How to cut packing expenses?

Moving is not only a daunting process but also a very expensive one. That is why many people struggle when it comes to deciding whether to hire a moving agency or do everything by themselves. The first option can break the bank if you leave everything to professionals, but the second one is time and energy consuming, and if you are not careful, you will end up paying a lot as well. That is why you need to do a lot of researching and preparing before the moving truck arrives. The most important thing is to set a budget and use the money according to it. Luckily, packing expenses are the easiest to cut. So if you are interested in how to cut those expenses, keep on reading.

Start planning ahead of time

The best way to cut packing expenses, as well as all the moving expenses, is by planning ahead of time. The ideal time to start preparing for the move is at least one month before the actual moving day. If you plan on hiring a moving agency, then you should do it even two or three months before, as you can get a lot of discounts for early booking. But, if your plan is to do everything by yourself, then start by evaluating the size of your move and setting a budget. Knowing how much money you have to work with is of key importance. Then, start by collecting and gathering packing materials from your local hardware store, stationery shop or some big supermarkets. And lastly, see if some of your friends or family members are willing to help you out. If not, call Cross Country Moving Group to help you out and enjoy the move immensely.

Remember to put everything on paper and compare the prices.

Clean and declutter

The best way to cut packing expenses is by having fewer things to pack. So, do not even think about packing your entire household and transferring every little knick-knack to your new home. Make a selection of things. Look at this as an opportunity to declutter your home as well as your life, and maybe earn some money on your way. So, what you can do is start separating your things in different bins like this:

• Keep Bin — Here, put everything you plan on taking with you to your new home. Pack only what is necessary, valuable and irreplaceable. Do not make the same mistake as everybody, and stop packing so much!
• Donate Bin — If you have some old clothes, books, toys, even small appliances, and furniture, do a good thing, and give them to charity. You will make somebody really happy.
• Trash Bin — As the name suggests it, this bin is for all the stuff that is completely useless or broken. Throw away everything that has no function in your home and that can not be sold or donated. And, while you are selecting things that will go into this bin, check all the kitchen and bathroom cabinets, as well as garages, attics, and basements.
• Sell Bin — However, if you have some stuff that is in good shape, you can try selling it online or organizing a yard sale. This is a good way to earn some extra cash.

Start Gathering Free Boxes

So, now that you have decluttered your home, you should have a clear idea of what you need to pack and relocate to your new home. And it is time to start thinking about packing supplies. They do not have to break the bank if you start gathering them on time. Actually, many of the stuff you can get for free, and cut packing expenses like that. You can visit your local supermarket, stores, or businesses, as there is always a good chance that they have some boxes laying around waiting to be recycled. Moreover, you can visit liquor stores and see if they have any of that multi-layered good quality boxes. You should use those for packing your glasses, plates, mugs, or any delicate collectibles. And, lastly, talk to your neighbors, family members, friends, or anybody you know who moved recently. Maybe they have some boxes that they are willing to recycle. These are all great ways to cut packing expenses. You just have to be creative.

There are many places to find good and free boxes. Just make sure that the boxes are in good shape.

The Rest of the Packing Materials

Unfortunately, you will need to do some more investing. But, do not worry, you can also get the rest of the packing materials for a good price. You will need to buy a plastic wrap, duct tape, scissors, and possibly a bag of packing peanuts. You can get them for a much cheaper price in hardware stores, stationery shops, or those big retail supermarkets. However, you can also be creative and cut packing expenses if you use things that you already have in your house. For example, instead of buying moving blankets, use your own blankets, sheets, and towels. Moreover, socks can be used for wrapping delicate things. You can also pack your clothes in the suitcases you already own. And, last but not least, do not bother packing books and toys, as you can use plastic bags for them instead. There are great ways to save money at home when packing.

The Internet is full of interesting and creative ways of packing. If you start researching on time, you can cut moving expenses.

When not to be stingy?

Okay, we all know that moving can be really expensive and that we should try to cut corners whenever we can. And that is perfectly fine. However, if we are too stingy, some things will probably go wrong, and we will end up paying twice as much. So, do yourself a favor and invest in a small number of good quality boxes and thick tapes. Use those boxes for packing things that are extremely expensive, valuable, or irreplaceable.