduces the impact your packing has on the environment.
• Wrap fragile items in newspaper – the safer your items are, the less likely they are to break and require replacement.

These are just a few of the many steps you can take to effectively reduce the waste you produce when moving to a new home or apartment.

When you move into a new place, it’s important to be sure that there are no toxic hazards, such as mold, lead, or mercury. It is the property manager’s responsibility to either warn you of these dangers or make sure they are not present. If you have moved into a new home and become sick due to one of these toxic conditions, contact a premises liability attorney.