Recipes • July 9, 2022

Confetti Cake and Ice Cream Pops Recipe

by Stephanie K. Chan

Ingredients

2 ¼ cups confetti cake mix from a two-layer (15.25 oz.) box*
1 tablespoon rainbow sprinkles
⅓ cup vegetable oil
2 egg whites
1 pint mango sorbet, softened in the refrigerator 30 minutes
1 pint raspberry sorbet, softened in the refrigerator 30 minutes
Sweetened whipped cream (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 15x10x1-inch-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Lightly coat paper with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2

In a medium bowl beat together cake mix, sprinkles, 2/3 cup water, oil, and egg whites with a mixer on medium 2 minutes. Pour batter into prepared pan and spread carefully into a thin, even layer.
Step 3

Bake 10 to 13 minutes or until the center of cake springs back when lightly pressed and a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean.
Step 4

Cool in pan on a wire rack 10 minutes. Place a clean kitchen towel over top of cake and flip upside down onto rack. Peel off parchment; cool completely.
Step 5

Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan or 9 1/2 x 4 1/2-inch Pullman pan with plastic wrap. Cut three rectangles from cake**. Lay one rectangle in bottom of lined pan. Using a small ice cream scoop, scoop half of each sorbet onto cake. Swirl and smooth; top with a second cake layer. Repeat with remaining sorbet and cake piece. Cover with plastic wrap. Cut 16 small slits (two rows of eight) evenly spaced across plastic wrap. Insert a freezer pop stick into each slit, working the stick through all layers. Freeze 4 hours or until firm. Remove from pan. Using a serrated knife, cut loaf into 16 pops. If you like, decorate with whipped cream and additional rainbow sprinkles.

*

To use remaining cake mix for cupcakes, preheat oven to 350°F. In a medium bowl combine remaining dry cake mix, 2 egg yolks, 1/3 cup water, and 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil. Mix well. Spoon batter into six lined 2-1/2 inch cupcake cups. Bake 12 to 15 minutes.

**

Place a loaf or Pullman pan on cake and use as a guide to cut around bottom to make three rectangles. For loaf pan, flip pan over to cut wider layer for top rectangle.

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving:

185 calories; fat 6g; saturated fat 1g; carbohydrates 31g; mono fat 1g; poly fat 3g; insoluble fiber 1g; sugars 24g; protein 1g; vitamin a 250IU; vitamin c 2.2mg; sodium 114mg; potassium 7mg; calcium 33mg.

Homeowner Tips • July 8, 2022

Out-of-the-Box Spare Room Ideas

by Stephanie K. Chan

Have an extra room that’s just taking up space? Lucky you! Put your creativity to work and transform it into the “play” place you’ve always wanted. Here are just a few suggestions for using that unused area.

Rock Out

Let the rock-n-roll in you rip loose in a room designed to be your very own music studio. Bearing in mind that you’ll want to remain friends with your neighbors, a careful soundproofing plan is key. The door to the space will need to be solid, heavy and insulated with sealing strips. While you’ll be tempted to also seal the windows, it’s important to allow some light in so it won’t feel like you’re playing in an underground bunker. Absorption panels can be purchased to line the walls, and it’s wise to elevate the floor as well to keep the decibels down. By essentially building a ventilated “room within a room,” you’ll be able to enjoy some uninhibited jam sessions.

Divine Dressing

If you’re a fashionista with less than ample closet space, or if you’re seeking solace apart from a portion of a shared closet, then think about turning your spare square footage into the dressing salon of your dreams. Create a beautiful, well-appointed and brilliantly lit wardrobe room complete with floor-to-ceiling shelving, light-reflecting mirrors and plenty of storage for your accoutrements for every season. Add luxury elements like a comfy tufted pouf, an elegant jewelry armoire and even indulge in haute couture for the window treatments by framing them with sumptuous fabric. Dedicate an entire room to your coveted fashion collection by displaying all your favorite finds in full glam grandeur and celebrate the diva within.

Ssss-steam Heat

Ready for a relaxing retreat at the end of a hard day to soothe away daily pressures? If this sounds appealing, then get ready to turn up the heat in your very own steam room. Follow a few careful tips and you’ll be loose as a goose in no time. The key concern, of course, is moisture. Because the entire room will need to be waterproofed, a special door and insulated tile from top to bottom are absolute musts. A polyethylene film for the ceiling and walls, with backerboard to which the tiles will be attached, are other important tools to implement. Once the room is properly protected, a steam generator is all that’s necessary to create your cozy little piece of heaven.

