It’s no secret that moving out of your student house in Leeds can be stressful, you’re starting to pack and have a wardrobe of questionable clubbing outfits you don’t need anymore, an alarming amount of tinned beans and spaghetti hoops in the back of the cupboard, and your uni course books which have been demoted to a makeshift bedside table. When moving out the first option you may think of is to throw all this away, however we have put together a list of alternatives which help the environment, your pocket and other people. Keep reading to find out how easy it is to donate, sell and recycle.

Donate instead of throw

Our planet is already in a state of chaos due to waste and pollution, and each year in Leeds there are hundreds of tonnes of unwanted items that are sold or donated to combat this- so why not join in?

Not only will your unwanted items be perfect for someone else, you are also protecting your environment by giving raw materials a new life and protecting useful items from going to landfills. Make sure that the items you are donating, whether they are clothes, shoes, pans, crockery, or furniture, can be reused and are in an acceptable state. All electrical items must be rust-free and clean, and items such as sofas, chairs, and beds must have a fire safety label attached.

Get rid of things at your local recycling centre

In Leeds, your nearest recycling centre is Evanston Avenue, Kirkstall, LS4 2HR or Meanwood Road, LS7 2LP. You can take about anything to these local recycling centres, and they accept even the smallest of things like books, and Cd’s. Alternatively, you can take items to Revive Leeds who are open every day. Not only will your generous donations be appreciated by someone in need, you are also helping organisations raising funds for local charities who provide training, employment and apprenticeship opportunities to people in Leeds.

Donating food helps create a healthy community

In our student life, there can be things we take for granted. One of those things is the meals we have each morning, afternoon, and evening. When moving out the first thing that may come to mind when you open your food cupboards is to throw it all away, right? Wrong! There are so many people in Leeds who could seriously benefit from any unwanted food and there are charities that gladly accept donations. If you are donating food, make sure it’s only unopened and non-perishable food, like tins and bags of rice/ pasta etc. a popular food back in Rainbow Junktion, Regent Terrace, LS6 1NP.

Sell your unwanted stuff

When moving out, you may realise there are things that you love but no longer need, for example; clothes that don’t fit, uni course books or furniture you brought along to uni. We know selling can sometimes be tedious, but there are now dedicated apps you can download on your phone such as Depop and Vinted- which makes selling super easy! You can also buy and sell your unwanted stuff without the environmental impact of delivery and postage exclusively to other students using the Hazaar app.

Save energy and carry on

Energy saved is energy generated. Whether you are a student or professional, there are many benefits to improving your home’s energy efficiency. This includes lowering your bills, taking control of your energy usage, and knowing that you’re doing your part for the environment. It's evitable for tenants to think that they are helpless when it comes to energy-saving in their rented apartments, because they can’t make any big changes to the property. However, there are some simple measures that you can take to lower your energy bills, regardless of whether you own the property or not. For example:

- Installing devices such as thermostat and smart metre into your homes could provide you with an increased level of control over your energy usage

- You could save a ton of energy just by doing this very simple step- always switch off the lights as you leave the room. This will save you around £20 a year on your annual energy bills

- By switching to energy-efficient LED light bulbs, you can save around £40 per year on your energy bills

- Steps such as using energy-efficient cooking appliances and switching off the heat just a few minutes before your meal is cooked could help to reduce the amount of energy that is consumed in your kitchen

If you follow these simple steps when moving out, you will be helping reduce your environmental impact, helping people in need, and also making your move out process a whole lot easier! Parklane Properties has over 45 year experience in the property industry, and we have your back when it comes to tips and tricks during your time with us.