How To Save Money on Packing Materials

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Don’t be surprised by “sticker shock” if you go out to buy packing materials and boxes for your move. Rather than waiting for the last moment to buy them, here are some tips about saving money on your move—getting ready, using what you have, and collecting free boxes in advance. If you must buy packing materials, you can shop at dollar stores for packing tape and order discounted packs of boxes online.

Declutter Before Packing

The best way to save money when moving things is to sell or get rid of them and not have to move them. Posting items for sale on online systems like eBay and Craigslist may help you declutter your place and perhaps earn a bit of cash to help pay for your move. You can donate things you don’t need any longer and things that do not sell, and perhaps you can get a deduction for your income taxes.

Collect Packing Materials in Advance

It is easier to get free packing boxes if you do a little leg work to collect them in advance.

Where can I get free or low-cost boxes for moving?

Many places will give you free boxes if you politely ask for them. Try to get boxes of various sizes.

Here are a few places you can try:

• Liquor Stores – One advantage of getting boxes from liquor stores is that the boxes are sturdy. Boxes used to ship bottles have cardboard partitions that can be adapted for other items.
• Grocery Stores – Ask the manager of your local grocery store for the schedule for when the store is restocking. Then, you can go to the store at the appropriate time to pick up some boxes before they are put into the crusher for disposal.
• Workplace Dumpsters – Tenants of office buildings throw away boxes used for printer paper and other office supplies. If you go dumpster diving to find boxes, be careful not to get injured by dangerous trash, such as broken glass.
• People Who Recently Moved – People who recently moved often need to dispose of boxes. Sometimes, you can find notices on Craigslist offering their empty boxes for free.

How can I use items I already own to pack my belongings?

You will likely have many things that can serve as packaging boxes and materials, such as towels, clothes, laundry hampers, and trashcans (which can be cleaned before use). Also, think of drawers serving double duty as packing boxes. Take the drawer out, fill it up, and cover it with a large towel or a heavy-duty trash bag.

Here are some more ideas for packing materials:

• Towels, Sheets, and Blankets – Towels, sheets, and blankets may be used to protect fragile items and provide cushion for things like glasses, porcelain cups, ceramic bowls, china plates, lamps, mirrors, paintings, and home electronics.
• Clothes – T-shirts, socks, and sweaters make terrific wrapping materials for fragile items. A glass cup fits nicely in a sock.
• Newspaper/Junk Mail – You may be able to get clean newspaper from the nearest recycling center if you don’t have any. Junk mail can be used for packing materials.
• Egg Cartons and Used Paper Rolls – Egg cartons are perfect for small, breakable things and jewelry. Towel paper rolls and toilet paper rolls can keep stuff like cables organized.

Suitcases, Reusable Grocery Bags, and Duffel Bags

Instead of cardboard boxes, use suitcases, reusable grocery bags, and duffle bags.

• Suitcases – Luggage, especially suitcases with wheels, are suitable for heavy things like shoes, books, tools, and kitchen appliances.
• Reusable Grocery Bags – Sturdy reusable grocery bags are perfect for moving. They hold as much as a small box and cost less.
• Duffel Bags – A duffel bag obtained from a used-military-goods store comes in handy for clothes and soft items that don’t need to be packed in boxes. It is incredible how much you can pack in one duffel bag.

Should I invest in reusable moving containers to save money?

You may be able to rent reusable plastic bins from the same company where you rent a self-move truck. These strong plastic boxes rent for much less than buying cardboard boxes. You return them after the move, so there is no need to get rid of cardboard boxes.

How can I reduce the cost of packing materials for a large move?

Dollar discount stores are a great place to go for moving supplies. If you are lucky, you may be able to get some free boxes there. You can also get some essentials like markers for labeling, zip-top bags for small items, and large plastic bags. These items are cheaper than the prices at a regular store.

You may find affordable packing tape at a dollar discount store. Be sure to use enough tape to give boxes a solid closure and take care not to overfill a particular box with too much weight.

What’s the most affordable way to protect fragile items during a move?

To protect fragile items, pack them carefully and, if possible, take them separately and move them carefully. If it is not possible to make a special trip with just the fragile items, then it is necessary to pack them well and place them in the moving truck on top of everything else. Pack them in a stable way to avoid breakage.

Label Everything Clearly

Carefully labeling everything and color coding the boxes/containers saves time during the move. When you arrive at your new place, take all the boxes to where the items will be kept, such as kitchen items for the kitchen and bathroom supplies to the bathroom, etc.

Allow Enough Time, Take Breaks, and Play Music

Packing and making a move can be done on a budget in ways that save money. Try to reduce stress by allowing enough time, taking timeouts for breaks, and, while working, playing enjoyable music to keep the mood uplifting.

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