Now that you have some inspiration for wonderful ways to use your extra square footage, it’s time to tally your budget, consider the possibilities and let your imagination run wild.

Home Improvement • Kids • July 7, 2022

A+ Ideas for Kid-Focused Homework Stations

by Stephanie K. Chan

Back to school means back to doing homework. While there are many ways to help children develop good self-discipline, one way is to motivate them by creating an inviting space where they can concentrate and stay stress free. You don’t need a lot of space or a dedicated room for a homework station. Whether it’s a desk in your child’s bedroom, the kitchen table or a nook in a hallway, here are five ways to ensure it’s a well-organized area conducive to getting work done.

Too-Cool-for-School Supplies

Liven up dreary desk supplies by choosing colorful and fun design options, including items like pencils, pens, erasers, paper, crayons, markers and a handy calculator. Stocking up will prevent the all-too-often frantic search for supplies before tackling homework.

No-Noise Zone

Do your best to reduce all visual and auditory distractions by turning off televisions and ensuring the homework area is free of electronic devices and toys. Try to locate the homework station where it’s quieter, away from any highly trafficked living spaces.

Bright Idea

Supply good lighting. Choose a space near a window for natural light or provide a desk lamp or overhead illumination so your child doesn’t have to strain to see their work, which can cause fatigue or, worse yet, headaches. Proper lighting is essential to homework efficiency.

Clean Slate

Avoid clutter on your child’s desk/table by establishing an organization system for their supplies. Make it easy for items to be found so kids can stay focused on their homework. When they’re done, returning everything to its proper place is a breeze and cleanliness is restored for another day.

Star Pupil

Celebrate your child’s unique talents by displaying some of their special artwork, assignments and awards near their homework station to make them feel proud and motivate them to continue working hard.

Creating a comfortable environment for homework is a great way to kick off the new school year on the right foot. Find some more smart ideas for creative kid homework stations here: CravingSomeCreativity.com

Local • Market Trends • Oahu Housing Statistics • July 6, 2022

June 2022 Oahu Housing Statistics

by Stephanie K. Chan

Rising Interest Rates Cause Ripple Effects Across O‘ahu’s Housing Market
REALTORS^® see decreased sales volume, reduced asking prices, active listings up for longer

Housing sales volume on O‘ahu declined in June, with single-family home sales down 20.8% and condos dropping 14.2% year-over-year. However, sales volume is still up compared to pre-pandemic 2019 levels, with single-family home sales up marginally at 9.2% and condos well ahead at 32.3%.

The median sales price of a single-family home increased 12.4% to $1,100,000 compared to last June. Condos set a new record for the second month in a row with a median sales price at $534,000, up 16.1% from a year ago and 3.4% above last month’s record of $516,500. Properties continue to move into escrow in under two weeks, though single-family homes spent 10 days on the market in June compared to just eight days last year, and condos remained steady at 11 days on the market.

Despite this quick pace, the volume of contract signings has subsided, with pending sales falling for three consecutive months, declining 27.7% for single-family homes and 24.8% for condos year-over-year.

“The rapid rise in interest rates is causing buyers to change tack and reevaluate their budgets and what they’re looking for in a home,” said Chad Takesue, president of the Honolulu Board of REALTORS®. “New listings are spending more time on the market compared to the frenzy in activity we witnessed last year. Sellers are also adjusting their strategies in response to market conditions. Over the past several months, we’re seeing more sellers decrease the asking price for their properties for single-family homes and condos,” Takesue added.

Garden • July 6, 2022

Weed Killers: 5 Things to Know Before You Spray

by Stephanie K. Chan

Weeds are the bane of a gardener’s existence. They grow, seemingly overnight, choking out healthy flowers and vegetables and starving them of water, sunlight, and nutrients. There are several weed killer methods to deal with unwanted plants. Garden centers stock entire aisles of products promised to curb leafy invaders and put a fast stop to a garden insurgence. Often, when the weeds appear to be winning the battle, it feels easiest to grab a product and attack. But take a few minutes and consider your enemy, the surroundings, and the best product or practice for the job at hand. Here are five must-know weed killer tips before your grab the spray bottle.

CREDIT: MARTY BALDWIN

1. Begin with Prevention

The weed war begins before the invaders take root. Create a garden that favors the plants you want to thrive and discourages weeds. It’s all grounded in healthy plant care. That means growing plants suited for your microclimates (shade lovers in shade, sun lovers in sun) and providing adequate moisture and regular mulch. When plants are healthy, they thrive. Healthy garden plants and vigorously growing lawns will blanket open soil, preventing weeds from getting a foothold.

