Tips on Preparing to Move - Choosing the Right Packing Materials to Save Money

Planning to move to a new home can be a real chore. It can also be very expensive, especially if you have to make a long-distance move. One way to save money while preparing to move is to choose packing materials that are either free or inexpensive.

If you plan to rent a moving truck to get your personal belongings to your new home, you may be tempted to buy boxes from the rental company. Keep in mind here that you will be paying at least $1 per box. If you have to move 3 or 4 bedrooms worth of belongings, you could easily end up spending hundreds of dollars just on boxes if you buy them.

One alternative is to save boxes that you already have for future use. Any time you purchase something that is shipped to you through the mail or is pre-packaged in a decent sized box, break the box down so that it lays flat and store it in a closet or under a bed. To break the box down, simply open the top and bottom of the box so that all flaps are standing up, and then allow the box to collapse on its natural corner creases.

If you don't happen upon many boxes on your own, make sure to let your friends, family, and neighbors know that you are collecting boxes. It won't be long before you have more boxes than you know what to do with.

Another option is to solicit local stores for their boxes. I have found that liquor stores are often more than happy to give boxes away because they receive frequent shipments but usually have very little storage space. Liquor store boxes are nice because they are smaller. They are the perfect size to pack full of books or DVDs, while still being light enough to lift with minimal effort.

Packing material does not end with boxes. If you have any breakable items to move, you will need some sort of insulation to keep those safe during transport.