How to Conduct a Home Inventory After You MoveMake Sure All You Items Arrived without Damage or Loss
By Diane Schmidt, About.com Guide
After a move, an important step in unpacking is to take a home inventory. You want to make sure that all your items made it to your new place without damage or loss.
While the Movers are ThereMost movers will assign you the task of checking off items as they bring them into your home. This is done with an inventory sheet and corresponding numbers and descriptions. It's really important that this check-off is done without being distracted. Sometimes it's difficult if there are several movers, each bringing in items at the same time. I usually post myself at the door and only allow one mover in at a time until I find the item on the sheet. Items are marked with a number that corresponds to a number on the sheet.
Remember, if something is missing, highlight it and bring it to the movers' attention. Don't sign the sheet until you feel confident that all boxes and single items are accounted for.
Also make sure you check the furniture and appliances carefully. Missing feet, broken knobs and scratches can be overlooked in the first inventory round. Take your time and if possible, have a friend with you so you can divide up duties; one person can check off items as they come through the door while the other person can look over stuff to ensure there isn't any damage. Make sure you plug in appliances and check that they're working before signing the inventory sheet. Plus, it is so much easier to locate a missing box or discuss damage when the movers are still there.
If you find items have been damaged in the move, make sure you note these on the inventory sheet. We had this happen once to a rocking chair and because we'd made a note about it on the sheet, and the mover also has to sign the sheet, we received compensation for the damage.
After the Movers are GoneWhen you're unpacking, keep a notepad beside you to make notes on items that might be missing and/or are damaged. Missing boxes will have been noted when the movers were there, but damage to items packed inside won't be.
If other people are helping you unpack, make sure you have copies of the inventory sheet you created when you were first packing or that they're matching the list on the outside of each box with what they're unpacking. They should also note damages or place damaged items aside for you to inspect later.
Make sure you check all small appliances and electronics, too. Something might look fine on the outside, but once you plug in the device, it might not work. This task should be done within the first few days of unpacking; don't wait until you actually use the item to report it's damage. By then, the insurance might not cover the cost of replacement.
Report Missing Items and DamagesIf anything is missing, call the mover first to see if they can track the item. Often the item was left on the truck so it's simply a matter of checking for it. If the item is found, the mover will either drop it off to your home or send it to you by courier.
If the mover says they can't find the item or if you find items have been damaged, contact the insurance company, either through the mover or through your own personal insurance. Either way, you'll need to file a claim and provide information on the missing or damaged item. This is when a home inventory list, made before you move, comes in handy.
For more information on filing a claim, read the article How to File a Moving Insurance Claim.
Hopefully, you won't have to submit a claim and that your unpacking goes as smoothly as your packing.
Source:
http://moving.about.com/od/thingsyouneedtodo/a/home_inventory.htm
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Movers in La Canada Flintridge California
Movers Pacific Palisades
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
15 Ways to Store More in Your Kitchen
Moving into a Smaller Kitchen? Store More!
By Diane Schmidt, About.com Guide
If you're moving to a new home that doesn't have as much kitchen storage space as your old home, you might find that you're having to get rid of things that are essential. Finding ways of storing things in your kitchen is not only a great way to find room for all your things, but will also help organize your stuff so it's easier to find, while keeping things out of the way.
How to Store More
Remove flour, sugar, pasta and other dry goods from their original packaging and store them into containers that can be stacked. I find square containers the easiest to stack, plus their square sides use the space more effectively.
My favorite way of storing spices, is to transfer them to containers with labels on the top, each spice written on the label. Place the containers in a drawer, with the label facing up. While your spices might take up an entire drawer, they're easier to identify and it keeps them dry and away from the heat. Heat from the stove can diminish the potency of the spice.
If your cabinets have space between the top and the ceiling, this becomes a perfect place to store items that are infrequently used. It can also serve as a dry pantry, storing flours, sugars and other dry goods that you might not use as often as other food items. Large baskets that fit into the space below the ceiling will assist in creating an uncluttered storage area that will be functional and add some texture to the room.