Vigilance is also key: Walk around your landscape once a week, pulling small weeds before they have a chance to get established. Tip: The best time to pull weeds is after a light rain when roots come out more easily.

2. Know the Enemy and the Surroundings

The first step in identifying a product or practice to kill the trespasser is to name the weed. What weed are you fighting?

Weed killing products are weed-specific. A product that kills one weed might not phase another. Also, take a look at what is growing nearby. In general, weed killers are not appropriate for use on or near plants that are to be eaten. Some weed killers, including weed and feed, may drift in the breeze and kill nearby plants that are germinating.

3. Consider the Impact

Often the impact of a weed control product goes beyond the weed you are trying to control. Weed control products, or herbicides, are chemicals that cause a plant to stop functioning properly. The product has the potential to have a similar effect on non-weed plants and animals. Plants and animals have varying sensitivities to environmental factors, which amplifies the fact that weed products must be used with care and caution.

4. Follow the Label (It’s the Law)

Product labels provide critical information about how to safely handle and use the weed product. The Environmental Protection Agency oversees the label content based on scientific data on the potential health and environmental effects. Pesticide labels, unlike most other product labels, are legally enforceable. They all carry the statement, “It is a violation of the Federal law to use this product in a manner inconsistent with its labeling.” In other words, the label is the law. Don’t use the product for any other purpose or any other way than what is described on the label.

5. Be Mindful of Organic and Natural Herbicide

It is often thought that because an herbicide is labeled organic or natural, it is safer than a synthetic product. This is mostly true thanks to the quick breakdown of organic weed killers in the environment compared to some inorganic herbicides, which can remain a long time in the soil or a plant. High concentrations of some organic herbicides may pose a significant risk to nearby plants and animals. The most earth-friendly way to get rid of weeds is to dig them out by their roots. When that isn’t an option, carefully choose a product that eliminates the weed with minimal impacts on the surrounding environment.

Home Fun • July 1, 2022

7 Awesome Outdoor Entertaining Ideas for your July 4th Cookout

by Stephanie K. Chan

Ok, so you’re planning on hanging up that huge American flag like you do every year, but what other decorations have you got lined up for this 4th of July? Here are 7 awesome DIY July 4th decorations that will absolutely ‘wow’ your guests and turn your cookout into a patriotic presentation of red, white, and blue like they’ve never seen before! It’s time to show your true colors and get a little crafty.

1. Paint the Lawn with Giant Stars

Image: Jeannine/The Concrete Cottage

Turn your lawn into a huge green canvas, by covering it with giant painted stars in red, white, and blue. Your neighbors and guests will be totally floored when they see this proud and design, and as long as you use temporary marking spray paint, your grass will be green again in no time. (Here’s how)

2. Decorate Plasticware with Patriotic Washi Tape

Image: Nikki/Tikkido

Plasticware is great for big parties, or if you don’t want to spend the night washing dishes, but sometimes it’s just not celebratory enough. Solve that issue easily and on a budget, by covering plasticware handles in star spangled and blue-striped washi tape! (Here’s how to do it)

3. Upcycle Glass Bottles into Summer Decorations

Image: Dusty/All Things G&D

Turn empty glass bottles into stunning party decor, with a little paint and a lot of patriotic spirit! Make sure to get a couple bunches of red, white, and blue flowers (irises count!) to fill these pretty centerpieces, and then line your table with them, for an easy and awesome July 4th look. (Get directions here)

4. Create Your Own Decorative Firecrackers

Image: Leslie/Gwen Moss Blog

Using paper towel rolls and tissue paper, create firecrackers filled with treats that double as fun placecards for your formal cookout. This is one way to start the party off with a bang, and get everyone (especially the kids) super excited for the night’s festivities. (Directions here)

5. Turn Mason Jars into Star Spangled Luminaires

Image: Myra/My Blessed Life

Create some rustic American charm, by wrapping mason jars in twine and patriotic colored ribbons and trims, and setting a tea light in each. Perfect for dressing up your tablescape and adding some intimate lighting to your outdoor event, this little DIY is easy and oh, so charming! (Learn to make them here)

6. Make Quick Patriotic Placemats

Image: Chelsea/Making Home Base

Cut these sweet personalized placemats out of simple drop cloth, to get the perfect canvas for some red, white, and blue starry-eyed love. These patriotic placemats take just 20 minutes to create, and they’re the perfect detail for your cookout table. When the food is finished, you can roll them up and save them for next year! (Tutorial here)

7. Line Your Walkway with Colorful Lights

Image: Heidi/Honeybear Lane

Carefully poke holes through empty cans to create themed messages, letters, and pictures, and turn them into luminaries to light the way for guests. This simple design idea looks truly warm-weather whimsical and makes your cookout feel like a 4th of July parade! (Here’s how to do it)

Market Trends • Oahu Housing Statistics • June 30, 2022

Market Shift

by Stephanie K. Chan

A little update on the current real estate Market Shift below:

What’s going on with the market?

