5 Insider Tips to Save Money on Packing Supplies

Get insider techniques to save big on packing supplies when using packing and moving services. This guide shares clever methods to slash material costs.

Relocating entails myriad details from packing every possession to securing reliable packing and moving services. 

While hiring professional movers streamlines logistics, supplying packing materials still incurs major expenses. 

From bubblewrap to tape and boxes, required supplies tally up quickly denting moving budgets.

Luckily for smart planners, many insider tricks exist for securing fully-stocked packing inventories without breaking budgets. 

This easy guide will explore 5 crafty techniques to save big on requisite materials when using packing and moving services.

1. Ask Movers for Free Boxes

Did you know moving companies accumulate surplus cardboard boxes with every job? Instead of recycling these, many happily provide clienteles with complimentary containers upon request.

Contact packers directly to ask if they maintain free box inventories. Describe your upcoming moving dimensions for accurately sized containers tailored to possession categories like:

• Small boxes for loose items
• Medium boxes for clothes
• Large boxes for bulky possessions like lamps or decor
• Extra strength wardrobe boxes for heavy hanging garments

Secure as many gratis boxes as possible from your movers to slash purchase costs.

2. Check Social Media Groups

Neighborhood Facebook groups, NextDoor forums, and other hyperlocal networks often feature free box offerings from helpful residents.

Platform	Post Request Template
Facebook	"Hi neighbors! I'm gearing up for an upcoming move and hoping to source some used cardboard boxes. Please let me know if you have any to spare. I'm happy to pick up as early as tomorrow. Thank you in advance!"
NextDoor	"Dear community, My family has a move coming up fast. If anyone has extra cardboard moving boxes in good shape, we'd be so appreciative to take them off your hands! Please private message me availability. Thanks so much!"

Compile boxes in an assortment of sizes scouring these social channels to secure quality containers at zero costs from neighbors.

3. Check Listing Sites

In a similar vein to social platforms, online listing sites like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace continuously showcase users offering boxes.

Configure listing alert notifications for keywords like “moving boxes” or “cardboard boxes” to get real-time availability updates in your area. 

Act swiftly to claim coveted free containers from generously de-cluttering residents before other eager parties. If hunting offline, check print newspaper classifieds as well.

4. Visit Local Retail Stores

Big box outlets, grocery chains, department shops, and other high-volume retailers regularly welcome individuals collecting used cardboard containers they would otherwise recycle. Call or visit establishments ahead to ask:

• If they have spare boxes
• What days receive new inventory shipments
• When old boxes get collapsed for recycling pickup

Construct a retail collection route visiting stores on high-yield days to haul away boxes in premium condition for re-packing possessions.

5. DIY Cardboard Containers

When free community sourcing and retail scavenging still leaves box needs unmet, take matters into your own hands getting crafty!

Use household materials like old Amazon/delivery packages to fabricate customized containers. 

Measure items needing boxes then trace and cut cardboard to size. Use clear mailing tape to fully seal edges creating durable homemade moving vessels.

Get the whole family involved transforming household recycling into custom moving boxes for a fun and productive weekend activity!

Bonus Tip: Reuse All Materials

Regardless of material procurement means, implement eco-friendly habits reusing every last supply scrap after unpacking. 

Keep labels intact on disposable elements like bubblewrap for repeated usage cycles. Flatten, fold, and store empties responsibly to benefit future moves or friends!

Moving sustainably using insider supply tips minimizes unnecessary purchases and waste. Now go grab those boxes, get packing, and simplify upcoming relocation logistics!