Moving can be stressful, especially buying the supplies to make your move successful. Well, luckily for you, these tips will help you acquire those free and cheap moving supplies.
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Got any cheap moving supplies at home?
Before you start looking for boxes, storage facilities, or moving companies, look around your home first.
Did you know that you can pack a lot of items without boxes? You might be thinking, ‘that’s crazy!’ But, it’s entirely true! Check your home for any suitcases or backpacks. If you’re not a traveling connoisseur, maybe you have some spare trash bags lying around the house.
It doesn’t stop there! You can use pots, pans, and you can even make your dresser lighter! Take out the drawers and fill them with whatever you’re moving. Also, another way to get cheap packing supplies is to use any leftover boxes you might have. Are you an avid Amazon shopper? Fit as much as you can in those boxes!
Are you moving delicate items, the kind that would pack better if you had bubble wrap or packing paper? Then, you’re in luck because if you have any towels, bedsheets, blankets, or old clothes, they’ll work wonders in securing your fragile load.
Look at you getting those cheap moving supplies, got to love the hustle!
Where can you get free moving supplies?
Did you use up all your drawers and bags? Don’t worry; now it’s time to start the hunt.
Many places offer free boxes. First, ask around your own group. Do you know any friends or family members that can spare a few boxes? If they are all occupied or don’t have any, try some grocery stores around your area. Did that stop you in your tracks? No, don’t click away; hear me out!
If a grocery store has a produce department, go in and ask the manager for a few empty apple boxes. In addition, they are very unlikely to charge you for it. Therefore, try to get as many boxes as you can! As someone who has used this method often for my own moves, they are happy to set some aside for you.
Second, try online sites like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. Though we’re starting to venture into the dollar realm, you can also search for bubble wrap, packing paper, and other cheap moving supplies you may need.
Finally, you can rent boxes instead of buying them. U-Haul and Boxbee are great companies to rent boxes from.
Are moving companies free?
Me and you both, buddy. But that doesn’t mean you need to take out a loan if you need their help!
Before you start looking, ask your friends and family if they can help move and transport boxes to your new place. Remember, there’s no shame in asking for help. You have enough to worry about so don’t let this get in the way of it.
The first thing to consider is where you’re moving. It’s going to cost more if you’re moving to another state than moving down the street. I recommend researching the companies near you to ask about rates and look into reviews about them. Keep in mind that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Do you have more money to spare after getting those cheap packing supplies? The second part to consider is how much you feel comfortable spending on moving companies. For instance, each company might have different rates and may charge more for extra services that others might not.
Hopefully, that receipt isn’t a telephone number
The only number you should be calling is your friends for your epic housewarming party! But fun aside, moving can be highly stressful if you’re on a tight budget. So hopefully, you got to use that money you saved for the things that make you happy. Oh, if you’re still in the neighborhood, you should check out hiring movers to get the most bang for your buck from our fantastic UniMovers blog.
Evan Tovar recently graduated from the University of Iowa with a B.A. in English/Creative Writing with a minor in history. When he's not working, he's at his desk practicing the art of world-building.