Less offers written
Less multiple offers
Less escalation clauses
Appraisals are coming in below the purchase price
Closings are at or slightly below the list price
More cancellations
More days on market
More price reductions
More transaction disputes
Inventory is still low but gradually building

Why is this happening?

June 15: Federal Reserve raised the 30 year fixed mortgage rates by three quarters of a percentagepoint. This has not happened since 1994.

Inflation is high
The bond and stock prices plummeted
Predictions of a possible “modest recession” is speculated later this year or next (not to the magnitude of the Great Recession in 2007 2009).

Inflation is Up

The general increase in the cost of everyday items leads to a gradualdecrease in purchasing power.

The Federal Reserve aims to keep the inflation rate at about 2%. But from March 2021 to March 2022, inflation rose 8.5% (food, clothing, housing, etc). This is the biggest jump since December 1981.

To curb inflation, the Feds started raising interest rates.
Lower interest rates allow easier access to borrowing (mortgages, personal loans, credit cards). Higher interest rates have the opposite effect.

Mortgage lenders typically increase their interest rates when the Fed raises their interest rates. Auto loans and variable credit card interest rates will likely increase. Federal student loans have a fixed rate which Congress determines every summer.

CDs, money market and savings account rates will likely be better.

How this affects home sales

Fannie Mae’s economists expect to see a large deceleration in home price growth in 2023, with some regions likely to see price declines.

With the biggest surge in mortgage rates in 40 years, houses are now less affordable than the peak of the 2006 housing bubble.

This will likely slow home sales in the 3rd and 4th quarters of 2022, followed by a slowdown in new home construction, according to Fannie Mae

Inflection Point?

Inman News: May 26, 2022

We are on the cusp of an “inflection point”
When this occurs, it will affect prices, supply, demand and the lives of agents and consumers alike.

There’s 2 parts of the shift:

1) The freewheeling bonanza of the past two years that was fueled by cheap money and the scales may tip toward buyers

2) A shift is not a collapse. Though rising mortgage rates are cooling the market, the high rates of the 1980’s and 1990’s are not on their way back, nor is a collapse imminent.

The Shift is Happening

Inman News: May 26, 2022

Evidence of a shift has been mounting for months, but now it feels like it’s everywhere.

Fannie Mae reported that both homebuilding and home sales are headed for a slowdown.

Zillow economist Jeff Tucker notes that depending on location the slowdown may already have arrived and rising inventory will give buyers more options this summer

Redfin Chief Economist Daryl Fairweather states home price drops are climbing in national data. Although there are signs the market is shifting more into buyer’s territory, the market is a long way from the conventional idea of a “buyer’s market.”

The big driver of these shifts is rising mortgage rates. Rising rates have made housing more expensive and knocked some buyers out of the game.

Tucker nor anyone else who were interviewed envisions any major price drops in the near future. The rate of appreciation will slow, but that doesn’t mean it will go in reverse.

A year from now, prices are still expected to be higher than they are now.

A Bubble is Unlikely

Inman News: May 26, 2022

Jessica Lautz, president of demographics for NAR, noted a bubble is unlikely because of the hot buyer demand that still exists.

A lot of buyers are waiting for less competition in the marketplace and the trend toward rising rates should slow

The trend toward low rates is tied to economic conditions: 1) The U.S. becoming a more desirable place for foreign investment, 2) The conditions that led to low rates still exist and are expected to be temporary

Once the inflation woes are settled, rates will start going in their long term trajectory . . . Down.

The last two years saw rapidly rising prices with low mortgage rates. But the best time to buy a house is when a person needs a house.

Builders need to continue building and investing, or homes will remain unaffordable for a large segment of the population.

