So, you’re getting ready to move. Maybe you’re upgrading to that dream house, downsizing to a cozy apartment, or just shipping some stuff to a friend. Whatever your situation, one thing’s for sure – you need packing supplies.
But not all packing materials are created equal. And buying them brand new from big box stores? That can get expensive fast.
I’ve moved 12 times in the past 15 years (yes, really), so I’ve become something of an expert on packing efficiently and cheaply.
Let me walk you through the best materials to use and where to find them without spending a fortune.
The Best Packing Materials and Where to Get Them Cheap
Now, let’s get into the good stuff.
Cardboard Boxes
The backbone of any move! But all boxes aren’t created equal.
Good boxes should be sturdy with intact flaps and no water damage. Medium-sized boxes (around 18″ x 18″) work best for most items – they don’t get too heavy when full, and they stack nicely.
Small boxes are perfect for heavy items like books or kitchen gadgets. Save those big wardrobe boxes for lightweight but bulky items like pillows, blankets, or toys.
Quality packing materials help suppress damage and high forces of impact on your belongings during transit, preserving their durability. The packaging cushions your items in case they drop or are roughly handled (which will never happen with professional removalists from Muval)
According to a survey by Moving.com, the average 2-bedroom apartment move requires about 40-50 boxes of various sizes. That adds up fast at $1-4 per box retail!
Pro tip: Check the thickness of your boxes. Double-walled boxes offer extra protection for fragile items or long-distance moves.
Packing Tape
Not all tape is created equal, my friends. I learned this the hard way when I used cheap dollar store tape for a move, only to find half my boxes had popped open during transit.
Look for actual packing tape that’s at least 1.88 inches wide with good adhesive quality. Clear tape lets you see any labels underneath, but tan or brown tape tends to be stronger for heavy-duty boxes.
You’ll need about 2-3 rolls of tape for every 20 boxes, so stock up!
Strips of Cardboard
These unsung heroes of packing deserve more credit! Cut strips from spare cardboard boxes to:
- Create dividers inside boxes for glasses or fragile items
- Reinforce the bottoms of heavy boxes
- Protect flat items like picture frames
I’ve saved numerous wine glasses using DIY cardboard dividers. They work just as well as those fancy store-bought ones!
Tissue Paper
White, unprinted tissue paper is amazing for wrapping delicate items. It’s lightweight, which means you can use plenty without adding much weight to your boxes.
I wrap all my decorative items, jewelry, and knick-knacks in tissue paper before either boxing them directly or adding a layer of bubble wrap for extra protection.
Fun fact: Americans use about 4.7 million tons of tissue paper products annually, and a good chunk of that goes toward packing and moving!
Peanuts and Loose Fill
Those little styrofoam peanuts might seem like a pain, but they’re fantastic for filling odd-shaped gaps and preventing items from shifting.
Nowadays, you can also find biodegradable packing peanuts made from corn starch. They work just as well and dissolve in water for easy cleanup and disposal.
The downside? Peanuts can make a huge mess. I put mine in tied-off garbage bags until I need them, then pour them directly into boxes and close them right away.
Bubble Wrap
Ah, the satisfying pop of bubble wrap! Beyond being a stress-relieving toy, it’s exceptional protection for fragile items.
Small-bubble wrap works best for smaller items, while large-bubble provides better cushioning for larger, heavier things.
I’ve found that wrapping bubble wrap with the bubble side IN against the object provides better protection. It seems counterintuitive, but it works!
A roll of bubble wrap can last through several moves if you’re careful with it. I store mine flat under my bed between moves.
Plastic Stretch Wrap
This clingy plastic film is magical for:
- Keeping dresser drawers closed during transport
- Bundling items together
- Protecting furniture from scratches
- Securing cabinet doors and drawers
I once used stretch wrap to completely cocoon a bookshelf with all the books still on it. Saved hours of packing and unpacking time!
Labels and Markers
Never underestimate the power of good labeling! Thick black markers are essential for marking boxes clearly.
Instead of just writing “Kitchen” on a box, try being specific: “Kitchen – Everyday Dishes & Mugs.” Your future self will thank you when you’re looking for your coffee mug the morning after moving.
Color-coding labels by room can also make unloading much faster. According to a U-Haul survey, people who use detailed labeling systems spend 50% less time unpacking.
Where to Get Packing Materials Cheap
Now for the money-saving part! Here’s how to get all these materials without breaking the bank:
- Ask local stores for free boxes Liquor stores, bookstores, and grocery stores receive shipments in sturdy boxes that they usually just break down for recycling. Call ahead and ask when they typically break down boxes, and if you can take some.
Liquor store boxes are especially great because they’re designed to hold heavy glass bottles and often come with dividers already built in!
- Check online community groups Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, Nextdoor, and Buy Nothing groups always have people giving away moving supplies after they’ve unpacked. I got about 30 boxes, half a roll of bubble wrap, and packing paper completely free from a neighbor who had just moved in.
- Use what you already have Suitcases, laundry baskets, hampers, and even garbage bags can transport clothes and linens. Towels, t-shirts, and socks make excellent padding for fragile items.
- Bundle newspaper from friends and family Plain newsprint is perfect for wrapping non-fragile items. Ask friends to save their newspapers for a few weeks before your move. Just be careful with anything that might be stained by ink.
- Check with your moving company If you’re using professional movers, ask if they offer used boxes at a discount. Many companies collect boxes after moves and resell them at 50-70% off retail prices.
- Time your box store purchases right If you must buy new boxes, U-Haul and Home Depot often run moving specials in the summer months when demand is highest. Some places also offer “buy back” programs for undamaged boxes.
Conclusion
Packing doesn’t have to cost a fortune if you plan ahead and know where to look. Start collecting supplies a few weeks before your move date, and you’ll be surprised how much you can gather for free or cheap.
Remember that good packing is an investment in your belongings. Using quality materials, even if salvaged or second-hand, can prevent damage that would cost much more to repair or replace.
