If you're worried about finding a reliable moving company, figuring out packing, and covering moving expenses, you're not alone. Of 1,000 Americans surveyed within the last three years, 45% found moving to be a major stressor. But it doesn't have to be.
As your relocation expert, I'm here to ease your concerns. I have a solid grasp of everything you need to know when moving, including the best practices for efficient, cost-effective moves. So, in this guide, I've included a list of budget-friendly moving supplies and strategies to make your next move more affordable and less daunting.
» Moving on a budget? Explore tips for saving money when using a moving company.
Must-Have Supplies for a Smooth Move
To ensure a smooth move, you need to have the right basics on hand, including:
- Boxes for storing items
- Insulation pieces like newspapers, magazines, towels, blankets, and linens
- A solid tape dispenser to quickly seal containers
- Sharpies or black markers for labeling
- A moving truck
- A dolly and straps to tie down larger items and furniture
- Moving pads to prevent floor scratches while sliding objects in and out of your home
These supplies are your first line of defense against potential moving day disasters. Without them, you risk your belongings being packed unsafely, leading to possible breakages and delays.
Remember, choosing the right moving supplies doesn't always mean you need to spend a lot. You should just find cost-effective options that still provide the safety and efficiency you need for a successful move.
If you're looking for specialized tools like tape and markers, consider shops such as Office Depot, Home Depot, Lowe's, or Amazon. You can also get boxes from companies like U-Pack.
» Don't let moving day mishaps and surprise costs spoil your move!
Affordable Sources for Moving Supplies
Dollar stores offer affordable solutions, though prices may slightly exceed a dollar. They're excellent for general items, but for more specific needs, larger, low-cost department stores like Walmart are ideal. Additionally, explore websites like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist for reasonably priced goods.
Since most people don't move that often and don't keep these items for long, consider reaching out to your local community. Ask friends, family, or neighbors if they have supplies to sell or give away.
Also, some carriers like Colonial Van Lines and American Van Lines rent out tools and provide storage solutions. It's worth checking with them before buying anything.
» Take a look at our best moving companies and storage solutions.
DIY Solutions for Packing Materials
Your cupboards likely hold various useful tools for moving. To save on costs, you can make your own supplies or repurpose everyday items. All you need is a bit of creativity. Use the following items to protect your belongings during the move:
- Use newspapers, magazines, or other soft items for packing instead of buying bubble wrap.
- On average, a household in the United States discards over 9000 pieces of cardboard annually. Find free boxes in your community or reuse boxes from deliveries, like Amazon packages.
- Wrap drawers and shiny surfaces with plastic to prevent scratches.
- Store and transport delicate items like jewelry or small glassware in egg cartons.
- Transform garbage bags into versatile moving tools for clothes by cutting a hole at the top, sliding it over hangers and clothes, and tying it at the bottom for easy stacking and moving.
- Utilize reusable grocery bags or open containers, such as trash bins or laundry hampers, for transporting items.
- Protect fragile items with soft linens and blankets.
- Cushion furniture with socks, towels, or shirts instead of buying additional pads.
Recycle Boxes During the Moving Process
Typically, moving box expenses range from $69-$90 for one-bedroom apartments, $178-$197 for two-bedroom apartments, and $178-$197 for four-bedroom apartments.
Recycling your containers is a smart choice for extended moving periods—over a week or up to a month. You can quickly pack and unpack items like clothes, books, or kitchen utensils and then reuse the boxes to move more stuff on a second trip.
This approach saves money on buying new packages. Plus, since you can reuse what you already have, there's no need to scramble for more boxes when you inevitably find you have more stuff than expected.
To safely move these articles, consider:
- Rolling clothes to save space and prevent wrinkles.
- Packing books in small, sturdy boxes.
- Wrapping fragile kitchen items individually and placing heavier ones at the bottom.
Rent Moving Supplies to Save Money
You can often rent straps from companies like U-Haul to secure your furniture on a moving truck. Getting hold of these strong, metal-latched belts can be difficult, particularly if you're on a tight budget because you won't find them for free or cheap on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace.
Dollies are another practical rental option, especially since you don't want to buy larger or more valuable tools just to give them away after moving. Renting a dolly from companies like 1-800-Pack-Rat can save you money and the hassle of finding and storing these items long-term.
Moving Made Simple and Budget-Friendly
Moving can be smooth and easy on your pocket. But if you want to avoid the headache and stress that often accompanies a relocation, you need to implement sensible methods and choose cost-effective supplies.
To drastically reduce expenses without sacrificing effectiveness, tap into your creativity and resourcefulness. Explore cheaper options or tackle do-it-yourself (DIY) projects. This will make your move easier, faster, and more affordable.
» Master relocating with this moving checklist and essential tips.
