Moving can be expensive. According to the American Moving and Storage Association, it can cost up to $2,300 to relocate from one home to another within the same state. There are a lot of things you can do to save money, and one way is to reduce the number of packing boxes you have to buy. Not only can you trim a few dollars from your budget, but also using fewer boxes may make moving day go a little faster since you won't have as much stuff to load onto the truck. Here are two simple things you can do to use fewer boxes to pack your belongings.
Pack Items in Spare Space
Possibly the simplest thing you can do is decrease how many boxes you use is to use storage space you already have. For instance, most people empty out their dresser drawers to make the furniture easier to move. If you're having a moving company help you with your stuff, however, there's really no need to do that. Instead, you should take advantage of the empty space by filling the drawers with other small or lightweight items, such as clothes and toys.
If you look closely at your stuff, you can find extra space just about anywhere. Unused purses can hold personal care items, accessories (e.g. belts), and other small things. You can put your spice collection in your large Dutch oven pot and even unworn shoes can hold socks. You are only limited by your creativity and resources.
Pack Items Smarter
Changing the way you pack things in the boxes can also help you use less of them. When you pack haphazardly, there's a higher chance you end up with boxes that are full but still have a lot of empty space in crevices that could be used to fit more items. This is particularly true when it comes to packing awkwardly shaped items, such as dishware and lamps.
Take a little bit of extra time and plan your packing to fit as many items inside the box as possible while also avoiding exceeding the box's maximum weight capacity. You should also get creative with the packing materials you use. Instead of stuffing empty spaces with newspaper or bubble wrap, use towels and soft clothing to cushion breakables such as dishes and glasses.
As the saying goes, a penny saved is a penny earned. Making adjustments to how you pack can help reduce the cost of your move and put a bit of extra money in your pocket. For more packing tips or to schedule a time for movers to help you relocate, contact a local moving company.
Share2 February 2017
