Eco-friendly tips for storing your belongings

Many of us do things outside of our homes to reduce our carbon footprint and try to save the environment. However, you should know that there are simple ways to do so in your own home as well. While you probably don't want to leave your home and live in the woods, there is something you can do without having to completely change your living habits. We often clutter our homes with items we don't really need. Even worse, we store them in ways that are less than eco-friendly. In order to learn some of the eco-friendly ways of storing your belongings, you should read our tips and try to apply them to your home.

Consider what you are storing your belongings in

Before you start to pack your belongings in cardboard boxes, think again. These boxes are not very eco-friendly. The cardboard that they are made of is not very sturdy. This means that you won't be able to reuse them without them breaking. Moreover, they are not suitable for keeping mold and mildew away from your items. Instead, you should consider investing in plastic storage bins for moving. These bins are excellent for both short and long-term storing. You can use them for a long time and you won't risk damaging your belongings.Along with these bins, you can reuse some of the sturdier boxes you already have in your home. For example, use old shoe boxes to keep smaller things, such as stationery items, jewelry, or trinkets from around the house. Also, you can store seasonal items such as winter hats, gloves, scarves, etc.

Packing materials can be eco-friendly

When you store fragile items such as china or glasses, you need to have materials that will protect them. Many people spend money on packing materials that they will use only once. However, these materials are usually plastic or cardboard and can be very bad for the planet. On the other hand, you can use the things that you already have in your home. For example, you can use old linens or rags to wrap fragile items before placing them in bins. Additionally, old newspapers are excellent for packing electronics or other sensitive items.

You can even use old linens to clean your home.Moving into a new home can be very expensive and you probably want to save every penny. While the tips for storing your belongings can be applied as well, there is another solution. You can rent moving supplies instead of buying new ones. This is a great way to protect the environment, as you reduce the amount of plastic and cardboard. Moreover, it will cost you less than buying your own.

Declutter your home before storing your belongings

In order to reduce the waste in your home, you should start by getting rid of the clutter. Go through each room of your house and think about the items in them. If you haven't used something for a long time, it is probably time to toss it out. Also, many households have old newspapers, magazines, and catalogs that serve no purpose. You can find a recycling center in your area that will be happy to take them. For other items, you have different options. First, you can give away something that still works or isn't damaged. Ask around for any takers or post ads online that you are donating items. On the other hand, you can donate them directly to a charity of your choice.

Get rid of old newspapers by recycling them and saving the environment.The fewer items you have in your home, the more organized you will be. While it may be hard to let go of some things, you will feel better afterward. Also, it will be much easier to clean once there isn't any trash or clutter to work around. Moreover, you will need to get rid of stuff before you move anyway, so doing it now will save you time in the future.

Think about how you pack items

There are many creative ways in which you can optimize the space in your home for storing your belongings. You don't have to spend money on expensive shelves or cabinets. Instead, you can use the space already available to you. For example, old mason jars are excellent for storing kitchen utensils or even paintbrushes. Also, you can use them as vases or planters. Additionally, if you have any wooden crates left over from shopping, you can utilize them in your home. Set them up on shelves and use them to store books or blankets. You can even make additional shelving from these crates. All you need is some nails and a hammer. Give them a new look by painting them with a fresh coat of your choosing.

You can use wooden crates to store books and magazines in your living room.Another great idea is to repurpose plastic moving bins to set up a recycling station. Place them in your kitchen or garage and write what should go inside: paper, plastic, metal, or glass. Use them whenever you have the chance. This will ensure that you are eco-friendly in the future as well, as opposed to it being a one time deal. You can even make some money by dropping off these items at a recycling center.

Rent a portable container for storing your belongings

If you still need extra space for all of your belongings, you should consider renting a portable storage container. As opposed to a storage unit, these containers are much more environmentally friendly. For one, they don't need electricity, unlike climate-controlled units. Moreover, you can place them in your yard or close to your home. This will save you not only time but money as well. You won't have to spend money on gas in order to drive to your unit. These units are ideal for storing your belongings that don't depend on the climate conditions. These include clothes, seasonal decorations and items, gardening tools, kitchen items, lawn furniture, etc. Finally, these containers are less expensive than a physical storage unit, and they require less maintenance.