To get more use out of drawers, use drawer inserts to help organize items. Flatware might not take up an entire drawer, so use the extra space for other utensils or spices or dishtowels.
On the inside of cabinet doors, attach racks, hooks or bins that can hold extra items, such as plastic wrap and plastic bags. Attach racks to the inside of cabinet doors to boost storage options. Be sure to allow enough clearance within your cabinets for racks that tidily stow paper products.
I strongly suggest using wire baskets that hang down from shelves. Wire baskets can be pulled out and used to store extra plates or food items. Just make sure baskets can slide easily out and in and won't interfere with the items stored on the cabinet shelves.
Even though I prefer having a clear counter space, items that are flat and easy to store, such as cutting boards, can be placed between other items, or next to the refrigerator.
Use the space under the kitchen sink to store cleaning supplies, garbage bags or other items by installing bins and shelving units.
Add shelves to blank wall space, or to the side of cabinets. Place items that are not used often such as cookbooks.
Attach a towel rack to the inside of a cabinet or below the sink.
Purchase a small movable kitchen island. Islands are available in varying sizes and shapes and if you buy one that has wheels, then you can shift it around in the space, even placing it in another room when it's not being used.
When trying to make the most out of cabinet space, move shelves so that they fit the contents. Try not to have too much space between top of items and the next shelf. If you can't adjust shelf height, make sure you use the extra space by installing wire baskets or an extra shelf.
Use a metal wall grid or a pot rack to store pots, freeing up much needed cabinet space.
Use a dining room for extra storage by installing an armoire or buffet which can hold good dishes, china and other items that aren't used on a daily basis.
Use space above a counter top microwave to store a basket that can hold mail, keys or items that will require sorting. You can also purchase (inexpensive) plastic holders that have magnets attached that will stick onto the side of a fridge or stove.
Moving into a Smaller Kitchen? Store More!
By Diane Schmidt, About.com Guide
If you're moving to a new home that doesn't have as much kitchen storage space as your old home, you might find that you're having to get rid of things that are essential. Finding ways of storing things in your kitchen is not only a great way to find room for all your things, but will also help organize your stuff so it's easier to find, while keeping things out of the way.
How to Store More
Remove flour, sugar, pasta and other dry goods from their original packaging and store them into containers that can be stacked. I find square containers the easiest to stack, plus their square sides use the space more effectively.
My favorite way of storing spices, is to transfer them to containers with labels on the top, each spice written on the label. Place the containers in a drawer, with the label facing up. While your spices might take up an entire drawer, they're easier to identify and it keeps them dry and away from the heat. Heat from the stove can diminish the potency of the spice.
If your cabinets have space between the top and the ceiling, this becomes a perfect place to store items that are infrequently used. It can also serve as a dry pantry, storing flours, sugars and other dry goods that you might not use as often as other food items. Large baskets that fit into the space below the ceiling will assist in creating an uncluttered storage area that will be functional and add some texture to the room.
To get more use out of drawers, use drawer inserts to help organize items. Flatware might not take up an entire drawer, so use the extra space for other utensils or spices or dishtowels.
On the inside of cabinet doors, attach racks, hooks or bins that can hold extra items, such as plastic wrap and plastic bags. Attach racks to the inside of cabinet doors to boost storage options. Be sure to allow enough clearance within your cabinets for racks that tidily stow paper products.
I strongly suggest using wire baskets that hang down from shelves. Wire baskets can be pulled out and used to store extra plates or food items. Just make sure baskets can slide easily out and in and won't interfere with the items stored on the cabinet shelves.
Even though I prefer having a clear counter space, items that are flat and easy to store, such as cutting boards, can be placed between other items, or next to the refrigerator.
Use the space under the kitchen sink to store cleaning supplies, garbage bags or other items by installing bins and shelving units.
Add shelves to blank wall space, or to the side of cabinets. Place items that are not used often such as cookbooks.
Attach a towel rack to the inside of a cabinet or below the sink.
Purchase a small movable kitchen island. Islands are available in varying sizes and shapes and if you buy one that has wheels, then you can shift it around in the space, even placing it in another room when it's not being used.
