Money-Saving Packing Hacks: How to Cut Costs on Your Next Move

Like just about everything else right now, moving can be expensive. But most of the time, the moving process is a necessary evil, so we roll with the associated costs.

Moving doesn’t have to break the bank, though. One way to have an affordable move? Clever packing and moving hacks. Here are some of our top ways to save when it comes to packing your belongings:

Use What You Have as Packing Material

Unless you’re transporting delicate breakables or treasured heirlooms, skip overbuying bubble wrap and packing peanuts. Use what you already have on hand as packing material.

·     Linens and Towels: Use your towels and linens to wrap glassware, dishware, small mirrors, and other breakables. Moving is an excellent time to review what we have and determine what we want to dispose of. Don't throw out your old rags and towels until you’ve used them as packing material.

After moving, consider donating any rags that are in good shape! Animal rescues and other charitable organizations are always looking for towels and rags you no longer need.

·     Socks: Socks are great for stuffing between items! Use them as a cushion between mugs and vases. For long distance moves, it is crucial to pad fragile items.

·     Blankets and Comforters: The ultimate in padding, you can use your extra blankets and comforters for wrapping. They work well for mirrors, electronics (TVs, computer monitors), pieces of furniture, and glass tabletops.

Save Boxes Ahead of Your Move

Let’s be honest. Most of us are online shoppers (thanks, Amazon Prime!), and if we saved our boxes, we could probably stock a small shipping store. So, if you have the time and space before you move, save all those boxes to cut down on supply costs. And remember, save boxes of all shapes and sizes!

Don't forget to save other packing material, including bubble wrap.

Get Boxes from Your Local Liquor Store or Grocery Store

Your neighborhood liquor store is filled to the brim with wine and liquor boxes, and these make the perfect packing solution. Why? They typically come with dividers, which is excellent when packing glasses, small collectibles, flat shoes, dolls, and more. The possibilities are endless, and most of the time, you can snag these boxes for free.

Your local grocery store is also an excellent resource for boxes! Be careful when you use boxes meant for produce. Some produce shipments can contain insects or residue from pesticides. You don't want either hitching a ride on your belongings.

Also, banana boxes may seem like great free packing options, but some drawbacks exist. Banana boxes have large holes that are great for ventilation but weaken their structure, making them a bad choice for stacking.

If you still want to use banana or produce boxes, make sure you're:

Lining the boxes with a plastic bag for protection

Reinforcing the bottom of each box with tape

Are using the boxes for light, non-fragile items, such as towels

Check Facebook Marketplace for Cheap or Free Supplies

Scour Facebook Marketplace for moving supplies. Your current neighbors may want to part ways with their packing cubes, boxes, or bubble wrap. You'll help them declutter while getting a deal in the process.

Use Your Suitcases and Duffels

Don’t just pack your travel gear—use it! Fill your empty suitcases and duffel bags, as well as your backpacks and tote bags.

You can use your roller bag for heavy items that may be difficult to lift. Rolling around your belongings is significantly easier than lifting or carrying them.

Find Other DIY Packing Material

What else can you use that you might already have lying around?

·     Newspaper and magazines: You can crumple paper for cushioning or wrap it around items for protection! Remember that ink from the newspaper may get on your items. So, be careful when selecting what to wrap with it.

·     Shredded Paper: Do you have a paper shredder? Shredded paper is a great packing alternative! Shred your old documents, mail, and magazines, and use them as stuffing. When you're settled into your new home, make sure to recycle the shredded packing material.

·     Egg Cartons: Eggs can get expensive, so you should get the most bang for your buck and save your egg cartons for future use! Egg cartons are a great way to pack jewelry, small crafting supplies (beads for your friendship bracelets, perhaps), desk supplies (erasers, paper clips), and other small objects.

·     Pool Noodles: Moving to a house without a pool? That’s OK. You can use your old pool toy when moving. Slice it down the middle, and you will have an edge protector for mirrors, picture frames, and furniture. Using a pool noodle may be extremely unexpected, but it's a great storage and moving hack. Check out three other ways you can use this pool toy to make your move more affordable.

·     Twist Ties: Use leftover twist ties from your produce or bread purchases. You can use twist ties to organize and wrap up cables.

Image Credit: LetYourSpaceBloom

Making Your Move More Affordable with Self-Storage

While these packing hacks can help you save money, your storage choices can make a difference, too! Whether you need a temporary solution during your move or long-term storage once you've relocated, Storage Star has you covered. With affordable self-storage options across the U.S., we make it easy to keep your items safe and accessible. (We also have a Moving and Storage Guide you should check out before moving!)

Need to protect furniture, instruments, or family photos? A climate-controlled storage unit is perfect for that. Just looking to stash away seasonal décor or equipment? You can stay organized and save space with a compact 5x5 storage unit.

If a future move is in your game plan, you can find a Storage Star facility near you today and get ahead of things. Easy online rentals allow you to secure your space and move in confidently and quickly. Our team is ready to help make your local or cross-country move easier!