Moving to a new place can be a long, costly process, but there are a few things you can look for during your apartment search that will save you money and allow you to be more eco-conscious at the same time. Searching rental listings for things like solar panels or energy-saving appliances is a great start, and you can also look for ways to bring those eco-friendly sensibilities to your lifestyle, such as narrowing down your search to a small radius outside of work to cut down your drive time or using sustainable products.
Here are a few tips on how to find a new place and make the move while remaining eco-friendly
Create a plan for the search
In order to be as thorough as possible with your search, it’s a good idea to write down the things you know you want, such as energy-efficient appliances or access to recycling services. Once you have your checklist, look for listings that meet your criteria and narrow those down according to how close they are to your job or the places you drive to the most in order to cut back on emissions. You can also talk to the owner or landlord about their rules concerning making changes to the space once you move in, such as installing a showerhead that conserves water.
Consider a rental home
Many people love apartment life because of the amenities it provides, but if you’re looking for more space, consider a rental home instead. A house on even a small amount of property can provide a place for you to plant a garden or compost pile, which is a great addition to a sustainable lifestyle. A home might also give you a bit more freedom when it comes to making eco-friendly changes, such as installing a smart, programmable thermostat. These come with many benefits, including saving you money throughout the year as well as keeping your HVAC system in good shape.
Find the right mover
Once you have the right place in mind, it’s time to plan for the move itself. Look for a moving company that makes it a point to keep waste to a minimum during the process and will work with you on finding the most efficient route. One of the best ways to find the right mover is to read reviews on Angi from former customers, but make sure you get a price quote in writing once you find a company you like. Most legitimate moving companies will come to your home in person to create an estimate, so you’ll need to set up an appointment.
Think small
Of course, there are smaller, less intrusive ways to make energy-saving changes to your rental that will still save you money on utility bills and lower your carbon footprint, such as using caulk to seal up small cracks around windows and doors or utilizing a plastic insulation kit to cover windows in the wintertime and prevent cold air from creeping in. You can also use LED light bulbs, which have a much longer lifespan than traditional bulbs and use a lower voltage, among other advantages. While these are typically a bit more expensive than other forms of lighting, they end up paying for themselves in a short amount of time.
Making eco-friendly changes to your home and lifestyle can help you in myriad ways, including cutting costs so you can save money throughout the year. With the right moves, you can turn your rental into a sustainable home that meets your needs without spending a ton of money.