It's time to move and you forgot about all the things you've collected in the garage. You have cans of paint, varnish, and plenty of other unique chemicals found in half-empty containers.

When you're ready to move, you'll have to clean out the garage and figure out how to deal with these chemicals. It may not be a good idea to add a half-can of paint to your moving truck. It could open and cause a huge mess.

If you need to dispose of your garage items because you're moving, make sure you know the proper way to get rid of these items. Here are some of the things to consider when disposing of paint, varnish, and other garage items.

Disposing of Paint

Paint is the most common garage item needing to be disposed of before you move. Often, when updating rooms or painting doors, you end up with extra, which you might keep in case you need to do a touch-up.

Regardless of why you have five half cans of paint, it needs to go before you move. There are a few steps you want to take and a few options you have for disposal.

If you don't want to waste the paint, you can try to use it up on your walls before you move. Another option is to ask around and see if anybody could use the paint you have. Sometimes, local schools can use paint for art projects or other projects.

Another way to get rid of the paint without disposing of it is to contact your local Habitat for Humanity ReStore. They will usually accept latex paint. FreeCycle.org also offers another option to give away the paint.

Maybe you cannot find anybody to take your paint. If this is the case, you can dispose of the paint.

Start by hardening the paint by letting it dry out. When latex paint is hardened, it takes away some of the hazardous properties. You can dry it out in the sun, add kitty litter or newspaper to speed up the process, or even use a paint hardener to make it easier to throw away.

Make sure to check with your community, but many will allow you to throw out dried up paint with your household trash.

Disposing of Other Hazardous Garage Items

You probably have more than just paint hanging out in your garage. Maybe you have combustible materials, reactive materials, or toxic chemicals you need to get rid of before moving.

Getting rid of anything falling into the category of hazardous waste means you will need to read the labels and research your local county laws. Each county is ab it different and you should search "how to dispose of hazardous waste" + YOUR COUNTY" to find the right way to handle it.

Typically, you will either need to schedule a home pick up or find a drop off location for hazardous waste. Some materials may be recycled. If this is the case, you may be able to request a mail-in recycling kit for your hazardous materials.

It's also possible you can donate any hazardous items to a friend or a local company in need of the item. Depending on the items you need to dispose of, you may be able to take leftovers to businesses or charities in need.

Getting rid of any hazardous garage items is a part of making your move more eco-friendly. If you're looking to move in the most eco-friendly way possible, Chicago Green Box is ready to help with the right reusable moving boxes.