Cheap packing materials for moving house

isihac_2

The last time we moved house (admittedly some years ago) we were able to return the standard cardboard packing boxes that were supplied by the removers; provided these weren't 'wrecked' they refunded the original charge. Don't know if this only applies when they do the packing, but it would be worth checking.

stmartinsdiver

We had to move twice in a matter of 15 months so in adition to scrounging large cardboard boxes from various places we also bought 30 folding stacking plastic crates - like this: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B005KGVU9Y?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00
They were only a couple of pounds each and we were able to label each crate and keep them stacked 4 high in between moves. Once we'd finished with them they fold up surprisingly small ready for selling on. We also purchased zipped laundry bags like so: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B006VVJK7G?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00
for all our clothes and we were also able to label these and use them as soft packing in the removal van then kept things in them in between moves knowing what was in each bag. Once we'd finished moving we sold the bags and crates in the free-ads for almost what we paid for them. The removal men actually commented that they had 'never had such an easy move' and we got a reduced price from them the second time round - much more than the cost of the crates and bags so we were happy this had been a very cost effective solution for us.

Cally27

Having just moved house, I can help with this one!
I visited shops/supermarkets every day and asked for empty boxes, I took a walk round my neighbourhood the evening before the recycling vans were due and helped myself to boxes which had been put out - and finally, as I was packing, I shredded every piece of paper I did not need (old bank/credit card statementsand junk mail etc) and used the shredded paper as packing material. Buy bubble wrap from the Internet as much much cheaper than retail prices!

hannerrbabes

I looked on freecycle the last time I moved house and managed to find someone who had tons of boxes to get rid of and they lived a 5 minute walk from my house!
Banana boxes are good, but they can have spaces in the tops and bottoms so aren't great to carry everything.
I work at a well-known petrol station and we get rid of tens of boxes a day. Go to your local one in the evening and they should have lots spare.

eurovision_fan

I got this idea from "Lush Cosmetics", when packing small fragile items, instead of using bubble wrap or paper, use popcorn.

It's cheap, have similar impact resistance, weighs less than a lot of Bubble Wrapped and papered items, and is biodegradable.

Heatherbelle3

We have moved house several times over the years and I collect boxes from the local stores and also ask on Freecycle for boxes and bubblewrap.
For packingI use newspaper for packing non fragile things Kitchen roll for breakable items, this can be used again, and for fragile, things the bubble wrap.
When you unpack most of the stuff can be Freecycled or recycled.
Don't use big boxes for heavy stuff like books and make sure everything is wedged inside the container.
Suitcases will take clothes, heavy duty binliners will take bedding as will linen and washing baskets, blanket boxes and ottomans. Remember to tie something round the latter
We shall be moving again shortly and will follow the same routine.

dimsum_2

Get Ikea bags for 40p each for clothes and other soft materials. Sturdy fruit boxes from your supermarket.

GaleSF63

I second the IKEA bags even if you have to pay a little for them, because it is much easier to carry things in a bag with handles than in a box and the weight doesn't seem so much. Also you can carry two at a time. Things like TVs can be carried more easily (wrapped in bed linen for protection).

The only downside is that they don't stack as well as boxes.

ger27

Moved on my own from England to Northern Ireland. I had no home to go to initially, most of my stuff was going into storage for about a year.Bought sturdy moving boxes "preused"on Ebay.Got them very cheap as seller was in an out of the way location and nobody else bid for them. Bought markers and rolls of bubble wrap.Advise buying good quality tape as it is a false economy to buy cheap if the boxes need to stay sealed for a period of time.Had ruthless declutter (do I NEED it/do I want it/ do I LOVE it) as storage is expensive!
Some stuff was coming with me to family home (small!) so also bought coloured large labels. Boxes to go in store had green stickers and boxes I was taking with me had red stickers (top and side). Was glad I'd done so as the movers/storage guys worked very fast so the big coloured labels made it easy to see what should go and what should not.Packed small flatscreen TV in bubble wrap and then in hard sided suitcase.Have finally settled in new home and so glad I was well organised - lists/spreadsheets - as I minimised the cost of an expensive relocation!

Charismac

We've just moved and it was our local supermarket that kitted us out! I asked some of the people stacking shelves latish in the evening and they saved every box that night. I agreed a time to collect and went away with a car full of boxes in one quick swoop! I found the big multipack crisp boxes great for lighter stuff and agree that banana boxes are good and sturdy for books and heavy kitchen stuff. The only packing material I used was towels and other linen. I took a single unfolded duvet cover or towel, lay the end on the bottom of a box, plates on top then wrapped a layer of duvet cover/towel over. Another layer of plates, another layer of duvet and so on.