When trying to make the most out of cabinet space, move shelves so that they fit the contents. Try not to have too much space between top of items and the next shelf. If you can't adjust shelf height, make sure you use the extra space by installing wire baskets or an extra shelf.
Use a metal wall grid or a pot rack to store pots, freeing up much needed cabinet space.
Use a dining room for extra storage by installing an armoire or buffet which can hold good dishes, china and other items that aren't used on a daily basis.
Use space above a counter top microwave to store a basket that can hold mail, keys or items that will require sorting. You can also purchase (inexpensive) plastic holders that have magnets attached that will stick onto the side of a fridge or stove.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Unpacking Tips - What to Unpack the First Day
Where and How to Start Unpacking
By Diane Schmidt
Okay, I'll admit it. I really, really dislike unpacking. It's probably because I'm usually excited by moving so unpacking just gets in the way of enjoying a new place, a new neighborhood and new city. So I tend to resent all those boxes and all that stuff. So, to make sure I don't feel overwhelmed by the enormity of the project ahead of me, I break down the steps into unpacking days.
Unpacking - Day 1
Place furniture first. If you can know ahead of time the layout of your new home, you can plan where to place furniture. If you don't have access to the layout, then try to assess the rooms when you first arrive so you can have the movers, or your helpers, place the furniture in the space where it will remain. That way, you don't have to rearrange larger pieces afterward.
Check to make sure the electricity has been switched on. If it has, place and plug in all major appliances, in particular the fridge and freezer so they'll be ready to use when you need them.
Set-up and assemble the beds. Locate the bedding and pillows. You're going to be tired by the time the day is over, so you'll want to make sure your bed is ready when you are.
Place boxes in the right rooms.When unloading, place all the boxes into the appropriate rooms. This will save you from frantically searching room by room for stuff.
Locate your essentials box. Unpack what you need to get you through the day and the next morning. Toilet paper, shower curtain, towels, coffee maker, etc... will all come in handy as the day progresses.
Have all the other members of your family locate their essential box, too. This should contain the most critical personal items such as toothbrush, pajamas, any medications, books, etc... These can be unpacked as needed.
Find what works best for you. For people that have moved more than once, you probably have your own method and process of unpacking. Personally, I start with the kitchen, work my way to the bathroom, then do the bedrooms. My office is also a priority since this is where I need to work. I set up my computer first, even before the coffee maker.
Some people, on the other hand, like to unpack a few boxes in one room, then move to the next room. It's up to you. The most important thing to remember is to unpack what you use and need first. If you don't cook a lot, then the bathroom might take priority; or you have to start a new job the next day, so finding and ironing that new white shirt should take precedence. Only you can decide.
Where and How to Start Unpacking
By Diane Schmidt
Okay, I'll admit it. I really, really dislike unpacking. It's probably because I'm usually excited by moving so unpacking just gets in the way of enjoying a new place, a new neighborhood and new city. So I tend to resent all those boxes and all that stuff. So, to make sure I don't feel overwhelmed by the enormity of the project ahead of me, I break down the steps into unpacking days.
Unpacking - Day 1
Place furniture first. If you can know ahead of time the layout of your new home, you can plan where to place furniture. If you don't have access to the layout, then try to assess the rooms when you first arrive so you can have the movers, or your helpers, place the furniture in the space where it will remain. That way, you don't have to rearrange larger pieces afterward.
Check to make sure the electricity has been switched on. If it has, place and plug in all major appliances, in particular the fridge and freezer so they'll be ready to use when you need them.
Set-up and assemble the beds. Locate the bedding and pillows. You're going to be tired by the time the day is over, so you'll want to make sure your bed is ready when you are.
Place boxes in the right rooms.When unloading, place all the boxes into the appropriate rooms. This will save you from frantically searching room by room for stuff.
Locate your essentials box. Unpack what you need to get you through the day and the next morning. Toilet paper, shower curtain, towels, coffee maker, etc... will all come in handy as the day progresses.
Have all the other members of your family locate their essential box, too. This should contain the most critical personal items such as toothbrush, pajamas, any medications, books, etc... These can be unpacked as needed.