Recipes • June 28, 2022

Panko-Crusted Jam Chicken Bites

by Stephanie K. Chan

Ingredients

Canola oil
4 large eggs
1 tablespoon chicken stock
3 cups panko breadcrumbs
Pinch of cayenne pepper
4 large boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 2 pounds), cut into 1-inch cubes
1 cup cherry jam or preserves
1 cup balsamic vinegar
9×13 pyrex baking dish

Directions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Step 2

Whisk eggs in another bowl with 1 tablespoon chicken stock until well combined. Place the breadcrumbs in a large bowl.

Step 3

Place chicken pieces egg batter toss to coat, then toss in breadcrumb mixture and toss until completely coated. Shake off any excess breadcrumbs from chicken pieces. Place the breaded chicken pieces in your pan with warmed canola oil on high spacing them evenly apart. Repeat process until all the chicken is breaded. Turn chicken pieces until golden brown and chicken is cooked. Place cooked chicken on top a plate covered with napkins to soack up excess oil.

Step 4

In a small bowl, stir the cherry jam and balsamic vinegar. Allow chicken to cool 10 minutes before serving with apricot mustard mixture.

Step 5

Place breaded chicken pieces into 9×13 Pyrex dish. Spread jam mixture evenly on top and cover with foil. Bake for 20 minutes.

Home Improvement • June 27, 2022

Heavenly Kitchen Creations

by Stephanie K. Chan

It’s easy to follow a recipe and decorate remarkable confections, but what rule of thumb do you follow when choosing kitchen cabinets and countertops? With so many tempting choices, it helps to stay focused on a few key items. Take a cue from our helpful hints on kitchen design and combine the perfect mix of hardscape elements with a dash of aesthetics to serve up the ultimate pièce de résistance for your kitchen!

Food for Thought

Designing your kitchen is a big undertaking, so consider choosing elements that will benefit you most in the long run rather than the short trend. Start with the two principal components of the room, the cabinets and countertops, and think along the lines of longevity in style and color. A monochromatic effect looks ultra-modern, however, contrast between cabinets and countertops provides more depth of design. Allow only one of these to take center stage and let the other assume a supporting role. The main design features need to work in unison, playing off texture, tone and a combined sensibility. Staying neutral in color and classic in style will offer the utmost in versatility as trends change. Countertops and cabinets that can cleverly adapt next to easily refreshed wall paint colors and decorative accessories are a sure bet. Count on these staples of kitchen design to remain steadfast and timeless, and for years to come, you’ll enjoy this all-important room that’s the heart of the home.

Form and Function

Open the door to a world of cabinet options, from extra tall ceiling-height designs to blind-corner cabinets that make the most of the space. Basically, there are three types of cabinets to choose from: stock, semi-custom and custom cabinets. Stock cabinets may have fewer bells and whistles than the rest, but they’re an excellent and affordable choice to upgrade an out-of-date kitchen. Semi-custom cabinets offer more styles, finishes and features than stock cabinets. And luxury custom cabinets offer the widest choice of woods, finishes and details. Another option is cabinet refacing. Doors and drawer fronts are replaced, while matching wood veneers are applied to the exterior of existing cabinet boxes. With so many cabinetry options, today’s cupboards offer more than the bare minimum of storage – they add functionality, style and a good return on investment.

Gather Around the Family Stone

A natural choice for kitchen countertops originates from the ground up. Gorgeous offerings brought to us by Mother Earth include coveted marble, granite, soapstone, slate and quartz stones – cool to the touch, smooth and sumptuous. Materials such as these can define the rest of the kitchen’s aesthetic and set a spectacular tone. From polished, glossy and gleaming slabs to rough, honed stone – perfect as is, in all its natural beauty. To add even more character and declare your stone countertops modern or traditional, choose from several styles of beveled, blunt or bullnose edges. Or go over the edge and create a dramatic draped effect with a cascade of stone in an island waterfall countertop.

Counterculture Countertops

Of course, there are many familiar and popular countertop materials that are affordable and reliable like modern laminates and cultured stone options. But for a truly over-the-top countertop wow factor, opt for unexpected alternative materials: exquisite, illuminating onyx; retro recycled glass; modern malleable concrete; sleek space-age stainless; intricate, detailed mosaics; end-grain butcher block tops; saturated pools of colored glass; or counters wrapped in captivating brass. The possibilities are endless and limited only by the breadth of your imagination.

If you’re hungering for something more in the kitchen that will add a little oomph, stir up some excitement by switching out your cabinets, countertops or both. Because no matter the size or the seating within, a kitchen has the magical quality to draw us together and become the room where we all long to be – the place that feeds the mind, body and soul.

