Moving is expensive. It’s tempting to save money on packing materials by getting boxes from friends, the grocery store, even the side of the road. But cutting corners in your moving supplies could result in ruined belongings down the road. For a successful move, take time to consider not just what you need, but where your packing materials come from.

Why Source Matters

It may look perfectly fine, but each cardboard box — new or reused — has its own mystery background. What did it previously hold and where has it been stored since its last use?

Food and bugs

If a box held or was stored alongside food, imperceptible smells may linger, regardless of how long it's been, attracting insects and pests. Boxes stored without pest control could already have microscopic insects tucked inside the cardboard walls. Insect eggs can be laid within hours, but it takes 24 – 38 hours for a roach egg to hatch. That means you could easily move pests into your house without realizing.

Wear over time

Each time a cardboard box is used, it loses structural integrity, creating weaknesses. And while moving tape is strong, it's not magic. The last thing you want on moving day is boxes breaking under glassware or heavy loads.

With integrity intact, stacking boxes in your house or moving van becomes way neater and more secure. And with new boxes, you don't have to worry about old labels confusing your moving process.

All these factors considered, even purchased materials should be sourced carefully. Find a business you trust to sell brand-new materials stored in a clean, pest-controlled environment.

Make a moving budget

We’ve already established you don’t want to cut corners on supplies. So how can you save money on your move? The best way to kick off your moving prep is with a budget.

In the heat of a stressful move, an already mapped out list of packing materials and costs will keep you from going overboard with expenses. Start by figuring out what you can afford. Are movers an option or will you be doing the heavy lifting yourself? Then figure out what you need. If you're packing yourself, use an online packing calculator to determine what size boxes you'll want and how many.

As you budget, go ahead and factor in the full inventory of necessary packing supplies. You may find the following materials useful:

Bubble wrap
Stretchable plastic wrap
Moving blankets
Furniture covers
Packing tape and dispenser
Permanent markers
Ziploc bags
Floor protectors
Bungee cords

Plastic totes

Cardboard boxes are the tried and true method of moving, but plastic totes are worth consideration. They may be more expensive, but depending on your budget, the value might be worth it. Plastic totes are helpful for:

Having a lid with a tight seal for moving during inclement weather.
Moving regularly stored items like holiday decor.
Moving anything into long-term storage.

Tips for cutting costs
While you don’t want to skimp on your materials, there are still some ways to save money on your move.

Rent, don't buy heavy equipment like hand trucks or trailers.
Under, rather than overbuy supplies. With the proper amount of prep time, you can buy extras if needed.
Use what you already have, like linens for cushioning breakable items and dresser drawers and suitcases as extra boxes.
Clear stuff out before you move. That way, you'll have less to pack!

Source your packing materials with Go Mini’s

At Go Mini’s of Augusta, we’re pro recycling and pro saving money. But we’re anti stressful moves or ruined belongings. That’s why our packing materials are brand-new and stored in a warehouse with a strict 30-day pest control service schedule.

Still stressed out by the cost of moving? Rather than cutting corners on moving supplies, save money with our affordable container options. They’re easy, safe, budget-friendly solutions for any home move.

Whether it’s packing materials or moving help you’re looking for, contact us today to learn more!