Whether it's a cozy patio or a lush garden, simplifying these areas before a move can not only save you time and effort but also align your relocation with eco-friendly practices. In this installment of our Decluttering Series, we focus on outdoor spaces—specifically, the best strategies for moving outdoor furniture and other elements efficiently and sustainably.
Decluttering your outdoor spaces requires a different approach compared to indoor areas. Outdoor items are often bulkier, subject to wear from the elements, and can include living plants that need careful handling. From deciding which patio furniture to keep to figuring out how to manage garden tools and plants, we'll guide you through each step to ensure that your move is as green and streamlined as possible.
Start by making a detailed inventory of all outdoor items. Include patio furniture, gardening tools, outdoor decor, and even plants. This will give you a clear overview and help prevent overlooking smaller items.
Document the condition of each item with photos. This is especially useful for moving outdoor furniture, as it helps track any changes in condition during the move and can be helpful if you decide to sell or donate items.
Consider how frequently you use each item. If something hasn’t been used in the last year, it might not be worth taking to your new home.
Evaluate the condition of each piece. Repairable items might be worth keeping if they hold sentimental value or are particularly high quality; otherwise, it might be more cost-effective to replace them.
Think about the space available in your new home. Will large patio sets or bulky gardening equipment fit or be practical in your new setting?
Items that are regularly used, in good condition, or will fit well in your new outdoor space should be kept. Consider selling outdoor furniture or tools that are in good condition but won’t be needed or won’t fit in your new home. Online platforms, garage sales, or local consignment stores can be good outlets. Items that are not worth selling but are still usable can be donated to local charities, schools, or community gardens. Make sure to responsibly dispose of items that are broken beyond repair or would not be accepted by donation centers. Look into recycling options for materials like metal, plastic, and wood.
Inspect each tool for rust, damage, or wear. Determine if it's more cost-effective to repair or replace them after the move. Think about how often you use each tool. If there are items that haven't been used in over a year, you probably don’t need to keep them, with the exception of seasonal tools.
Did you know many metal tools can be recycled? Contact your local recycling centers to find out about recycling old garden tools and equipment. You can also donate tools that are still in good condition but no longer needed to community gardens, schools, or organizations like Habitat for Humanity that could use them.
Focus on keeping tools that are essential for regular maintenance in your new garden, such as spades, rakes, and pruners. If you have multiple items of the same tool, keep the best one and sell, donate, or dispose of the others.
When handling large equipment like lawnmowers or bulky power tools, consider opting for a professional service like MoveMate. Our experienced team specializes in safely transporting heavy and oversized items, ensuring they arrive at your new home without hassle or damage.
If you opt for a DIY approach, here are some tips to help you out:
Examine your patio furniture for wear and tear. Consider whether it's worth refurbishing pieces that are structurally sound but may need a fresh coat of paint or new upholstery. Compare the costs of refurbishing versus buying new, especially if you’re considering high-end or specialty outdoor furniture. Sometimes, refurbishing can be more cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
If you decide not to keep your patio furniture, assess its market value for selling. Online marketplaces, local selling apps, and consignment stores are good outlets for used furniture. For items that aren’t worth selling but are still usable, consider donating to local charities, shelters, or community centers. Ensure the furniture is clean and in good condition before donation.
For furniture that is beyond repair and not suitable for donation, look into recycling options. Many materials, such as metal, wood, and certain plastics, can be recycled. If recycling isn’t an option, ensure you dispose of the furniture responsibly. Check your local regulations for large item disposal to ensure you comply with any municipal guidelines.
Clean your patio furniture thoroughly and disassemble it if possible. This reduces the risk of damage during transport and can save space in the moving truck. MoveMate handles assembly and disassembly for large items, so consider booking professional movers to save time and effort. Remember to use furniture covers or moving blankets to protect your furniture during the move. Secure padding with tape to prevent scratches and dents.
Start planning the transplantation of your plants well before moving day. Research the best ways to transplant specific types of plants to make sure your green buddies aren’t harmed. Use the right tools and techniques for digging up and potting plants. Ensure that the roots are adequately protected and that plants are kept moist during the move.
