Planning a Move?

It’s Never Easy.

You never realize how much stuff you have until it’s time to move it all! Moving is never easy (it’s in the top 5 of most stressful life events for a reason) but it offers the perfect opportunity to cleanse and start anew. Here are a few tips we live by to help you achieve a zero waste move.

• Find the Keepers. The first part of any move is deciding what is coming with you and what you can let go of. 

• Organize the Rest. Make a list of everything that needs to go, and break it down into things you’re hoping to sell and items you’re looking to recycle or give away.

• It Takes Time. Give yourself at least a month. In order to find the right buyer, organize your donations and research local specialty recycling centers (think eyeglasses, medical supplies, paint cans) you’ll want to start early. 

• It’s a Process. And it will evolve. We recommend labeling boxes with painters tape, so you can change the labels as you go.

• Better Boxes. Reusable bins are a great, secure and trash-free way to move. Reused boxes can also work well, and are easily sourced from a grocery/liquor store or friends. Instead of bubble wrap, use household linens, towels and sweaters for cushion.

If you’re stumped on where something should go, reach out to NHG––we love to find the needle in a haystack of who is looking for the thing that you have. And read more ways to donate during quarantine on our blog.

Reduce your Garbage

Just because you don’t know what to do with something, doesn’t mean it has to go in the trash. There are tons of resources, especially in the Bay Area, for properly disposing of all sorts of household items. I put together a handy list of my go-to resources for selling, freecycling, recycling and upcycling so you can find every item a new home.

Donating doesn’t have to be daunting. We’ve formed dozens of partnerships so don’t hesitate to reach out for us to do the donating for you.