Find what works best for you. For people that have moved more than once, you probably have your own method and process of unpacking. Personally, I start with the kitchen, work my way to the bathroom, then do the bedrooms. My office is also a priority since this is where I need to work. I set up my computer first, even before the coffee maker.
Some people, on the other hand, like to unpack a few boxes in one room, then move to the next room. It's up to you. The most important thing to remember is to unpack what you use and need first. If you don't cook a lot, then the bathroom might take priority; or you have to start a new job the next day, so finding and ironing that new white shirt should take precedence. Only you can decide.
Checklist of Final Tasks Before Moving Out
Have You Forgotten Anything?
By Diane Schmidt, About.com Guide
Before you lock the door for the very last time, make sure you haven't forgotten anything and that you're ready to say goodbye. There's nothing worse than leaving your old home only to remember that you forgot to turn off the lawn sprinkler or that you've taken the garage door opener with you.
Before Leaving the Keys Behind, Make Sure You...
Check all the water taps to make sure they're turned off. This is particularly important if the new residents aren't moving in on the same day you're moving out. A lot of water could be wasted if a tap is left on or is left dripping.
Lock all doors and windows, including garage and storage shed. Check every lock and recheck the windows to make sure the house is secure.
Check the washer/dryer, fridge and freezer for anything you might have left behind. I left a full load of laundry in the dryer once and had to return to retrieve it.
Check the outside of your home for any stray tools, toys or garden hoses that you may have forgot to pack. Also, make sure you don't leave your Christmas lights behind or any other outdoor decorations.
Turn off the heat, air conditioner and unplug the appliances. Unless you've been given other instructions, turn off the heat, the air conditioner and make sure any appliance that you're leaving behind are unplugged.
Switch off the lights. Unless the real estate agent or landlord has told you to leave lights on for safety reasons, turn off all lights including any outdoor lights.
Retrieve any keys that you may have hidden around the property. It's easy to leave keys behind, so make sure you collect them all, including keys that you gave a neighbor or friend. Also, gather all the keys from every member of your family, and make sure you leave keys for every door of the house, garage and storage shed.
Go through each room one last time. Go through your home room by room to make sure you haven't forgotten anything. Check all closets, cupboards, and cubbyholes. Check the attic, too. Often times it's the storage areas that are forgotten. Check the fridge, the stove, the fireplace, the kitchen cupboards and back patios for forgotten items.
While you're traveling through your home for the last time, say goodbye and take a moment to remember the good times, and the bad, and know that you're moving on to new experiences and a new chapter of your life.
Source:
http://moving.about.com/od/packingquicktips/qt/last_tasks.htm
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Have You Forgotten Anything?
By Diane Schmidt, About.com Guide
Before you lock the door for the very last time, make sure you haven't forgotten anything and that you're ready to say goodbye. There's nothing worse than leaving your old home only to remember that you forgot to turn off the lawn sprinkler or that you've taken the garage door opener with you.
Before Leaving the Keys Behind, Make Sure You...
Check all the water taps to make sure they're turned off. This is particularly important if the new residents aren't moving in on the same day you're moving out. A lot of water could be wasted if a tap is left on or is left dripping.
Lock all doors and windows, including garage and storage shed. Check every lock and recheck the windows to make sure the house is secure.
Check the washer/dryer, fridge and freezer for anything you might have left behind. I left a full load of laundry in the dryer once and had to return to retrieve it.
Check the outside of your home for any stray tools, toys or garden hoses that you may have forgot to pack. Also, make sure you don't leave your Christmas lights behind or any other outdoor decorations.
Turn off the heat, air conditioner and unplug the appliances. Unless you've been given other instructions, turn off the heat, the air conditioner and make sure any appliance that you're leaving behind are unplugged.
Switch off the lights. Unless the real estate agent or landlord has told you to leave lights on for safety reasons, turn off all lights including any outdoor lights.
Retrieve any keys that you may have hidden around the property. It's easy to leave keys behind, so make sure you collect them all, including keys that you gave a neighbor or friend. Also, gather all the keys from every member of your family, and make sure you leave keys for every door of the house, garage and storage shed.
