Having moved more than a few times in my 26 years of life (8 moves since I moved out of my parents when I was 20…eek!), I have learned to become very creative when gathering supplies for packing. Whether I need boxes, wrapping, furniture covers, or anything in between, I have my list of resources that I glean from to obtain my supplies. Here are some off-the-written-path suggestions to help you get your hands on supplies you need for moving, without having to spend an arm and a leg.

Having moved more than a few times in my 26 years of life (8 moves since I moved out of my parents when I was 20…eek!), I have learned to become very creative when gathering supplies for packing. Whether I need boxes, wrapping, furniture covers, or anything in between, I have my list of resources that I glean from to obtain my supplies. Here are some off-the-written-path suggestions to help you get your hands on supplies you need for moving, without having to spend an arm and a leg.

Check with local stores. I have found this to be the best way to get supplies to hold items such as boxes and bags. If you know someone who works at a department store, grocery store, or another business that sells merchandise, ask them to have their staff set aside boxes for you to come to pick up – they will get thrown away otherwise. If you don’t know anyone, don’t be afraid to call a local store and ask them to save their boxes under your name. Most won’t mind doing so, as long as you pick them up promptly. Be sure to ask for boxes that will be semi-convenient for moving and carrying up and down steps, in and out of trucks, etc. Although large boxes may hold quite a few items, they get weighed down easily and the bottom can fall out if overloaded. If you can get your hands on wine boxes, I have personally found that these are the perfect size to fit items and to carry without struggle. Note to not rule out bags – as long as they’re relatively sturdy they can be great for moving items.

Dollar store finds. Tissue paper and napkins are sold in dollar stores for only a dollar! Although you may not choose to use these paper products for daily living, when you need some cushion in between your items while packing they do just the job. You can also pick up some paper towels, rip the pages out of a few cheap books and place toilet paper rolls in between glasses for extra cushioning.

Ask your neighbors. They may have extra boxes lying around or newspapers you can use to cushion your items. They may also have other creative ideas that you haven’t thought of on your own referring to other businesses around your neighborhood that may have extra packing supplies.

These can be quick and easy ways to ease the pain of moving just a bit.