Moving And Storage Tips

Finding The Right Moving Supplies To Make Your Job Easier

Living in a mobile, transient society like we do means, among other things, that we need to be ready to relocate at a moment’s notice.  We may be changing jobs, retiring to another part of the country or, heaven forbid, losing our home and be forced to vacate.  Whatever the reason, when it comes time to prepare for the move, the most basic items that we need to get the process started are boxes for moving.

There are plenty of sources for where to get boxes, but in order to save some money, you would be well advised to creatively scout out these sources well in advance of your move.  You might first see what you can come up with for free -- there’s no reason to plunk down hard earned cash if you can avoid it.

Many people who have received a recent shipment often find the leftover boxes to be a nuisance.  A wonderful place to look for discarded boxes is at any apartment or condominium complex.  With so many people newly arriving, it’s very common to find empty boxes in or near trash and recycling areas.  You should also keep on eye on commercial centers, office buildings and grocery stores.   Cruise by the shipping and receiving areas in the rear of these locations to see what has been left behind.

If you feel more comfortable with brand new boxes, there are some relatively affordable options.  At first, you might look at alternatives to the U-Haul type rental and storage centers or the UPS store.  These businesses know they have a captive audience and tend to charge a little bit more than other venues do.  Home improvement centers and office supply stores will have slightly more competitively priced boxes for moving.

However, if you want specialty items like wardrobe boxes or mattress boxes, then a U-Haul or Ryder truck rental center might be the best source.  If you want to carefully ship your clothes and mattress then you should consider purchasing these items.  Basic King-sized and Queen-sized mattress boxes, for example, will run you a little less than $10.00 apiece.  Wardrobe boxes should be slightly less expensive.

Aside form boxes, you might look at getting different types of moving containers.  Light weight plastic storage bins are easy to stack and easy to store.  These may provide another level of protection for items that are to be shipped or stored away until other arrangements can be made.

Again, save yourself time and money by planning ahead.  For any moving budget there are answers.  Take advantage of all the sources out there.  The old adage -- someone’s trash is someone else’s treasure -- holds true for moving boxes as well.