How to Pack for a Move Cheaply?

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Moving can be expensive, but there are some simple ways to cut down on your moving costs. One way is to pack for a move cheaply by using free boxes from grocery stores and other retailers, packing fragile items in cloths (instead of wrapping them tightly with bubble wrap), selling unwanted items at a garage sale or donation center before the big day and donating bulky items that you won’t need after the move.

Get Free Boxes

Research your community for used boxes you can use to pack items instead of buying new ones. Businesses often receive a weekly inventory shipment, so they’re often left with many cardboard boxes. These boxes may be yours if you ask.

Here are a few places you can ask for boxes in your area:

Online Classified Ads – Many recently moved people may want to give their old moving boxes away.

Home Appliance Retailers – Walmart, Target, and Best Buy are all big stores that often have large boxes for fridges, washers, and electronics.

Grocery Stores: Bargain supermarket locations often have boxes available, and don’t mind if you take any that are dirty or not in the best shape.

Clothing Stores: Clothing stores typically have smaller boxes, but they’re often free if you ask.

Office Supply Retailers – Office supply retailers like Staples and Office Depot may be willing to give away their cardboard packaging. They can usually pull some from the back of the store for you.

Check With Your Moving Company

If you have hired a moving company, they must be definitely having packing boxes. Ask the if they can provide you the boxes free or at a cheaper rate. If you haven’t book one, check for long distance moving companies near you, and find a company that is affordable and reliable. Try to get estimates from different movers and negotiate with them, this will help you know the approximate cost of moving.

Use Cloth to Pack Fragile Items

To save money on bubble wrap, use clothing instead to pad fragile or easily scratched items. Delicate items that may need to be packed for a move include silverware, plates, picture frames, and ceramics.

One way to save money on packing materials is to move without using any packing material. Insert your sweaters, pajamas, and other soft items into your boxes after packing breakables. For a low-cost move, pack your clothes in plastic bins and don’t use any bubble wrap.

Unfortunately, for large items such as sweaters and pajamas, that does not trick for delicate items like glasses and stemware. A clever way to pack fragile items is to use clean socks as makeshift packing materials. Pack each of your glasses carefully into a sock before packing them in with the other boxes. Poles used to support the sides of sheet-metal boxes could become a hazard when you move.

Sell Unwanted Items

Selling some of your unwanted items before you move can lower those inevitable costs. You can’t pack cheaply for a move by wasting money on boxes. Instead, list them on a classified site and pocket the proceeds. The fewer things you have to move, the lower your moving costs will be.

Most people don’t know that you can sell your large unwanted items before you pack, so moving expenses are reduced. You should avoid paying for new things that are easily replaceable, especially during the moving process. Rather, give them away to someone who can use them or sell unwanted items on a local site for additional money.

It may seem the wrong time to be doing something so time-consuming, but packing inexpensively is a wise move and will not feel as though it takes as long. One of the impressive things about this option? You can spread out the process by holding a new garage sale and reaping extra money for moving expenses like boxes. Selling items may feel like the last thing on your mind when you’re moving, but not only will it allow for a more affordable move, the income from selling items is an unexpected bonus.

Donate Bulky Items

Get the last of your belongings and ready them for donation. Give them to a local charity or friends. If you donate your unused items, you may be able to count the value of the donated item as a tax write-off.

Bulky items can be challenging to pack and move, so it’s best to get rid of them. You don’t want your new home or apartment cluttered with stuff you won’t use anyways, plus it will make the moving process easier without worrying about those extra pieces. Ask friends if they would like any bulky items for you not to have to leave them behind during the packing process. Once again: Bulky Items are hard work.

Conclusion

Packing for a move can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. So, make sure you take advantage of all these ideas before you put anything else in storage or donate items that are taking up space! With these tips and tricks, you should pack up your belongings affordable without sacrificing the quality of life during the moving process.