Go through each room one last time. Go through your home room by room to make sure you haven't forgotten anything. Check all closets, cupboards, and cubbyholes. Check the attic, too. Often times it's the storage areas that are forgotten. Check the fridge, the stove, the fireplace, the kitchen cupboards and back patios for forgotten items.
While you're traveling through your home for the last time, say goodbye and take a moment to remember the good times, and the bad, and know that you're moving on to new experiences and a new chapter of your life.
Source:
http://moving.about.com/od/packingquicktips/qt/last_tasks.htm
Movers Anaheim
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Moving In - How to Get Involved In Your New Community
Meet New People, Make New Friends
By Diane Schmidt, About.com Guide
Whether you're moving from a large city to a small town or from a small town to a large city, feeling like you're part of a community takes time and effort on your part. Use these tips for getting acquainted more quickly.
Volunteer
For me, this is always the easiest way to get involved, make new friends and feel like you're making a difference. Find a local organization which supports your interests, then visit their office to find out how to help. With volunteering, a minimum amount of hours are usually required, however, this can range from just a couple to a full-time committment. In addition, unlike people you might meet at a place of employment, volunteers are usually made up of different kinds of people, with varying backgrounds, interests and employment histories. This can lead to further networking and job possibilities.Join a Club
I'm not too much into clubs, but my husband swears by them! Again, think about what interests you whether it's a sport, such as hiking or skiing or walking, or a hobby, such as reading, investments or photography - most towns and certainly large cities will have a wide variety of clubs from which to choose. To start, read the article, Find Local Clubs, Activities and Groups to Join for websites to get you started.Take a Class
Find a local class to join. The best place to start looking is at your local recreation or community centre and small colleges. Painting, languages, even belly dancing can not only teach you new skills, but will help you get acquainted with people in your neighborhood.Post-Graduation Moves
Many people find their first jobs right after undergrad. Most move to a new city, find an apartment, and begin their working lives. While it's usually easy to find friends and family to help you move to college, often you are on our own when moving out. This is a big time in your life, a stressful one at that, and completing this list of things will alleviate the stress of this crazy time.
Moving Out of Your College Town
Moving Company/Rental Truck: Hire a moving company or reserve a rental truck first thing, especially in a college town. You and everybody else are looking for a truck to rent. Make sure you get one first.Cleaning Your Apartment: With finals, graduation, your new job, and your lease running out, it will likely be the case that you will be packing all your things in a couple days, maybe even less. But don't neglect your apartment, dorm, or student housing. They will have no problems fining you for an unkempt apartment. While it is hard to fully clean a place you will never see again, it was part of the lease agreement, and there is no point throwing away good money when all you need to do is a couple hours of cleaning.
College Furniture: If you have furniture, consider how closely you are tied to it. You are a professional now, and it might be time to jettison that old college furniture. Also, it will be cheaper and easier to move to your new city without having to rent a bigger truck for all of your old furniture.
Carpet Cleaning: If your carpet is a mess, and it is up to you to make it right, hire a carpet cleaning service to remedy all the spills and stains in your carpet.
Light Bulbs: Remember to replace all the light bulbs that have burnt out. This is part of most leases, so be sure to do this.
Locating Boxes: If you are looking to locate some cheap boxes, bars and liquor stores always have the best ones. Because of the weight of what is going in their boxes is so heavy, they are built to be sturdy. So don't worry about books or other heavy objects breaking them.
*Most Important Thing* Find a sticker for your car that shows that you are an alum. This is a great way to meet people, and also might help if another alum spots you having car trouble.
Packing for the Road
Packing Bikes: Visit a bike shop for a box to pack your bike.Heavy Boxes: Sit all boxes of books and heavy stuff on the floor so that lighter boxes can go on top.
Stacking Breakables: Find a place on the floor for breakables so that they can't fall off of anything.
Rental Truck Emergency Kit: Buy some windshield wiper fluid, anti-freeze or coolant, and motor oil. This truck will be pulling a heavy load and it might need more than just gas to get there.
