Unless you are a true minimalist, moving can be a daunting task.  The thought of packing and moving all of your belongings is stressful, especially if you’re on a tight budget.  How can you get all of you things out of your current home and into your new one without spending a ton of cash?  Here are some great ideas for packing up your things without breaking the bank. 

Don’t Pay for all of Your Packing Supplies

Packing supplies are an absolute necessity for moving, which is why many moving companies charge an exorbitant price for them.  However, spending gobs of money on boxes and other supplies is unnecessary when you can get many of these supplies for free.  Start by gathering up empty boxes from your work such as printer paper boxes.  You can also stop by your local warehouse grocers and ask for a few boxes.  Liquor stores, grocery stores, and other retailers are usually happy to get the extra boxes off their hands.  You can also ask friends and neighbors who have recently moved or post a request on social media sites.  You will be surprised at how many boxes you can gather up for free.  If you know you are moving, start stockpiling newspapers and ask friends and neighbors if you can have their old papers as well.  This will save a great deal of money on packing paper.  Finally, make use of things you already own such as towels, bed linens, and extra clothing to wrap those fragile items. 

Purge and Declutter

Moving is a great time to get rid of those items that you seldom use or no longer need.  Take the time to go through each room in your home and set aside any unwanted items.  You can donate them or set them aside for a yard sale.  A yard sale is a great way to earn some extra cash to help with your moving expenses while simultaneously eliminating the expense and hassle of packing and moving all of those extra belongings.  If you are planning to hire movers, selling or donating some of your belongings will save you money on the amount of time it will take the movers to pack up your things. 

Consider a Portable Storage Unit

Hiring professional movers can be a huge expense.  Many people who are on a tight budget don’t want to spend the extra money to hire movers.  A portable storage unit is a convenient and affordable solution.  They are conveniently delivered directly to your home, allowing you to pack at your leisure and the storage company can deliver the unit directly to your new home.  Packing and unpacking has never been easier and this provides an affordable option for storing and moving your belongings without having to spend the extra money for professional movers.