Archive for the ‘Moving boxes’ Category
March 2nd, 2011 | 
Author: 
Click here to go see the Moving Boxes Kits
It is nearly impossible to move without moving boxes. If you don’t believe me then try it. You will have a really frustrating day. I suppose if you are the ultimate minimalist then you might be able to carry all of your belongings in your arms, but I don’t know anyone that has that few items.
I have talked about all sorts of ways to find moving boxes. Here is another source of moving boxes if you have a little money to spend and a week or two to wait for them to arrive. I like this moving kit from Smooth Move. If this isn’t what you are looking for you your next move don’t worry you can find all sorts of moving boxes kits if you look around a little bit. Click on the colorful words to find out more.
Posted in 
Tags: 
There a many ways to move you things from your old home to your new one. Moving containers is becoming an increasingly popular option. Before you move you should think about all of your moving options before you decide which one is best for you. Here are some to think about.
Full Service Movers
Full service movers are the most expensive way to go if you are moving very far. If you are just moving across town then hiring people with a moving truck that will do the heavy lifting and even take apart your furniture is not quit so bad. Generally when we are talking about full service movers we are talking about hiring a large moving company that can pack your belongings in there boxes, put everything in there truck and drive it to your new home, store everything if you need them to, and then deliver and unload for you.
Moving Containers and Moving Pods
Moving containers and moving pods is my favorite way of moving long distance. You can get a few containers delivered to your residence, pack them at your own rate, and then get them picked up and driven to there destination for you. You can also have these containers stored in there warehouse if you need some time. This method does tend to be more expensive then just renting a rental truck or using your own vehicle, but the convenience can be worth it.
Moving Trucks
Moving trucks are a great option if you have too much stuff to mail or the distance is too great to use your own vehicle. Even if you are moving just a few miles renting a moving truck can save you lots of time since you can make fewer trips. In my experience the rental truck always costs at least twice what you think it will.
Moving With Your Own Vehicles
Unless you don’t have much to move, moving with your own vehicles is a lot of work and can take a really long time. If you aren’t moving far then this is one place you can save a lot of money moving. I moved a few years ago just using an old van and the trunk of a car. It took three days, still not sure if the money saved was worth it.
Moving With the Post Office
Moving with the Post Office only works if you are not moving much. This is very likely the most expensive way to move per pound. We used the post office to move once from Anchorage to Albuquerque. We got rid of almost everything and shipped the rest. It was easy to do and cost us less then moving everything we owned in a rental truck. That was over nine years ago and we still have a few boxes from that time that are still sealed. Obviously they were not worth the time and money to ship. Just make sure you really want everything that you ship or else you will be wasting your money.
Getting your hands on cheap boxes is a must for moving in this down economy. Ok, getting cheap boxes for moving in any economy is a great idea. If you want to save money on your moving boxes then you need to plan ahead so that you don’t have to spend your moving money on expensive boxes from your moving company or the ones offered by the company you are renting your moving truck or moving container from. So if you shouldn’t get these convenient boxes then what boxes should you be looking for.
Great Source for Cheap Boxes
Did you know that you can get cheap boxes that are used? These are quality boxes that have been gently used. By getting these boxes used you are doing your part keep some cardboard out of the trash heap. When you are finished your move you also have the option of reselling those boxes. You won’t get your money back, but you will get some back to help offset your moving expenses.
What’s better than Cheap Boxes? Free Boxes!
One thing to keep in mind when you use free boxes as opposed to cheap boxes made for moving is that these boxes were custom made for whatever came in them. Free boxes are often in odd sizes, don’t have lids, are dirty, or are very thin. If that is just fine with you then here are a few places to look for free boxes. You can look for them at groceries stores, liquor stores, retail stores, and hospitals. These days most cardboard is broken up and crashed while still inside the building, so looking in garbage bins out back is no longer the thing to do. You are going to have to ask, and ask, and ask some more. Many employees that you ask are going to be unpleasant about it, but that’s OK. You know that you are making sure these boxes get used at least one more time before getting thrown away.
You are moving and your budget for the move is a just about to explode. You need to rent a truck or hire movers. You need to make sure you get your bills paid early so they are not forgotten. If you have purchased a new home then you are dealing with closing costs and the cost of fixing things and painting before you move in. On the other hand if you are renting a new home then you need to pay deposits, first month rent, and possibly the last month of rent as well.
Boxes for your move is the perfect place to save money. While buying the boxes will save a lot of time, sometimes we need to save money instead. I you know a move is coming then the best thing you could do is save every box you get. I have always saved all boxes that could possibly be used in a move, but that has never been enough. If you are going to get rid of unneeded items while packing then you will also need boxes to place them into as well. Whether you have a garage full of boxes or not, here are 5 places to look for free moving boxes.
Ask Around
One of the first things you should do when you know that you will be moving is get the word out that you need any and all boxes. Ask your neighbors, coworkers, relatives, and friends. You would be surprised how much you might get. You just might find that people are glad to get the chance to clean the cardboard out of there basements and garages.
Grocery Stores
This is an old favorite. Produce boxes are often dirty and unsuitable, but the boxes canned foods come in are usually clean and very sturdy. Bread boxes are good for things that are light or for items to be donated or even thrown out.
Clothing Store
Clothing stores often have large boxes that are good for lighter things. There boxes are usually made of cardboard that is thin to medium in weight. These boxes are really clean and worth the effort to get.
Toy Store
I have worked in a toy store, so I will tell you from experience that these stores have wonderful boxes. Some are thin, but many are fairly thick. These boxes are clean and they get a lot of them almost daily. Another good thing about getting boxes from toy stores is that most of the time you will find the employees friendly and accommodating.
Hospitals
Hospitals are an untapped resource for boxes. Hospital boxes are wonderful. Big and sturdy and very clean. Finding these boxes can be a bit tricky. If you know anyone that works at a hospital then it will be easier. They will know or can find out the hospitals policies and where to get them. If you don’t know anyone then do not despair, you will just need to start asking around. Just remember that you are in a hospital and keep your inquiries appropriate and out of the way of any emergencies.
Finding free moving boxes takes time so relax and just keep at it. When asking employees about boxes you will get more no’s then yes’s. It will help to go when you believe the establishment will be slow. A busy employee or mangier will consider you a nuisance if they are busy.
First of all it is important to plan ahead and save all the boxes that could be used for a move broken down and in a safe, dry place. Secondly look for boxes at toy stores, grocery stores, and (my favorite) hospitals.
So, you didn’t do this or just plain couldn’t, what do you do now?
Order some online, of course. When ordering boxes look at the dimensions, this will give you a basic idea of the volume inside the box, and what you can fit in it. Also know that many boxes made for moving should have a seal printed on the bottom that gives their strength and capacity. You can find moving boxes that are made out of single or double walled corrugated cardboard. Get the strong ones if you can so they won’t crush under whatever is packed on top of them. If you look around you can find wholesale moving boxes and supplies shipped flat to your house, saving you money.
Don’t forget to get packing paper, packing tape, bubble wrap and of couple markers too.