Moving can be expensive. If you are moving on a budget, you have to be careful about where and what you spend your money on. One of the areas where you can cut corners and save money is when it comes to your packing supplies. Buying brand new packing supplies can be pricey. Boxes, foam and packing peanuts can all quickly add up. Here are some tips on keeping the cost of your packing supplies low.
Get Boxes For Free
When you are moving, you want to use strong, sturdy boxes that are in good condition to pack your belongings up in. However, you don't have to spend money to get boxes that are in decent shape. There are a lot of places for getting boxes for a reduced price or even for free. One of the first places to start is by asking friends or family who have recently moved if they have any extra boxes. You can also look for boxes around your place of employment. Another option is to ask local businesses if they have any boxes you can use. Many businesses, such as grocery store, coffee shops and big box retailers, receive their products in boxes. After unloading the boxes, they simply recycle them. If you ask for boxes, they may be able to provide you with some, free of charge. The last option for getting free or low-cost boxes is to look at Internet classified sites. You can likely find free or cheap moving boxes on sites like Craigslist and Freecycle. Even U-Haul has started a message board on their website allowing users to exchange boxes. Obtaining used boxes can be a great way to help your moving budget.
Use Items in Your Home in Lieu of Bubble Wrap
Bubble wrap can be wrapped around items that you don't want to scratch or break during transport. However, it can be costly, and can quickly add up when you are moving a large home. Instead of spending the money on these items, use items that you already have in your home to protect your belongings. Towels, sheets, and comforters can be wrapped around items that you don't want to break during transport. For example, wrapping a flat screen television in a comforter is a lot cheaper than purchasing a flat screen television moving box and Styrofoam, yet just as effective. And old newspaper can be a great packing material. It can be used to wrap around dishes instead of foam dish sheets or bubble wrap, or wadded up and stuck in glasses to prevent cracking. You still may wish to purchase a roll of bubble wrap for your extremely fragile items, but reducing the amount you use doing a move by using items in your home can reduce the amount you spend on packing supplies.
Find Alternatives to Packing Peanuts
Packing peanuts can be used to fill in gaps in a box so that your items don't shift during transport. Just like with bubble wrap, packing peanuts can be pricey and can quickly increase your moving budget if you are using a large amount. However, instead of using packing peanuts, find alternative ways to fill in gaps in your boxes. You can wad up old newspaper and place it in the gaps in your boxes. Linens and towels are also great options. They can be rolled or folded to insulate a box or the items you are moving. As you move and clean out your home, you will likely shred old paperwork you come across. This shredded paper can be used to fill in space in a box. Egg cartons can be cut and used to provide protection in a box. And even bags of rice and beans, can be used to fill in gaps, preventing your belongings from shifting. Using alternatives can help prevent you from having to buy packing peanuts and can keep your moving costs low.
If you are preparing to move, you may think that you need to buy moving boxes, bubble wrap, packing peanuts or other moving supplies. However, there are many ways to get around having to purchase these items. If you are moving on a budget, learning how to get free boxes and what can be used in lieu of bubble wrap and packing peanuts can help you stick to a tight budget. For more information, contact a company like Bekins Van Lines Inc.
Share12 April 2016
When you have kids, the task of moving takes on a whole new challenge. It doesn't matter if your kids are three months old or thirteen years old, having them to consider as you plan the move, pack up your things, transport it to the new place and begin unloading and rebuliding your home takes careful planning. Our blog is all about moving with kids. You will learn some things that can help you get your kids through the transition with as little stress as possible and advice for allowing the capable children help you get all of the work done.