How to move toward a more eco-friendly relocation

A lot of our customers ask us, "What can I do to lessen my own environmental footprint and relocate more responsibly?" The answer is easier than you may think.

• You can give away or sell any non-essential items you don't need to move.
• • Neighborhood yard sales and giveaways are one way to go.
  • Web sites like eBay, Craig's List and The Freecycle Network provide virtual ways to unload unwanted items.

• Books can be donated to local libraries, and most schools will be happy to make use of old computers.

• Goodwill and other charities will gladly take old clothes for resale in thrift outlets.
• Move with recyclable or reusable packing materials.
• • Your local Wheaton agent can provide gently used cartons for a reduced fee, or no charge in many cases.
  • Use eco-friendly cleaning supplies.

• Cut down on junk mail at your new address by filing a temporary change of address with your post office rather than a permanent one.

• Use recyclable packing paper that can be recycled at a later point.
• • Cornstarch packing peanuts provide a biodegradable option.

• When unpacking, expendables such as boxes, packing paper, peanuts, twine, rope and bungee are all reusable moving resources.
• • If you don't have room to store them, they tend to fly off the "shelves" at Web sites like Craig's List when posted as freebies.
  • Of course, another eco-friendly unpacking option is to recycle items like cardboard and plastic-foam peanuts.