Buy a Lock: Buy a lock so that you can secure the back door to your truck.
Road Supplies: Make a list of things that you want to have in the car with you, either to eat, drink, or occupy your mind.
Lodging Reservations: If you will be stopping in an area with many lodging choices, it is best to grab a room when you arrive to get the best price. But if you don't want to drive around looking for places, then reserve a room in advance. If you are camping in a state park, it is best to reserve a space before you leave.
Always Double-Check: Double-check reservations at campgrounds, hotels, motels, Aunt Jane's just to be on the safe side.
Road Trip Essentials: If you are renting a moving trucks, know that they are only equipped with the barest essentials, often without a tape deck or CD player, sometimes even without FM radio. Check your particular truck and decide if you can travel that far without some good tunes. Buying a small radio or MP3 player might be a good investment.
Consider Unloading: If you can, pack such that what you want to come off first is put on last. Mainly items that will be going upstairs or toward the back of the house should be loaded last, so they can come off first.
Towing a Vehicle: If you are towing a vehicle behind your rental truck, make sure the trailer has a working tow package. This means that the brake lights, tail lights, blinkers, and trailer brakes are all in working order.
Parking Your Rental Truck: If you are traveling on multiple nights, make sure to park your truck smartly. Find a wall or a tree or some otherwise immovable place where you can back the truck right up close. This way, if someone happens to break into your truck, they won't be able to get many items out.
Moving In: If you have items that will just go into storage in your new home, such as in the basement or in a closet, be sure to take these boxes straight there. Don't just drop off boxes right inside the door because it's easy. Take them where they need to go because you will end up stepping over them throughout moving day.
One Extra Day: It is a smart idea to compare the pricing difference if you kept the truck one extra day. People often underestimate how draining the whole moving process can be, and if you are hurrying all day so that you can return the truck by five, you will most likely make extra work on yourself by not moving the right things to the right room. Find out what it would be worth to you to be able to take breaks, work at a nice pace, and take the truck back the next day. It could be such a small amount that it will be worth it to pay for the extra time and have the option to be tired and work smartly.
Gas up the Truck: Be sure to take the rental truck back with a full tank of gas, as they will charge you an extraordinary amount per gallon if they have to fill it.
Odds & Ends
Thrift Store: Make a trip to a thrift store to give away clothes and shoes that you don't wear anymore. Remember to get receipts and write-off forms for the value of what was donated.Find Home for Plants: Most plants cannot handle the extreme environments they are placed in during a move. If you really care about your plants, find them a good home.
Shut Off Utilities: Set up a time to shut off your utilities, phone, cable, and internet.
Cell Phone: Have your cell phone number changed to the appropriate city.
Close Bank Accounts: If you bank with a national bank, it might be the case that you won't need to close down your current one. You can just change the account to your new city.
Dry Cleaning: Don't forget to pick up your dry cleaning.
Tip for Efficient Travel: If you are moving yourself, pack foods that have high-water content like grapes, oranges, apples, etc. These foods will keep you hydrated so that you don't have to drink so many liquids. This will reduce the number of times you will have to stop for restroom breaks and will keep you on the road.
Change of Address: File a change of address form with the post office. Also change your address with credit cards, memberships, magazines, netflix, etc. Cancel your newspaper subscription if you are moving out of the area.
Moving in
Reserve the Elevator: If you are moving into a high-rise apartment, reserve use of an elevator (where possible) so that you are not constantly waiting on each load.Apartment Walk-Through: Make sure that you make note of all the problems in your apartment when you move in so that you aren't held accountable for them when you move out.
Moving Related Items
Set Up Utilities: Call to have your utilities turned on the day before you arrive at your new place. Don't forget cable and internet.Appraisal of Current Needs: Before you even think about moving things that you don't even want anymore, consider if you have anything that needs to be replaced. Why move an old mattress when you could have a brand new one waiting in your new home? Think about other large items that will be difficult to transport and consider buying the item new in your new city.
Medical Records: Grab medical records from your school, if you have any.
