Saving Money on Packing Supplies: The Ultimate Aussie Guide
Moving house is an expensive business. Between the bond, removalist fees, and setting up new utilities, the costs can stack up frighteningly fast. The last thing you want is to spend a small fortune on something you’re literally going to use once and then throw away: cardboard boxes and packing supplies.
Let’s be real, no one gets excited about buying packing tape. But with a bit of savvy and resourcefulness, you can slash your packing supply bill to almost nothing. Even experienced movers know the value of cutting costs where possible, and you can do the same. This guide will show you exactly how to find free moving boxes and get creative with what you already own, saving you cash for the things that really matter in your new home.
The Hunt for Free Boxes: Your #1 Money-Saver
Cardboard boxes are the single biggest packing expense, but you should almost never have to pay for them. Businesses receive shipments in sturdy boxes every single day and are usually more than happy for you to take them off their hands. Here’s where to look:
1. Supermarkets and Grocery Stores
Your local Woollies, Coles, or Aldi is a goldmine. They receive huge deliveries of stock in clean, strong boxes. The best ones are often fruit and vegetable boxes (like apple or banana boxes) as they are built to be sturdy and often have convenient handles.
- Pro Tip: Don’t just show up and hope for the best. Call the store in advance and speak to the produce or grocery manager. Ask them what day they get their big deliveries and what time would be best to pop in and collect some empty boxes. They’ll often put some aside for you.
2. Bottle Shops and Liquor Stores
Think about it: wine and spirit boxes are designed to carry heavy, fragile glass bottles. This makes them perfect for packing your own fragile items like glasses, mugs, vases, and even books. Head to your local Dan Murphy’s, BWS, or independent bottle-o and ask if they have any empties.
3. Large Retail and Department Stores
Stores like Bunnings, The Good Guys, Officeworks, and Kmart are constantly unboxing new stock. They often have a designated area with a cage where they flatten boxes for recycling. Politely ask a staff member if you can take some. They are usually happy to oblige.
4. Online Community Marketplaces
This is where the digital world helps your physical move.
- Facebook Marketplace: Search for “free moving boxes.” People who have just moved are often desperate to get the mountain of cardboard out of their house and will list it for free for a quick pickup.
- Gumtree: Check the “Freebies” section. It’s a popular spot for people offloading their used-but-still-good moving supplies.
- Pay it Forward Groups: Local community and “Buy Nothing” groups on Facebook are fantastic for this. Post that you’re looking for boxes, and you’ll likely get a response from a neighbour who has just moved.
Get Creative with DIY Padding (Ditch the Bubble Wrap)
Bubble wrap is fun to pop, but it’s an unnecessary expense. You already own the best packing material for your fragile items: your linen closet.
- Towels, Sheets, and Blankets: These are perfect for wrapping larger items like picture frames, mirrors, lamps, and even your TV screen (as a first layer).
- Clothing: Use t-shirts, jumpers, and trackies to wrap individual plates, bowls, and other kitchenware. They provide excellent cushioning.
- Socks: Clean socks are the perfect padding for glassware, mugs, and small trinkets. Just slide the item inside the sock!
- Newspaper and Junk Mail: While ink can sometimes transfer (so don’t use it on fine china), crumpled newspaper is great for filling empty spaces in boxes to stop items from shifting around.
Smart Shopping for What You Must Buy
You can’t get everything for free. You will almost certainly need to buy packing tape and a good permanent marker.
- Buy Tape in Bulk: Don’t buy single rolls of tape from the supermarket. Head to a hardware or office supply store like Bunnings or Officeworks and buy a multi-pack. The cost per roll is significantly cheaper.
- Invest in a Tape Gun: A simple tape gun dispenser costs about $10-$15 and will save you hours of frustration trying to find the end of the roll. It’s a small investment in your sanity.
Think Outside the (Cardboard) Box
Don’t forget about all the containers you already own. Every item you use for packing is one less box you need.
- Suitcases and Duffel Bags: These are perfect for packing clothes, shoes, and linen. They’re designed for transport and are easy to carry.
- Laundry Baskets and Hampers: Use them for kids’ toys, shoes, or other non-breakables.
- Eskies (Coolers): Pack your pantry items or fridge essentials in your Esky. It keeps them contained and makes for an easy first-night meal kit.
- Drawers: For lightweight items like clothes, you can often leave them in your chest of drawers. Just secure the drawers with tape or plastic wrap so they don’t slide open during the move.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it okay to use used moving boxes?
Absolutely! As long as the boxes are clean, dry, and structurally sound (no major rips or collapsing corners), they are perfectly fine to reuse. It’s great for your wallet and the environment.
What’s the best alternative to bubble wrap?
The best and cheapest alternatives are soft items you already own. Towels, blankets, sheets, and clothing like jumpers and t-shirts are excellent for wrapping fragile items and providing cushioning inside boxes.
Are moving kits from storage companies a good value?
Sometimes, but often not. While convenient, you’re paying a premium for the bundling. You can almost always save money by sourcing your boxes for free and buying only the essential supplies, like tape, separately.
How can I protect my plates without buying special plate boxes?
Place a piece of soft padding (like a t-shirt or a few sheets of packing paper) between each plate as you stack them. Then, stack them in the box vertically, like records in a crate. This makes them much less likely to break.