Transport plants in sturdy containers that can handle the trip. If you’re using plastic pots, make sure they’re not cracked or brittle. If moving long distances, consider the climate and weather conditions your plants will endure during transport. Use insulated covers if moving in cold weather to protect from frost.
If you haven’t already, start composting organic garden waste like leaves, grass clippings, and old plants. This reduces the amount of waste you need to move and provides excellent soil conditioner for your new garden. Check for local municipal or community programs that accept organic waste for composting. This is especially useful for larger quantities of garden debris that you cannot compost on your own.
If you cannot take all your plants with you, consider donating them to a community garden, school, or neighbor. This ensures that your plants continue to thrive and contribute to greening the community. Look for local plant swap events or online plant swap groups where you can exchange or donate plants. This is a great way to ensure your beloved plants find new homes.
Once you arrive at your new home, prioritize planting your transported plants as soon as possible to reduce shock and help them acclimate. Prepare the soil in your new garden before moving your plants. Ensure it has the right nutrients and moisture content for your plants to thrive.
Opt for biodegradable packing peanuts and paper tape, which offer an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic bubble wrap and packing tape. Utilize recycled cardboard boxes and reuse old newspapers or magazines for wrapping and cushioning items. Many moving companies now offer recycled or rentable moving boxes specifically designed for eco-conscious customers.
Where possible, disassemble patio furniture to save space and reduce the amount of packing material needed. This makes transportation more efficient and minimizes the carbon footprint of your move. Use cloth covers or old blankets to wrap furniture and protect it during the move. These can be washed and reused, unlike plastic wrap which is typically discarded after a single use. Arrange items strategically in the moving truck if you’re going the DIY route to maximize space and minimize the number of trips needed. This efficient use of space helps reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
Wrap pots in burlap or similar material to protect them during the move while allowing the plants to breathe. Avoid using plastic bags, which can cause moisture to build up and damage the plants. Secure plants in the moving vehicle so they won’t tip over or slide. Use non-slip mats or wedges to keep pots in place during transit.
Consider how you can reuse packing materials in your new home. For example, burlap used for wrapping pots can be repurposed in the garden for weed control or plant protection. Set up a system for recycling any disposable materials used during the move. Identify local recycling centers that accept materials you may have in excess, like cardboard or plastic.
Take the time to understand the layout and environmental conditions of your new outdoor area. Consider factors like sunlight, shade, wind patterns, and soil type before arranging your furniture and planting. Organize your outdoor space into functional zones—dining, lounging, gardening, etc. This helps in placing furniture and plants in the most suitable locations, enhancing usability and enjoyment.
Opt for outdoor furniture and garden tools made from sustainable materials such as reclaimed wood, recycled plastic, or sustainably sourced metal.
Choose native plants for your garden, as they are better adapted to the local climate and require less water and maintenance. This not only makes your garden more sustainable but also supports local wildlife. Install drip irrigation systems or soaker hoses to minimize water usage. These systems deliver water directly to the base of the plants, reducing waste and evaporation. Consider setting up rain barrels to collect rainwater from downspouts. This water can be used for irrigating your garden, further reducing your environmental footprint.
Set up a composting system to recycle kitchen and garden waste into nutrient-rich compost for your plants, reducing landfill waste and providing natural fertilizer. Use organic mulch around your plants to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil quality. This reduces the need for chemical fertilizers and frequent watering.
You can also design your garden to attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Include a variety of plants that bloom at different times of the year to provide continuous food sources.
Use solar-powered lights to illuminate your outdoor spaces. These lights are sustainable and can dramatically reduce your energy consumption.
Remember, every step you take towards a green move—from selling or donating unused garden tools to setting up rainwater harvesting systems—contributes to a larger impact. It's about more than just reducing clutter or saving money; it's about fostering a lifestyle that respects and enhances your natural surroundings.
As you settle into your new home, let the principles of sustainability guide your choices. Whether it's through recycling, using local plants, or employing energy-saving technologies, these practices not only benefit the planet but also enrich your life.
If you're looking for professional support in making your move as efficient and eco-friendly as possible, consider reaching out to moving services like MoveMate, where we prioritize your items in every aspect of our operations. Together, we can make your transition seamless and easy.
