Moving on the cheap: a primer
Moving can be very expensive, but it doesn't have to be. Here are some ways to save time and money when moving.
- If you don't want it, don't move it. Give away or throw away anything you don't really want or need. The planning stages of moving is the best time to start getting rid of stuff. Give things away on Freecycle, or give things to the Salvation Army.
- The very best free boxes: boxes liquor is shipped in. Go to your local liquor store or restaurant with a bar area and ask them if they will give you boxes. Sometimes you can catch them before the store breaks them down for recycling and you don't even have to tape them back together. These boxes are usually the perfect size for heavy items like books and glassware. They're also stronger than other types of boxes, usually.
- Get your big boxes from shoe stores. They often have big boxes that the shoes have been shipped in.
- Don't leave empy spaces in boxes. Fill empty spaces in boxes with soft things like yarn, stuffed animals, etc.
- Use all box-like containers. I fill my hampers with non-breakable items, and my outside trash cans with outdoor equipment like hoses and watering cans, etc.
- Ship books and DVDs media mail. If you are moving cross-country, it is quite cheap to ship items through the USPS media mail. It has to be actual media items like books and DVDs, and they will often check, so only ship media items that way.
- Beer and pizza is a lot cheaper than a moving company. If you're moving in-town, get your friends to help you move.
- Get an estimate and insurance if you do use a moving company. Also, be sure to research the moving company online before you use them to make sure they aren't scam artists. I have read several stories of people who were told they couldn't have their items until they paid a highly inflated price for the moving. Avoid this by using reputable companies.
Tagged : moving, budget-friendly
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