Transfer Prescriptions
Open Bank Accounts: Some banks have a painless transfer of accounts, although with others it can be a complete mess. Be prepared for the mess, and be pleasantly surprised if one doesn't happen.
Return Library Books/Rented Videos: If you happen to leave town without taking care of this, you most likely will forget once you are in a new place. This is an annoying task, but not as annoying as the fine that will accrue if you don't take care of this before you go.
Prepare Your Car for the Road: Have your vehicle serviced (oil change, rotate tires, etc.). Do this as early as you can in case the mechanics find something that will require you to come back for a second visit.
No More Groceries: Don't go to the grocery store for anything other than essentials. The idea is to begin paring down your food supply so that you have less to move and less to throw away.
Music Scene: Search for the music scene in your new location to find out if there are concerts you want to see soon after you arrive.
*All the Things You Will Miss* Visit all the restaurants, parks, theaters, shops, and anything else that you will not have access to once you move. End your time in this town and on this campus on the best note possible. Do the things you enjoy.
Read more: http://www.servicemagic.com/article.show.Post-Graduation-Moves.13464.html#ixzz1f737MO1w
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Sunday, November 27, 2011
What To do With All Those Packing Peanuts After Moving?
How to Recycle Packing Materials
By Diane Schmidt, About.com Guide
If you're like me and you hate packing peanuts, mostly because they make a mess and they're so hard to get rid of, well now you can rest easy. Here's what to do with all those packing peanuts that you love to hate.
Do You Need Packing Peanuts?
Of course, the best way to avoid having to get rid of packing peanuts is to not use them in the first place. Often, packing peanuts enter our homes through online purchases. We're often the innocent victim. Well, some companies, if you call them directly and ask politely, may offer alternatives to the nasty peanuts. Just ask before you buy.For those of you thinking of purchasing packing peanuts to protect items during a move, first consider alternatives. Plain newsprint, rolled up socks and stuffed toys can also serve as protection for fragile items. And if you're determined that packing peanuts are what you need to move your stuff safely, then you should know how to identify the good, the bad and the just plain ugly.
Know Your Colors
Believe it or not, packing peanuts are now color coded so you can easily identify which ones are more environmentally-friendly.- White and pink: These are the traditional packing peanuts, the one most of us see when ordering electronics or glassware. The colors white and pink indicate that the materials used to make the packing peanuts are 70% raw, meaning that non-recycled materials were used in their manufacturing. These are the peanuts that won't break down and need to be recycled.
- Green: Naturally, green packing peanuts are the friendliest you can get. They're made from 70% recycled materials and can break down in the environment. So, if you're going to purchase packing peanuts, make sure they're green - literally!
What to Do with All Those Packing Peanuts
- Test the peanuts. The first thing you need to do before you take any further steps is to test the packing peanuts to see what they're made of. Most have a petroleum base which means they take a long time to break down in the environment and can release toxic substances. However, some packing peanuts have become a little more green. Plant-based or vegetable-derived peanuts are becoming more popular.To test the peanuts, place a few in water or under a running faucet. If the material breaks down, then the peanuts can be put into your compost bin or used in planters to help with water drainage. If the peanuts don't break down, then you need to take the next steps.
- Call a packing supply company. Some packing and shipping companies, like UPS, will take used (but clean) packing peanuts. You need to call first and ask if they will and if not, where else you can take them. Most shippers are used to dealing with packing peanuts and are a source of information.
- Call your local EPS or recycling center. For readers in the US, the EPS provides drop-off locations of where to recycle packing peanuts. They'll even do mail-back recycling in case you don't have a local recycling station.Another place to check is Earth911. It's a great site that will list recycling centers in your area. Again, it's for US readers only.For readers living in other countries, check for local recycling centers by doing an online search. Most local governments or city websites will list recycling stations and/or companies that recycle materials for you. Just make sure you call first to ask if they recycle packing peanuts.
- Reuse. Reusing the packing peanuts might be easier than you think. Posting an ad onCraig's List, giving them to friends who are moving, or storing them away for another move are all possibilities.
- Donate them to a school or craft center. Check with your local community center, day care or school to see if they could use the packing material for crafts or other projects.
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