How to Save Money on Packing Supplies

Moving can be difficult, and moving on a budget even more so. There are so many costs that need to be factored in, from the cost of your movers or rental truck to the costs associated with renting or closing on a new home. And then there are the packing supplies, which can really add up—and fast. Fortunately, unlike securing your next place and the mode of transport for your belongings, you actually have some wiggle room when it comes to how much you spend on supplies. With a bit of creativity, you can save some serious dough and still keep your things well packed and protected. Here’s how to save money on packing supplies and take more control over your moving budget.

Figure out how much supplies you’ll really need

Over-purchasing supplies is one of the biggest—and costliest—mistakes that people make when they’re moving. While in most cases you can go back and return unused supplies to the store once you realize you’re not going to need them, it’s one more step in an already overwhelming process and an easy one to forget at that. Make sure that you’re picking up exactly what you need the first time around so that you’re not burdened with the task of either having to lug all your unused supplies back to the store or holding on to them and eating the cost.

To figure out how much you’ll actually need in terms of supplies, use our packing calculator and moving box calculator. Simply plug in some of the details about your move—such as how many bedrooms are in your current home and how experienced you are with packing—and we’ll give you an estimate of how much you’re going to want to stock up on.

Rent your boxes instead of buying them

Instead of buying dozens of cardboard boxes that are just going to go in the recycle bin after you’re done with them, save money on packing supplies and rent reusable plastic containers. Companies like BungoBox boast that customers can save an average of 50 percent off what they would spend on cardboard boxes by renting moving containers instead, and the process is pretty easy: put in your order for how many boxes you’ll need (this is another time when the moving box calculator really comes in handy) and a box rental company will deliver them to your door. Fill them up, move them, and then schedule a pick-up at your new home. It’s easy, good for the environment, and good for your wallet.

Source free boxes

If you’re going to be using cardboard boxes, ask around and find out if you can get some for free. One of the good things about cardboard is that it’s durable and can easily be reused, provided the boxes haven’t gotten wet or come into contact with some other damaging substance. Call up local businesses and see if they have boxes you can pick up—many of them just get rid of their boxes after unpacking inventory. They may also have some other useful materials for you, like bubble wrap and packing paper. Put a call out on your social media pages too, as you may have some friends and family with supplies to get rid of as well.

Get creative with what you already have

Chances are that you already have plenty of items in your home that can serve double duty and save money on packing supplies. Here are some common things you can utilize:

Suitcases and duffle bags. Pack up clothes, bedding, and heck, even dishes, in your suitcases for easy transport. Suitcases in particular are great for moving because their wheels allow you to move heavy items with ease.

Dresser drawers. There’s no rule that says you have to move your dressers empty. Use your drawers as packing containers, either putting them back in the dresser and securing the whole thing in plastic wrap or securing each drawer individually in plastic wrap. If you do put them back in the dresser, note that it will be super heavy. Wrap up drawers individually unless you have professional movers coming to help or you’re super adept at heavy lifting.

Garbage bags. They’re not the most sightly things to move with, but garbage bags are excellent for hauling your belongings. Use heavy duty black garbage bags for things that need a little bit of additional support, such as books, and regular garbage bags for lighter things like toys, hangers, and clothing. Just be careful not to pack anything fragile in a garbage bag—you’ll want a moving container with a level base for those types of items

Linens, towels, and clothing. If it’s soft and needs to be moved anyway, may as well put it to work as packing material. Use these items to wrap and/or cushion breakable or sharp items just as you would use packing paper or bubble wrap.

Markers and stickers. Permanent markers are ideal for labeling moving boxes, but not a necessity. Use markers that you already have (yes, even the Crayola ones your kids’ use will work), or use stickers to note where boxes go.

Store up

Most of us order a lot of things online, and as such, having plenty of boxes arriving at our door. If you know you’re going to be moving in a year or a few months, start stockpiling the boxes you receive instead of recycling them. Pick a storage space for them where they’ll be out of sight and out of mind until you use them, such as in your basement or garage. While you may not be able to gather enough boxes this way to pack up your entire home, you should be able to make a significant dent in what you need to buy.

Visit the dollar store

You’d be surprised what you can find at the dollar store. Before heading to one of the big name businesses, save money on supplies by checking out your local dollar franchise and seeing what they have in terms of cheap packing supplies like tape and other materials. You can likely find a lot of what you need for the cost of a fast food lunch. (And while you’re there, ask if they have any boxes they’re not using anymore that you can have for free or purchase at a discount.)

Get rid of stuff

The more you own the more you have to pack. And thus, the more packing supplies you have to purchase. It’s always a good idea to declutter before moving day, and especially so when you’re trying to save money on packing supplies. Before you get to packing, go through what you own, including clothes, décor, kitchen supplies, food, and books, and sort those things that no longer bring value into your life into three piles: donate, recycle, and throw out. There are tons of ways to donate what you don’t need or want anymore, so try to give a second life to as much as you can. If you’re judicious about getting rid of things, you’ll end up with a significantly lighter load and way less that you need to get supplies for.

Cheap moving supplies aren’t necessarily hard to come by—you just have to know where to look. Save money on packing supplies by following the tips above and you’ll have more left over for what really counts, like that extra large takeout order you need when you’re too exhausted from unpacking to even think about making food.