The last time I had to move, I didn't have much in the way of stuff so it didn't take long to pack it up and move it. I was pretty much able to steal paper boxes from work and get it done that way. My husband seems to think we can do it this way again. I don't think so.
I think I found a deal, and I'm looking on craigslist too, but I'm just trying to figure out what's reasonable. It's going to take at least 15 paper boxes (and I'm talking like the boxes copy paper comes in) to pack up our book shelves.
So - when you moved, how much did you spend on boxes?
Re: Another moving question
Don't have an answer for your specific question, but wanted to mention ABC stores. They normally have tons of boxes in the back and charge very little for them.
When we moved from our condo we needed a lot of boxes and we did not have nearly the amount of crap we have now. We used a variety of moving boxes, abc boxes and paper boxes. Remember to not pack the boxes to heavy since you'll need to be able to lift them. We had to pack the boxes lightly and securely since we were moving across the state.
ETA: Don't have specific numbers but I do know we purchased from storage place and they were expensive!
Fortunately, wherever we move, it's not going to be too far - BUT I think we'll still need a ton of boxes. We really have an obscene amount of books. Then there's the kitchen and the garage. We won't have to pack up the clothes in the dresser since it'd be just going a couple miles - but shoes, pictures, other crap. We're going to need more than just copy paper boxes.
And lucky for me - I'll be supervising all of the lifting. I can't really do any of the lifting anymore.
We haven't spent a thing on boxes so far. DH keeps pilfering paper boxes from work and a few friends have donated some to the cause also. We have a neighbor that works at a grocery store and she has been bringing us some too. I second the liquor store recommendation.
Also, are you a member of freecycle? It is a free yahoo group you can join and people offer moving boxes on there all the time. I'd check the free section on craigslist too. GL!
I'm very frugal, but the best $500 I ever spent was on movers!
That's what I'm thinking. If I can eek it out in my own budget, I just might do it and not tell him until it's done. Plus, I can be pissed at them for scratching my furniture. I can only stay mad for so long at him!
I will start saving boxes for you!
I have a ton that need to be emptied and the stuff put away in the next 3 weeks.
Are you a member of BJs, Costco or Sam's? (Or know someone who is?) You could start pilfering some extra boxes from there when you check out. Also, you can ask at the grocery store if they are willing to give you any boxes. I did both of the above and DH took a bunch of paper boxes from work when we moved a few years ago. Also, check out freecycle in your area. I'll bet someone has boxes they want to get rid of.
As far as movers go, we went the PODS route. It worked for us at the time, but if we ever had to move again I'd definitely go with movers.
GL and congratulations on selling your house!
Catching up on sports news...
I have moved A LOT. Sometime after college I started buying large rubbermaid containers every time I moved. Sometimes as few as 3 or 4, sometimes as many as 10. We have a buttload of those now. Some only cost $5 or $6, some big ones like $15 or so.
Anyway, the last time we moved I might have bought a few of those containers ($30 or so), plus ordered a huge lot of bubble wrap off Ebay (I already had a bunch from the previous move but bought another maybe $40 worth). Then I got free boxes and moving blankets from an Austin nestie who had just moved to town.
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