Hello friends! It's been a while since the last time I updated my blog. I've been focusing more on YouTube so be sure to check it out (and subscribe😉) too!
You may already know, but I moved to Los Angeles in December 2021, and I also moved within LA twice after that.
So here's a little update on what I went through:
December 2021: Moved from Hawai‘i to LA, stayed at AirBnb for a month
February 2022: Moved in to my friend's apartment
May 2022: Lease ended and moved to a new apartment with a different roommate
The past few months have been quite busy and restless, but I'm glad I got to live in different parts of the city and explore many areas!
Today, I wanted to share what I did to reduce waste while moving so hope you will find these tips also helpful :)
1. Buy Second Hand Furniture and Dinnerware
Living with my parents for most of my life, I didn't realize how many furniture and dishware/flatware I needed to buy! I loved checking out thrift stores to save $$ and give second hand items another chance.
This is is not for you if you don't like buying used items, but I haven't had any issues using a thrifted things. I try my best to pick items in a good condition and clean them thoroughly before using.
Besides furniture and dinnerware, some thrift stores have organizers and work-related items so it's worth visiting.
Personally, I usually buy items that are easy to wash/clean like glassware and organizers. But most second hand things can be sanitized and used safely! Some of us are hesitant to use pre-owned items for many reasons. But if sanitation is your major concern, read an article on how to clean thrifted furniture like this and learn how to enjoy them with confidence :)
Here are a couple of recycling/thrift stores you can check out on O‘ahu:
Re-use Hawai‘i
Re-use Hawai‘i is a non-profit organization specializing in deconstruction and redistribution programs. Did you know that 2.2 million tons of trash is produced on O‘ahu each year and 1/3 of it comes from the construction and demolition industry?
This organization dissembles buildings by hand and redistribute materials/furniture they found, reducing the amount of waste going to the landfills and carbon footprint.
On top of that, the items they sell are 40 - 90% off the retail value!
They recently opened the online shop where you can check out what they have available at the warehouse and make a purchase in the comfort of your own home (in-store pickup required).
This is a great place to check out not only when you move in to a new place, but also are thinking about renewing your furniture or upgrading your kitchen! They also have lumber and other building materials, so it's perfect for those who like to work on DIY projects.
Re-use Hawai‘i
Address：200 Keawe St. Honolulu, HI
Phone：808-537-2228
Goodwill
A nation-wide non-profit organization, Goodwill has anything from clothes, books, furniture, dinnerware...you name it, they have it.
They have store locations everywhere, and available items are different so I recommend checking out a few locations.
Some stores are rather messy and sell questionable items, but if you look closely you will be able to find great deals!
I like wearing a mask to their stores as it could feel a tad bit dusty inside.
Goodwill
Website：https://www.goodwill.org/
2. Sell/Donate Items You No Longer Use
If there are items you can't bring with you to a new home, see if you can sell or donate before throwing them out.
Thrift stores like Goodwill usually accept donations, but some locations stopped accepting due to covid. So be sure to double check before heading to the store!
You can also sell clothes, shoes, and designer brands at following loactions on O'ahu:
Plato's Closed
Address：1161 S. Beretania Street Honolulu, HI 96814 (Location available nationwide)
Phone：(808) 523-8885
Eco Town Select
Website：https://www.ecotown-hawaii.com/
Address：650 Iwilei Rd STE 110, Honolulu, HI 96817
Phone：(808) 517-4981
Also, if you are located on the mainland, you can also use a service by a second hand clothes online sho, Thredup.
1. Get a "Clean Out Kit" at Thredup.com
2. Pack items you don't use anymore
3. Send back the kit to Threadup
4. Eligible items will be on sold on their website
5. Receive cash/store credit if someone buys your item
If you are too lazy to sell them yourself, this is a great service to use (and it's free!)
Thredup
Website： https://www.thredup.com/
Order Clean Out Kit： https://www.thredup.com/cleanout
3. Reuse Bubble Wraps (or Any Wrappers!)
I actually bought a lot of stuff online when I first moved to LA. And sadly, most things came in plastic wrappings.
So, I decided to save them for the next move!
When I moved for the second time, I didn't have to buy additional bubble wraps and also I got to save some $$
Those padded mailers Amazon and other vendors use came in quite handy lol
My lease will end in a year and I will most likely move again, so I stored these wraps and mailers again in my closet😂
4. Utilize Suitcases and Storage Bin to Reduce Cardboard Boxes
I was planning to buy a few cardboard boxes, but also remembered I had a few empty suitcases and storage bins. And they were great for non-fragile items like clothes and beddings!
I was too scared to break something, so I reused old cardboard boxes for dishware and pantry items.
Since I was moving mostly everything by myself, so suitcases with wheels were super convenient.
I didn't have much things, but I was able to fit everything in 3 big suitcases, 4 storage bins, and 1 small cardboard box (besides my big furniture like a desk).
If you aren't able to save all the cardboard boxes for your next move, try using suitcases and storage bins that are more easily reusable!
Also if you do use a cardboard box, don't forget to recycle them afterwards :)
So I covered a few tips to reduce waste while moving. I know moving is not something you do every time, but hope this was helpful.
If you are also planning on room makeover or remodeling, just remember recycle shops are there for you!