We all know moving is an expensive endeavor. Moving on your own can be intimidating for some people, and full moving and packing services can cost well over $6,000. The good news is, that you can combine moving services and still move with professional help even if you’re on a budget. If you decide to pack on your own, you’ll need to find affordable packing supplies and pack before your Northern Virginia movers arrive. Luckily, there are plenty of places where you can find affordable or even free packing materials. We’re sharing the most popular ones!
Finding affordable packing supplies is easy if you know where to look
Finding packing materials on a budget may seem impossible, but in our day and age, you know that virtually anything can be found either online or with a bit of searching around. If you opt to book a packing service Northern Virginia has at its disposal, you won’t have to struggle with looking for packing supplies. The packers will bring all the materials they need. They will also finish packing your household in a matter of hours, while it can take you days to do everything on your own. However, if you’re not getting packing services, consider looking for cheap packing materials in one of the following places:
- online marketplaces
- your friends, family, or neighbors
- yard sales in your neighborhood
- your office
- local stores
- save the boxes from your online orders
Online marketplaces
Online marketplaces are a great way to find anything for a better price. You can even find things for free! Places such as Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or eBay often have listings for things much more affordable than if you were to buy the same items in a store. However, it’s important to always be careful if you’re buying or taking something from a stranger. Meet in a public place, and bring a friend with you if you can. You should also never take boxes that look damaged. Even the best residential movers in Northern VA can’t prevent breakages of your belongings if you pack them in broken boxes. Only take boxes that are dry and sturdy, and avoid ones that look like they’ve been damp or that have a distinct odor. You don’t want your belongings having that same odor after unpacking, right?
Ask your friends or family if anyone has moved recently
If any of your friends or family members have moved recently, there’s a good chance that they have some packing supplies left. Ask them if they have any leftover moving boxes, packing tape, or bubble wrap. As minute as it may seem, saving even a small amount of money on moving boxes can contribute to a cheaper relocation. The costs of packing materials especially tend to pile up without you even noticing. The cardboard boxes are usually 1-3$, but depending on the size of your household you might need many. You will also likely need special boxes for mirrors or glass/appliance packing kits which can cost over $100. That’s why it doesn’t hurt to ask around if anyone you know has any extra moving supplies left from their successful relocation with moving companies Fairfax VA offers.
Visit yard sales in your neighborhood
Visiting yard sales is another excellent way to find anything you need at amicable prices. From furniture to brand-new packing supplies, your neighbor’s trash can be your treasure. Many people decide to sell items they don’t need right before or after they move. So, if you know a neighbor who has recently moved to your neighborhood, chances are they might be selling packing supplies you can use! Visiting yard sales can be time-consuming, but if you want to find affordable moving supplies this is the way.
Check if your office has any extra packing supplies
On the other hand, if you are looking for places to find free moving boxes, you can ask your office. It’s quite possible that your office has extra cardboard boxes they don’t need. You can also check if there’s any extra bubble wrap or tape you can use. Of course, don’t simply take things from your workplace without asking. You have to get approval to take those items, or otherwise, you could be accused of stealing office supplies.
Local stores are a good place to look for boxes
Local stores are another great place to look for free cardboard boxes. Check the stores in your neighborhood and ask if they have any boxes they don’t need. Most liquor stores have good, sturdy boxes they toss anyway, so don’t be ashamed to ask. You could even find wooden boxes which are handy if you have fragile items that need extra security when moving. Also, keep in mind that you have to ask for the boxes and not dig through the trash behind the store. In many states, it’s even illegal to drive through the trash containers and take anything from there.
Save the boxes from your online orders
Another great way to save some cash on moving supplies is to have your own! Surely you order things online here and there. If your moving day is still a month or more away, start saving the boxes from your online purchases. Boxes in all sizes will come in handy when you start packing. Small ones will be best for books or other heavy items, and larger ones will be ideal for clothes, sheets, towels, and other light items you have in your home.
If even after these tips you still don’t have enough packing materials, there are plenty of places where you can buy some. You can find affordable packing supplies at online and physical stores such as Amazon, Walmart, Home Depot, etc. Combining some free cardboard boxes and buying other packing materials will be best. You will be able to move on a budget with ease!
