Eco-Friendly Tips for Your Montgomery County Move

Moving is a hectic and often stressful time for everyone; in the long list of things to focus on, we don’t always stop to think about our impact on the environment. Where our moving refuse ends up is not generally at the front of our minds when we’re trying to organize the transition into a new place. Earth Day in April is an ideal time to consider taking an eco-friendly approach to your next move. With some fairly simple steps, you can make your next Montgomery County move an eco-friendly one, which is a win-win for you, your family, and the earth.

As you sort and pack your things for your move, remember, chances are you have plenty of items which can be donated to a worthy cause rather than throwing away. Doing so will send less material to a landfill and add in the extra benefit of helping someone in the community. As for items which need to be discarded, consider sorting out what can be recycled and what should be sent to the trash can.

Did you know Montgomery County has a residential recycling facility? There are a wide range of items which can be dropped off for a small fee. This community resource is around to help residents dispose of or recycle their household items which they no longer use or need. Items such as old computer TVs, motor oil, and magazines can be dropped off 6 days a week, Monday-Saturday. Hazardous household materials such as spray paint, fertilizers, and old thermostats can be dropped off on any Wednesday or the 3rd Saturday of the month. This is a vital community resource, especially when you’re moving. The recycling center is an ideal aspect to help you ‘go green’ in your approach.

When it comes to packing, consider using magazines or newspapers for packing material instead of packing peanuts or bubble wrap. Not only are foam packing peanuts on the messy side, they’re not recyclable and can take up to 500 years to degrade. Chances are you have newspapers and magazines available at home, and on the plus side, these can be recycled. Another option for your more fragile items is using corn starch packing peanuts. These are biodegradable and are readily available from various suppliers.

Packing can be done in an eco-friendly manner by using boxes and bins you already have at home. You can supplement your need for boxes, cardboard, or durable plastic containers. Cardboard boxes can be broken down and sent to a recycling center when you’re done with them, and you can repurpose your plastic containers for storage once you move in.

Finally, when cleaning your new home before moving in, or your old home once you’ve moved out, use natural cleaners; they’re better for your family and the environment overall. Chemical cleaning solutions can be a health hazard, while DIY cleaning solutions such as vinegar, lemon juice, or baking soda and water will take care of the majority of messes just as well. While there may be some need for heavy duty cleaners, using as little as possible goes a long way.

Feel good about doing your part to help the planet by implementing eco-friendly ideas into your next move. For more tips on green moving, Realty Times has a great article worth reviewing. When the time is right to buy and sell your home, we’re here to help you with all your real estate needs! Call me, Laura Austin, at (281) 789-2911 or (936) 321-2977 or email me at Laura@RealtyTx.net. You can also visit me at my website for available listings and additional information.