Moving is stressful and complicated, but moving on a budget is even more so. You need to think about many expenses – from renting a moving truck to paying for moving insurance. And then, there are packing materials, which can easily break your budget if you are not careful enough. Luckily, there is a way to cut costs here and there when gathering packing supplies for your upcoming move. You just have to be creative and resourceful enough! However, if wiggling out is not your specialty, do not worry. This article is here to help you. So, if you are wondering how to save on moving boxes and other packing materials for your move, here are some tips and tricks. 

Know Exactly How Much You Need 

One of the biggest and costliest mistakes you can make when moving on a budget is overbuying packing materials. Good quality moving boxes and other packing materials can be pretty expensive, and once you buy them, there is no going back. Avoid those extra expenses when moving house by understanding what you need to buy before you go shopping. Making a clear list of the things you plan to bring with you to your new home is a good way to start. Then, buy packing materials only for those things. Moreover, buy less than you think you will need! It is much easier (and cheaper) to go back to the store and pick up the items you lack than to overbuy and end up throwing away half of them. 

A man writing a list.
Planning is the key to a budget-friendly relocation.

Get Creative with What You Already Have 

Another great way to save money on moving boxes and other packing materials is to get creative with what you already have in your home. Who says that you have to pack using only boxes and bins? You probably have many multipurpose items lying around your house that you can use for packing. For instance: 

  • Suitcases
  • All sorts of bags
  • Garbage bags
  • Dresser drawers 
  • Linen 
  • Blankets 
  • Markers, stickers, scissors, tape 
  • Newspaper

Be creative with the items mentioned above. Use bags for packing clothes, books, and other household knick-knacks. Linen, pillowcases, and blankets can serve for wrapping furniture so that it does not get damaged. Newspaper and magazines are an excellent substitute for plastic wrap and packing paper. 

Look for Free Boxes 

If you want to save on moving boxes and other packing materials, try to find them for free. There are many places where you can get free moving boxes – from your friends and family members, neighbors who have just moved in, restaurants, hardware stores, stationery shops, etc. However, be careful when using these, especially if you have fragile and delicate items. Free boxes can never replace good quality ones. So, be sure to use these only for sturdy items that can survive the trip. Moreover, many moving agencies offer free packing supplies or packing supplies with a significant discount if you hire them. Use sites like Master Moving Guide to try to find a reliable moving company. Who knows, maybe there is one in your neighborhood. 

A couple packing for a move.
Free moving boxes can be found everywhere, just be ready to look.

Dollar stores offer pretty much everything you need for your upcoming move. Most of them have plastic bins, plastic wrap, packing paper, duct tape, markers, scissors, and similar items required for packing. So, before you head out to stores that exclusively sell packing materials, visit the dollar stores first. This is a great way to save money on moving boxes and other packing materials. And, while you are there, ask the store owner if they have some boxes that they plan on throwing away. You might be able to find everything you need for your move in just one dollar store.

Rent Instead of Buying 

Most boxes and other packing materials you buy (or even worse, overbuy) end up thrown away or recycled. Therefore, instead of buying them, consider renting. Of course, you cannot rent packing materials like wraps, papers, duct tape, etc., but you can certainly rent various plastic bins, custom crates, and dollies, for instance. Moreover, many companies that rent these items also offer discounts for moving from time to time. So, keep an eye on these once you start planning your move. Sales, discounts, and coupons are a great way to save some money on your upcoming relocation. 

A couple packing.
Renting boxes is a great way to save money and save the planet.

Too Much Stuff to Pack – Get Rid of Some 

In the end, no matter how creative and resourceful you are while preparing for your move, you will not be able to save on moving boxes and other packing materials if you have tons and tons of stuff. It is simple – the more items you have, the more expensive your move will be! Thus, you know what to do – declutter and downsize your home! Try to get rid of as many things as you can. Of course, you shouldn’t turn into a minimalist. However, getting rid of unnecessary items surrounding you will be of great help. These can be the items you have not used in years or things that are too old, damaged, or useless. You can either give them to friends or family members, donate to your local charity, sell them online, or throw them away. 

Author Bio: Hellena Shea has been working as an interior designer for the last five years. She is also passionate about writing content as a freelance blogger. Couponing, saving money, and budget-friendly renovation and decoration projects are her primary focus. Her free time she spends with her husband, children, and dogs.