One thing you can do prior to moving is have a good clear out. Be really ruthless with belongings and clothes, thinking carefully about whether you really need that item and do you want to take it with you when you move?
Once you have decided what you want to get rid of, how could you ensure you do it sustainably to be kind to the planet? You migh even be able to be able to help others – one man’s junk is another man’s treasure!
DONATE
You could donate clothes, shoes, accessories, furniture and much more to charity. There are different types of charities who support specific people or causes. Why not do some research and give to a charity that supports a cause close to your heart? For example, ‘Little Lives UK’ collect unwanted and unused clothing to help disabled or disadvantaged children in London. This charity in particular will take clothing, bags, accessories, jewellery, puzzles, games and some household items such as duvets. This way you are making a difference to people’s lives, while also reducing landfill and helping to protect the planet.
Some other ideas for donation include:
- Foster care programmes
- Refugee organisations
- Prisons
- Homeless shelters
- Nursing homes
- Domestic violence centres
- British Heart Foundation
- Local charity shops
RECYCLE
Check out local places that might be in need of the items you are wanting to get rid of. Places like animal rescue centres will often be really grateful for old pet supplies and blankets. Could you ask on a local Facebook group where the closest recycle drop off is or if anyone would like any of the items you have?
Did you know it takes polyester anywhere between 20 to 200 years to decompose?! Recycling clothing is a great way to avoid adding to landfill. Could you recycle items yourself and create something new with them through so-called ‘upcycling’? Do you have old furniture that could be revived with some new upholstery and given a new lease of life? If you are looking at getting rid of a variation of belongings such as furniture, an old shed, metal etc, there are companies that will come to you, collect and recycle mixed waste such as Green City Recycling for a reasonable fee. This can be a great eco-friendly alternative to throwing things into a skip or bin during home moving!
UPCYCLE
Interested in finding more about upcycling? Join Pinterest and check out reels or videos on social media – there are some great hacks when it comes to upcycling. You can use items you already have or furniture you might be looking at buying that you could adapt. Would you consider buying furniture second-hand and jazzing it up rather than buying brand new items?
Have you ever heard of or tried chalk paint? There’s no prep, sanding or priming needed; you simply paint it on various materials such as metal or wood, and hey presto, you can give an old piece of furniture a complete make over. You can find some real bargains in second-hand furniture shops or places like Facebook Marketplace!
SELL
If you have furniture, clothes and belongings that still have plenty of life left in them, could you sell them? Not only does this mean you can declutter, but you can make some extra cash. If you don’t have the time or energy to do this or the thought of Ebay fills you with dread, there are plenty of shops, social media groups and small businesses that will sell items for you and will take a small fee from the profit for proving this service.
COMPOST
Did you know you can compost clothing and fabrics that are made from 100% natural fibres? If you have clothing, curtains or upholstery that’s beyond help but is 100% made from a natural material such as cotton, hemp, linen or silk, you can actually compost it! All you need to do is cut the fabric into small pieces, removing buttons, zips and other non-biodegradable materials, and set up a compost area in your garden.
For more help and support with moving home, contact us today!
