Packing on a Budget: Tips to Save You More

When it’s time to move, everyone looks for ways to save money. And while moving can be expensive, there are ways to pack on a budget without breaking the bank. So, let’s dive into some simple and cost-effective tips.

1. Declutter First

When starting with “Packing on a Budget,” the first step is to go through all your stuff. Remove things you don’t use or need anymore. This reduces the amount you need to pack, saving you on materials and lightening your load. You might even sell some things and earn a little extra cash.

2. Packing on a Budget: Get Free Boxes and Supplies

If you’re going to do your own packing, you’re going to need packing materials – cheap packing materials, so you can reduce your moving expenses even further.

Your first task is to find cheap or free packing boxes – you’re going to need a great number of moving boxes to take all your belongings to your new home, so even though they’re not very expensive, the total price will skyrocket if you simply buy them all brand new. Reach out to friends or nearby stores for any they might have left over. And remember, old newspapers and clothes make great packing materials. By doing this, you’re not only reusing and recycling but also keeping your costs down.

3. Packing on a Budget – Pack Yourself

Hiring professional packers will save you plenty of time and effort – and will ensure the safety of your items during the move. The pros will do all the hard work for you, will complete the job within several hours, and will provide your belongings with the best protection possible.

Professional packing services, however, are quite expensive – the national average cost to hire packers is $60 per hour per packer, so you’ll need to pay about $450-$600 for packing labor if you want to have a 2-bedroom home professionally packed for moving.

So, to pack on a tight budget, you can forego professional packing and pack your items yourself. It won’t be easy, but it will help you lower your total moving bill by a significant amount.

Just make sure you start packing as early as possible and spend a couple of hours on the task every day (so you can finish the job on time) and use safe and efficient packing techniques (so you can ensure adequate protection for your belongings). Be careful to avoid rookie packing mistakes that may result in damaged items or wasted time and, thus, lost money.

Bonus tip: It’s a good idea to do most of the packing yourself, but to leave your most delicate and most valuable possessions to the pros – so you have peace of mind that your cherished belongings and special items will survive the move intact and unscathed. The extra dollars you spend will be worth it.

4. Time It Right

When packing on a budget, consider timing your move during off-peak hours or days. Often, moving services and truck rentals offer lower rates on weekdays or during slower seasons.

Moving companies and service providers often offer special discounts and competitive rates during off-peak seasons. As demand decreases during these periods, you can take advantage of lower prices for moving services, packing materials, and transportation. This can significantly reduce the financial burden of your move and allow you to allocate those savings to other essential aspects of your relocation.

In addition, many apartments and houses offer discounts for leases that start in the off-peak season.

In conclusion, moving doesn’t always have to empty your pockets. By following these simple tips, you can pack efficiently and on a budget. After all, with a bit of planning and creativity, you’ll find that you can save more than you think.