How To Save Money While In The Peace Corps

Moving is a major challenge, and it always seems to be more expensive than you expect. There are so many things to do. You need to find a new place, pay a deposit or down payment, and then arrange for an ongoing rent or mortgage payment.

After that, you have to pack all of your belongings, rent a moving truck or hire movers, and get everything to the new location. You're still not done – there's unpacking and buying necessities for the new place next.

Fortunately, there are ways to save money during the moving process. Discover how to save on moving supplies below.

Free boxes seem like a great way to cut down on costs, and they are. However, you need to make sure that the boxes are of good quality and the size you need. If you take just any free box you can get your hands on, you may experience difficulty stacking them or fitting your belongings inside them, and they may not survive the trip. It pays to be picky.

One of the best resources for free, sturdy boxes is your local grocery stores. Supermarkets regularly receive stock in large quantities, so you can usually get several boxes of the same size and shape. Find out when they receive shipments and ask if you can have some of their boxes or even leftover store display equipment. Similarly, warehouses and restaurants also tend to receive equipment that requires sturdy boxes, so consider asking them as well.

Buy Packing Supplies on Sale

Many office supply stores have frequent sales and coupons to try to compete with major retailers like Walmart. Take advantage of this to snag great deals on packing tape, sets of packing boxes, and much more. Speaking of Walmart, you may be able to get a great deal on packing supplies there as well. Don't forget to check dollar stores and other discount locations.

If worst comes to worst, you can also rent boxes or tubs from companies like BungoBox or Frog Box, or you can borrow used moving equipment.

Don't Overbuy

Whether you get free boxes or inexpensive ones, you don't want to be stuck with leftovers. Having too many moving supplies means that you spent money you didn't need to. Instead, be realistic about what you own and how much you need to move it.

Declutter and Simplify Before Moving

One of the best ways to save money on moving supplies is to simply move less stuff. A move is a great time to really evaluate what you own and whether you need or want to keep all of it. Do you really need three versions of one board game? Can you get rid of dishes, pots or pans? Can you thin your book collection? Taking these steps will make an enormous difference in the amount of moving supplies you need to buy. It will also help your new home be less cluttered and save your effort and energy on moving day.

If you're moving a business over a long distance, it may be easier and cheaper to check local auctions and used equipment suppliers and see if you can just get new material through them. Everything from bakery supplies to used construction equipment may be cheaper through local sales.

Pack Using Containers You Already Have

Boxes aside, you may be surprised to realize how many packing containers you already have. Dresser drawers? Use them. Garbage bags? Perfect to put over hanging clothes for easy moving. Wrap fragile items in clothes, towels, or linens you are taking with you. It will save you time and money trying to find bubble wrap or newspaper for your packing project. If you already have markers in a craft drawer, use them to label boxes. Find unused shipping labels in your home office to use to label boxes more easily.

You can move on a budget. It takes planning and wise choices, but when you get free or cheap items, downsize, and use what you already have, you'll be well on your way to a great stress-free move.