Moving • June 26, 2022

Five Ways to Make Your Move Green

by Stephanie K. Chan

After the recent U.N. climate change report, we are all asking ourselves what can I do to stop climate change? We’re looking at our homes, our recycling practices and the behaviors we are modeling for our children. We are looking for greener solutions for everything. No more, “I will do this tomorrow.” Now is the time to get our green game on, by getting busy preserving our one and only beautiful Earth.

Learn how to combine your commitment to living greener, with your upcoming move. Like record numbers of Americans, you may be planning to move in the coming months. You’re part of the “Great Re-Shuffling.” The pandemic stay-at-home protocols forced us to evaluate our homes and as a result, millions of people are moving.

Unfortunately, when we move, we can create more waste than any other time of our lives. We finally, clear out those closets, garages, attics, etc. We throw away the most stuff. We use lots of boxes and plastic. But, there is always a green solution, if we just take a deep breath and be mindful.

Here are the top 5 ways to make your move green:

1. Create Less Waste: Use Recyclable Materials

Moving creates a lot of waste that contributes to our landfills. When you think about moving, what comes to mind first? Boxes, boxes and more boxes.

From boxes to bubble wrap, use 100% recyclable materials on moving day. Look for boxes that are certified to the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) Certified Sourcing standard, which means their fiber comes from responsible and legal sources. And use biodegradable eco-bubble instead of bubble wrap. Old fashioned bubble wrap can take hundreds of years to decompose. In a much shorter amount of time, Polycell eco-bubble will biodegrade into carbon dioxide, water and biomass. Go ahead, pop away guilt free!

Not only can you use recyclable boxes, you can save money by asking moving companies for used boxes made of recyclable materials. Some green moving companies will even give you a refund for returning your boxes at the end of your move. Cha-ching!

2. Give Back: Recycle Your Stuff

Because you are moving, finally, the garage and closets get cleaned out. Hurray! Now is the time to get rid of what you don’t really need. But, don’t just toss things out.

You know the drill: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Look to your local charities to donate furniture and clothing you no longer use, as well as domestic e-waste recyclers to dispose of your old computers, microwaves, etc. This will ensure that your electronics are recycled in facilities that follow U.S. environmental regulations and not shipped off to unregulated third world environmental disaster dumping grounds. You can also hire a mover that takes care of the donations for you. A green mover can connect you with charities who can really make use of all those old clothes, and food banks or Move For Hunger that can use those Costco-sized cans of tuna, and the recyclers that will dispose of your unwanted items in an eco-friendly way.

3. Breathe Easier: Seek Biodiesel

Trucks that use diesel fuel emit harmful toxins into our air and are responsible for the majority of outdoor air pollutants, contributing to the risk of cancer.

Choose a moving company that runs their trucks on biodiesel fuel which is a cleaner burning fuel made from natural renewable sources such as vegetable oils. Also, inquire about their lift gates on their trucks. Moving trucks with battery-operated lift gates insure there is no need to leave the trucks idling at your curb while the move is taking place. If they have a government regulated weigh station installed and monitored at their headquarters that is a green bonus, as it saves unnecessary and costly fuel expenditures to off-site weigh stations.

4. Save Land: Use Warehouse Storage

Old fashion self-storage facilities with inefficient garage type self-storage facilities employ poor land use practices.

Earth-friendly storage is warehouse based and not long paved rows of self-storage “garages.” Your belongings are stored inside the warehouse in recyclable and reusable wooden vaults. Not only is this storage greener for the environment, it is greener for your wallet. You only pay for the space you actually need.

5. Green Conscious = Customer Conscious: Choose an Eco-Minded Mover

Many companies think of moving as a one-time transaction. They don’t care if they ever see you or your neighbors again. Yikes, how do you think they will treat you and your stuff?

When using a moving company that is environmentally friendly, you are also gaining movers that go the extra mile in providing top-of-the-line client service. Chances are if they care about the earth, they care about the folks that inhabit it too. They care about lasting relationships.

So, use your “green” to influence and encourage green habits by hiring companies that use environmentally-friendly practices in their offices and warehouses. Green moving companies’ eco-awareness usually radiates throughout the entire organization. They care about their entire environment and they practice giving back to the community. It’s a great big green win – win!

If we follow these eco-friendly steps, we can reduce moving day waste dramatically. From responsibly clearing your clutter; donating it to those in need; and giving your green business to a company that cares about our earth and you; there is really no better way to start a new green life. Just think…if every one of the millions of Americans moving put their green thinking caps on, the millions of “biggest trash days” would turn into millions of mini “earth days.”