Packing before moving is not just time-consuming, it is also expensive!

When packing for the moving company, all that bubble wrap and boxes cost money and there never seems to be enough of it; however, they are essential to the process of protecting personal items to be moved.

Fortunately, those paying for moving services on a tighter budget have some low-cost options for saving money when packing for a move.

Try these money-saving ideas when packing materials run short to avoid having to run out to get more boxes and paper!

1. Used Boxes

While moving companies may pack with fresh new boxes, there is no reason why anyone self-packing for their move cannot use pre-used boxes gathered from other sources.

In fact, most people planning a future move start saving boxes early, gathering them as they can from various places.

Check the grocery and liquor stores as well as other places that usually throw out a lot of boxes, as many will give them away if asked.

2. Suitcases and Duffel Bags

Never let a good suitcase or duffel bag remain empty when moving, as this is prime packing space.

Padded and hard-shell suitcases are the perfect substitute for large boxes when items are well-wrapped with protective materials.

Duffel bags make great containers for less fragile items.

Putting every bag and suitcase to use reduces the number of boxes needed while also minimizing waste afterward.

3. Plastic Storage Totes

Plastic storage bins are another solution when packing for the moving service, as they are sturdy enough to protect as well, if not better, than a box.

Since most people have at least a few of these bins in various sizes around their homes, they can be easily cleaned out and used to store items that require protection during a move.

Plus, they often go on sale and a good deal on a bin that can hold more than a comparably-priced box is still a saving.

4. Recycled Paper and Wraps

Like saving boxes, it is always a good idea to start saving packing materials like paper, bubble wrap, and styrofoam wrap as it is encountered.

Shredded office paper is another source of padding that can work well for packing moving boxes, as can old newspapers and magazines as well as packing peanuts that come inside deliveries.

Start early and get friends as well as family involved in a recycling project to build up a supply of packing materials.

5. Blankets and Towels

Blankets and towels make perfect packing materials for items that will be sealed away in boxes.

In the same way that moving services use heavy blankets to cover furniture, bedding and towels can also make great wrapping for smaller items in need of padding.

Comforters are especially suitable for larger glass and fragile items like lampshades and other harder-to-wrap items.

Using these items for packing serves double duty for protecting other items while they are transported as a part of the household move.

6. T-Shirts and Socks

T-shirts and other durable clothing items work perfectly for wrapping up anything small enough to fit inside them.

Multiple t-shirt-wrapped items can then be sealed into boxes or plastic bins without the need to use more paper or bubble wrap.

Plus, rolled-up socks can be used to fill in space in boxes and bins to prevent movement and add extra padding as needed.

7. Rolls of Paper Products

When in need of thick padding to protect framed pictures and anything else that needs a soft surround, avoid spending a fortune with the moving company on rolls of bubble wrap by using rolls of paper towels and toilet tissue instead.

Inserted into boxes as full rolls to create a buffer, they are also great for taking up empty space in boxes and bins to prevent shifting that can result in damage.

Get Creative and Avoid Running Out of Packing Materials

As moving day draws closer, many people often run out of two things: packing materials and money to buy more.

A great solution is to get creative and pack for the moving company using items that are already available and need to be moved anyway.

These ideas will help anyone save money on their moving services and time spent looking for packing materials by using what they already have available to them!