subject: Top Alternative Packing Materials [print this page] It is a good idea to do packing for a move yourself as it is a smart way to save some money. You will just need to pay movers for loading and transportation.
Packing for a move is a tedious task but you can't afford to do it in a haphazard manner or hurry. This is the first stage of a move and if not done properly, your items might get damaged during transportation.
You need to buy good quality packing materials, but even that can set you back by quite a bit if you purchase it directly from a dealer. So here are some alternative packing materials that can be sourced right from your home.
Newspaper
You can ball newspapers up or wrap items in them and even tear it into strips - the newspapers are perhaps the most useful and convenient packing material and, of course, it comes free of cost.
Magazines
If you are carrying a lot of breakables, then use pages from magazines for separating them. The pages can also be used for crunching them like a newspaper.
Popcorn
This packing material is not known to many, but it is great for cushioning items if there are extra spaces left. Put small bags of popcorn in those spaces - although this technique will be useful for short journeys only.
Old Clothes
This is a good way to get rid of old and excess clothing that you don't want to take to your new home. If you cut up shirts, jeans or other apparel into strips, they serve as excellent space fillers when wrapped around other objects and bigger pieces can be used to protect delicate and fragile items.
Junk Mail
Next time you receive junk mail, store it in your basement. It will serve as space fillers in packages after you crumple it.
Re-sealable Sandwich Bags
Extra space in packages can always be filled up with re-saleable bags with air. They provide good cushioning.
Office Paper Waste
Use shredded paper waste from your office to fill spaces in packages. Make sure that the shredded paper is not printed with confidential data. Although shredded paper is harmless, it is still better not to take chances.
Wrapping Paper
All wrapping paper you stocked up comes in handy. Keep it carefully so that you can use it to wrap smaller packages that you will take along with you in your car.
Yarn
A skein or two of yarn also serves is great for filling out packages.
Bags and Packaging
Last but not the least, flexible packaging is a good option for filling extra space and cushioning fragile items like antiques or glass pieces.
Looking for listings of moving companies? Look online for the relevant service such as Ann Arbor moving companies or movers in Lansing.
