Moving can be both exciting and financially draining, especially when it comes to purchasing supplies. However, with a bit of strategy, it’s possible to cut costs significantly. This guide offers practical tips on how to save money on moving supplies, ensuring that you have what you need without overspending.
1. Declutter First
One of the most effective ways to save money on moving supplies is to reduce the number of items you’re taking with you. Go through each room and separate items into three piles: keep, donate, and discard. By getting rid of things you no longer need, you reduce the amount of packing material and moving supplies required. Plus, you can potentially make extra cash by selling unwanted items through a garage sale, online marketplace, or consignment store.
2. Source Free Moving Boxes
Moving boxes can quickly add up in cost if you buy them new. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to get them for free. Many grocery stores, liquor stores, bookstores, and big-box retailers have a surplus of boxes and are often happy to give them away. Check local listings on sites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or Freecycle, where people often post free moving boxes. Additionally, ask friends, family, or neighbors if they have any boxes left over from recent moves.
Another tip: pick sturdy boxes! It’s tempting to grab every free box, but make sure they’re in good condition and strong enough to hold your belongings securely.
3. Use Household Items as Packing Material
Instead of buying bubble wrap and packing paper, look around your home for items that can serve as padding. Towels, blankets, sheets, socks, and even clothing can protect fragile items while saving you money on packing materials. For instance, wrap glasses in socks or layer blankets between dishes. This way, your essentials are serving double duty and helping to reduce waste.
4. Utilize Plastic Bins Instead of Buying Boxes
If you already own plastic storage bins, consider using them for packing. These containers are sturdy, reusable, and great for moving items like clothing, shoes, and non-fragile goods. They also stack easily, making loading and unloading more efficient. And once the move is over, you’ll have storage bins ready for organizing your new home.
5. Invest in Reusable Moving Supplies
While it might seem counterintuitive, investing in reusable moving supplies can save you money in the long run. For example, a reusable moving blanket protects furniture during the move, preventing damage that might lead to repair costs. Other items like ratchet straps or dollies make the move easier and can be used for future projects or rented out to friends, recouping your investment.
Consider purchasing a set of reusable plastic moving boxes. Many companies offer rental services, where you pay a flat fee to rent plastic boxes, and they’ll pick them up once you’re done. This is not only a more environmentally friendly option but can also be cost-effective if you have a lot to pack.
6. Rent, Don’t Buy Specialized Moving Equipment
If you need equipment like a moving dolly, furniture pads, or even a moving truck, renting is almost always cheaper than buying. Many rental companies, including home improvement stores and moving supply companies, offer affordable short-term rentals. For example, you can often rent a moving dolly for under $10 per day, which is far less than purchasing one outright.
7. Shop Around for Deals
If you need to buy certain supplies, like tape, labels, or specialty boxes, compare prices across different retailers to find the best deal. Dollar stores often carry affordable packing tape, labels, and basic moving supplies, sometimes for half the price of larger stores. Also, look for coupons and discounts. Many stores offer deals for bulk purchases or discounts if you buy directly from the store rather than online.
Warehouse clubs, like Costco or Sam’s Club, also sell packing supplies in bulk. If you know you’ll need a lot of tape, bubble wrap, or boxes, buying in bulk can lead to significant savings.
8. Borrow Supplies from Friends or Family
Ask friends and family if they have any leftover moving supplies from their own moves. Many people have extra boxes, tape, or bubble wrap that they no longer need and would be happy to pass along. Additionally, items like moving blankets, dollies, and even tie-downs are common household items that people are often willing to lend.
9. Be Mindful of What You Really Need
It’s easy to get carried away with moving supplies, thinking you need specialized boxes for each item. However, simple solutions often work just as well. A small or medium box can hold many types of items without requiring you to purchase specialty boxes. Instead of box dividers, use cardboard inserts from other boxes to create compartments for fragile items. By only buying what you really need, you’ll avoid overspending on unnecessary supplies.
Conclusion
With some planning and resourcefulness, you can save a substantial amount on moving supplies. From decluttering and sourcing free boxes to using household items as packing material, these tips help make the moving process more affordable. By following these steps, you’ll be able to minimize the costs associated with moving and focus more on the excitement of settling into your new home.
