Moving into a new home is always an exciting time. Whether it’s a newly built house or an existing apartment building, packing your belongings and moving in can be a daunting task. With so many things to keep track of during the packing and moving process, it’s easy for various costs to accumulate unintentionally.
As a leading provider of energy for Texans, we understand how important saving money is during a move, no matter if it’s switching energy plans or ensuring that you’re not overspending on moving items. So in this blog, we’ll be going through the different ways to save while packing for your next move.
Determine Your Packing Needs Before Purchasing Supplies
Before diving into the world of moving boxes and packing materials, it’s crucial to assess your needs and make a plan. Purchasing too many supplies can be a drain on your budget, while not having enough can lead to last-minute stress. Follow these steps to ensure you buy only what’s necessary and save some money in the process:
1. Take inventory of your belongings: Begin by taking a thorough inventory of all the items you plan to move. Categorize them by room, size, and fragility. This will give you an idea of the variety and quantity of packing materials required.
2. Explore online calculators: Leverage the power of online moving calculators to estimate the number of boxes and other packing supplies you’ll need. These tools take into account the size of your home, the number of rooms, and your specific inventory to provide accurate estimates. Some popular options include Moving.com’s Packing Calculator and U-Pack’s Box Estimator.
3. Choose the right-sized boxes: Using the information from your inventory and the online calculator, determine the appropriate box sizes for your items. Remember that smaller boxes are ideal for heavy items, while larger boxes work best for lighter, bulkier items. Having a variety of box sizes ensures efficient packing and reduces the likelihood of damage during transit.
4. Consider specialty boxes and packing materials: For fragile or uniquely shaped items, consider investing in specialty boxes and packing materials. These may include dish packs, wardrobe boxes, and picture/mirror boxes. While they may cost more upfront, they provide added protection and peace of mind.
Get Resourceful with Old Packing Items
Before resorting to buying new packing materials, take the time to evaluate what you already have at home. Repurposing boxes from previous purchases or deliveries can significantly reduce your packing expenses. These reused boxes will serve just as well as new ones, provided they are still in good condition.
In addition to scouring your own home for boxes, reach out to close family members and friends to inquire about any spare boxes they might have. They may be more than happy to donate boxes from their recent purchases or moving experiences. This not only gives you access to free packing supplies but also helps your loved ones declutter their homes, creating a win-win situation for everyone involved.
To further expand your search for reusable packing items, consider checking local businesses, such as grocery stores or liquor stores, which often have an abundance of sturdy boxes they are willing to give away for free. Additionally, explore online resources like Craigslist, Freecycle, or Nextdoor, where community members may offer free or low-cost packing materials.
By reusing old packing items and seeking out free alternatives, you can significantly cut down on your moving expenses while also contributing to a more sustainable and eco-friendly moving process.
Utilize Household Items as Packing Materials
While it’s tempting to purchase foam peanuts and copious amounts of bubble wrap to protect your fragile belongings, there’s a more cost-effective and resourceful approach: using what you already own.
When packing delicate items, consider bypassing traditional packing materials and opt for household items instead. Clothes, towels, and blankets can serve as excellent substitutes for box stuffing, providing the necessary cushioning and protection for your fragile possessions. These soft items can also be used to wrap individual items, offering a practical alternative to bubble wrap or foam peanuts.
In addition to clothes, towels, and blankets, you can repurpose other household items as packing materials, such as:
- Newspapers and magazines: Crumple up old newspapers or magazines to fill empty spaces in boxes and provide extra padding.
- Egg cartons: These can be used to store small, delicate items like ornaments or trinkets.
- Plastic containers and Tupperware: Utilize these items to pack smaller objects, keeping them organized and protected during the move.
- Socks and stockings: Use these to hold fragile items like glassware or to fill gaps between items in a box.
If you use household items as part of your packing strategy, you not only save money on purchasing new wrapping and stuffing materials, but also minimize waste and contribute to an eco-friendly moving process. This approach allows you to make the most of what you already have, ensuring a budget-friendly and efficient move.
Capitalize on Decluttering and Sell Unwanted Items
Moving homes presents the perfect opportunity to reassess your belongings and determine what you truly need. By decluttering your wardrobe, cupboards, and storage spaces, you can eliminate unwanted items and reduce the volume of possessions you need to pack and move.
Selling these unwanted items not only lightens your load but also allows you to earn some extra cash to offset moving expenses. There are several ways to connect with potential buyers and make the most of your decluttering efforts:
1. Online Marketplaces: Platforms like Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and Craigslist provide an easy way to sell your items to locals in your area. Simply take photos of your items, write a brief description, and set a price. These marketplaces allow you to reach a wide audience and sell your items quickly.
2. Yard Sale or Garage Sale: For those who prefer a more traditional approach, hosting a yard sale or garage sale is an ideal option. This allows you to display all your unwanted items at once and interact directly with potential buyers. To maximize your profits, advertise your sale on social media, local community boards, or through word of mouth.
3. Consignment Stores: For higher-end clothing, accessories, or home goods, consider selling your items through a consignment store. These stores will display your items for a fee or percentage of the sale, which means you only pay when your items sell.
4. Donate for a Tax Deduction: If you’re unable to sell certain items, consider donating them to a charitable organization. Not only will you be helping those in need, but you may also be eligible for a tax deduction if you itemize your deductions on your tax return.
By decluttering and selling your unwanted items, you’ll save money on packing materials, reduce the time spent packing, and potentially earn some extra cash to help cover your moving expenses. Plus, you’ll enjoy the added benefit of starting fresh in your new home with only the items you genuinely need and love.
Make Your Move Easy with Energy Texas
Whether you’re settling into a new home or are in the planning process, Energy Texas has you covered. Not only do we regularly share our tips and tricks, but we also have unbeatable and uncomplicated energy plans to support Texans far and wide. So if you’re looking for a new energy provider or are looking to switch things up, check out our Moving Made Easy plan and get your first dinner in your new home on us!