With our recent move fresh on my mind, I am full of dos and don’ts from my own experience. What better time to share with you some moving shortcuts!
One moving essential that we all need are boxes. It is the darndest thing! One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. When you rent a Uhaul or other moving truck they ask you how many boxes you will need. Of course there is a charge for every shape and size. You could pay hundreds of dollars on boxes and tape.
Well, you all know I didn’t pay hundreds of dollars. Not even close. I carried myself right down to Publix and told them that we were moving and asked if I could have some boxes. See, grocery stores just bundle them and put them out for recycling. They do not get anything for those boxes. They are glad to give them to someone who can use them.
I made several trips to Publix, and struck up a friendship with the lady in the bakery. Turns out they have some great boxes in the bakery.
Here are my best tips!
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Bakery boxes, Apple Boxes, and Liquor Boxes seem to be the heaviest and the best for moving!
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Try calling ahead and getting there early in the morning before they crush the boxes for the trash.
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Be friendly! Moving can be stressful! Try to be as kind as possible to the stores that are helping you.
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It is much easier to carry home broken down boxes and retape them. It is still cheaper than buying boxes.
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Check Craigslist. Sometimes people that have just moved offer their boxes for free on craigslist. It is worth looking.
I hope these tips help you save money on your next move! Stay tuned for more Moving Shortcuts.
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In college, and recently when I relocated again, I got my boxes from the same place. Walmart is a great place to pick up boxes. Go between 10 and 11pm when they are stocking the shelves. For the best boxes, go to the home section. The boxes used to ship the plates are super strong and nice sized. The boxes used for pillows are huge for your linen closets and other lightweight stuff. Just avoid the boxes for things like cereal and paper towels which for some reason don’t completely close.
You will still need to buy tape but check the prices carefully. I found 50 yard rolls at the dollar store, but Walmart had 100 yard rolls for $1.50.
Thank you so much for posting this article. I am in the process of preparing my family to move from Florida to Tennessee, so these great tips are in perfect timing for me! Please keep them coming. We could use all the tips and advice anyone is willing to share.
Everyday I seem to find another reason I love your site!