When choosing packing materials for your move, where should you skimp and where should you splurge? For many people, it is completely unnecessary to purchase brand-new packaging, like full priced boxes, bubble wrap and furniture cloths, when you can get the same used items at a discounted price.

How to choose cheap packing materials

Brand-new packaging materials can eat up a large chunk of your moving budget. To begin, start gathering boxes that are sturdy and durable from supermarkets, bookstores, and liquor stores in your area.

You can also ask friends who have recently moved to save their old boxes for you, or you can go on a community website to purchase packaging materials second-hand.

Packing materials, like foam peanuts and bubble wrap, can be substituted for the much cheaper alternative of butcher paper. You can also use old clothing, towels, and dish cloths to inexpensively wrap fragile items like glassware before packing.

This will conserve space and save you money by reusing items around the house as packaging materials.

Should you invest in a moving kit?

If you're hiring professional movers for your relocation, they will often offer a complete moving kit with packaging materials already prepared for you. If you are using professional movers and don't want to go to the trouble of gathering your own moving supplies, this is an ideal option to take advantage of.

A moving kit will include:

• Assorted boxes in several sizes
• Rolls of packing tape
• Bubble wrap
• Markers
• A protection kit with foam cushion, bubble wrap and packaging for glassware.

A standard moving kit can start as low as $50 for a one-bedroom apartment. A moving kit is an inexpensive option if ordered through your moving service since they will provide you with a discounted rate on packing materials.

Packaging materials checklist

In order to organise your moving supplies successfully, use the following checklist of packing materials to plan your relocation:

• Boxes of assorted sizes or a moving kit.
• Specialty boxes, like wardrobe, picture frame and dish boxes for fragile items.
• Spare cardboard to use as padding in boxes.
• Markers to label boxes.
• Utility knife to cut tape and boxes.
  
• Rope to secure furniture and boxes on moving day.
  
• Trash bag to dispose of trash while packing.
  
• Furniture covers for mattresses, sofas, and chairs.
  
• Bubble wrap or butcher paper.
  
• Packaging tape and dispenser.
  
• Rubber straps or bungee cords to secure furniture during a move. This is especially helpful to close cabinet doors to prevent damage.
  
• Shrink wrap to protect appliances.
  
• Plastic carpet protector to protect carpet from damage while moving furniture.
  
• Gloves to protect your hands during the move.

Last but not least, keep a small toolkit on hand as a necessity during your relocation. A toolkit with screwdrivers, a hammer, wrenches, and sockets will help you to quickly dismantle furniture to load into the moving truck.

A cordless screwdriver with interchangeable heads is the best choice for convenient, speedy disassembly to prevent any downtime on your moving day.

Top moving tip

Most people forget to have food and drinks on hand during a move. Have snacks with water or sports drinks to keep yourself and the movers hydrated. It is recommended not to drink alcohol while moving, which will only cause dehydration and could impair judgment.