Moving is not cheap. There are plenty of hidden expenses that can pile up and become a surprise. One of them – the cost of the packing materials: boxes, bubble wrap, tape, etc.
Get full-service movers
Of course, the easiest way would be getting a full packing service from your moving company. If you hired the best movers and got full service, it would include all new and clean moving supplies. Disassembly and assembly of larger furniture would also be included. All you would have to do on your moving day is relax and supervise.
But if you’re on a budget, it is possible to get most of your moving supplies for free. Yes, it will cost you time and leg work, but it is all well worth it. So here are some tips on how to save money on packing supplies.
Ask your friends and coworkers
Did Someone recently move? Bunch of boxes that your friends saved for their next move, or rolls of unused packing paper that they didn’t get rid of yet, or even plastic mattress cover or piles of newspapers – you might not get the whole bundle of items needed, but just enough to get you started.
Talk to your neighbors
The growing popularity of online shopping and it comes in – you guessed it – a great cardboard box! Also, meal boxes usually have a protective layer of bubble wrap inside – double score for you. Ask your neighbors ahead of time to save those empty boxes for you. Our neighbor simply attached a little note next to the mailboxes asking residents of the building to just leave the no longer needed boxes next to her door.
Go online
Use social media to get free moving supplies – write a little post on Twitter or Instagram. Facebook is helpful in cases like this – just try and search for local ‘Buy Nothing’ or ‘Swappies’ groups, or browse the Marketplace. Also, don’t forget about websites like Freecycle.org, Craigslist.com, and the Offerup app, NYmovingboxes.com.
Walk around the neighborhood
Big retail stores, smaller local shops, or even little bodegas are truly a gem when it comes to moving supplies. Speaking from experience, local retailers would happily part with their boxes, just swing by and ask when is their recycle garbage day. The best part – boxes from clothing stores are usually big and clean. You might also want to ask your local delis, pharmacies, and even liquor stores – little tip, the latter ones might have some cute wooden crates that you can use for moving and then keep as a decor in your new house or a planter on the balcony.
As you can see, there are plenty of ways of saving money on moving supplies, and it is easier than it seems. But don’t forget that sometimes it is better to leave it to professionals, and let your movers take care of your packing.
