Cleaning before packing - eco-friendly guide

We have not been kind to the environment during the last century or so. That is why a lot of people have started using eco-friendly products in their daily lives. When you are cleaning before packing for a move, there are many safe options. You want to reduce the amount of waste you leave behind. Moreover, the next people to live in the house will appreciate the effort. Everybody enjoys moving into a clean place. Finally, the products you use should also be safe for you and your family. There are many chemicals out there that can be extremely harmful. So make sure to follow our guide and deal with this task the right way.

Declutter first when cleaning before packing

All of us have some things in our home that we don't need. You put it away once and forget about it forever. However, now is the time to get rid of the clutter. It makes perfect sense that the fewer items you have, the less time you will spend cleaning before a move. Furthermore, you can save up some cash by selling things that are in good condition. On the other hand, you can ask friends or family if they would like something. In any case, if you haven't used it for more than a year, it is probably time to toss it.

Make a pile for things to keep and another to throw away.Why stop at using eco-friendly materials only for cleaning? You can also use them for packing for the move. Many people use cardboard boxes, but they are unsafe for the environment. Instead, you should use plastic storage bins for moving. These bins are sturdier than regular boxes. Also, you can reuse them for your next move, or as storage in your home.

Reuse old materials

Using disposable cloths or wipes will only create more trash. Plus, you have to keep buying them, so you are spending more money than you should. That is why you should try out linen cloths. You can buy these at any supply store. Alternatively, you can use old clothes or linens when cleaning before packing. For example, old socks are excellent for dusting in places that are hard to reach. Moreover, save your old toothbrushes for scrubbing. Use separate toothbrushes for cleaning the oven, the toilet, or the bathtub. Finally, for those persistent stains, you can use a copper scour pad, as they won't rust.Another way to save money as well as the environment during your move is to rent moving supplies. This is a great alternative to buying them, and you don't have to think about what to do with the materials after the move is done.

Read labels carefully when cleaning before packing

When you are exploring eco-friendly cleaning solutions, you are sure to come across some DIY eco-friendly products. Don't hesitate to try them out in your home. Many of them only require the items you probably already have in your house. Some of the most common include lemon, baking soda, vinegar, and rubbing alcohol. All of these are safe for both you and the environment.

You can use baking soda to scrub your bathroom and kitchen.On the other hand, if you are cleaning and packing in a hurry, there's nothing wrong with buying cleaning products. However, you should carefully read the labels of these items. Many products contain harmful chemicals, such as ammonia, chlorine, and petroleum-based chemicals. You should avoid these cleaners as they can cause health issues, especially respiratory ones. Furthermore, make sure that the room you are cleaning is properly ventilated. Even if you use safe products, airflow is important. Keep all the windows and doors open while you clean, so that the house isn't stuffy for its new owners.

Don't use the dryer if you don't have to

When packing for a move, you should always clean the items first. Packing them dirty will make them last for a shorter time. Also, you don't want to get dirt in your new clean home with filthy things. Washing your clothes before packing them will make your job much easier once the time for unpacking comes. Many households have a clothes dryer which they use regularly. However, these dryers use a lot of electricity and using them to dry all of your clothes will make your electricity bill sky-rocket. If you have the chance, hang dry your clothes instead. You will be surprised at how much money you will save.While it is good for your wallet, avoiding the dryer is also good for the environment. This is another example of an eco-friendly technique for cleaning before packing. If you are washing the clothes on a rainy day, no need to worry. You can use a collapsible rack for drying your clothes, which you can put inside your house. Finally, if you are looking to buy a dryer, look for one that uses the least electricity. There are plenty of eco-friendly options out there.

Start from the top when cleaning before packing

It seems that the hardest thing about cleaning your entire house is to start. You should know the best place to begin, which is at the top. You should start by dusting your light fixtures and ceiling. Use a vacuum to clean off any cobwebs from the corners. Alternatively, you can use a duster with natural fibers and simply wash it afterward. It is a good idea to also vacuum the curtains, as a lot of dust and dirt can collect in between. Next, use a damp linen cloth to wipe any cabinets or shelves. Don't use an alcohol-based cleaner so that you don't damage the wood.

It's a good idea to use a vacuum that has a water tank.Finally, when you are cleaning before packing your home, thoroughly vacuum each room. Wipe down the floors with a mop. You can add a few drops of essential oil to the mix to give your home a nice scent. When you are finished cleaning, go through each room one more time to make sure you didn't miss anything.