DIY Moving Tips from Somone Who Has Moved Way Too Many Times

 I'm moving soon, so I wanted to share a few tips I use to do this as cheaply as possible. I've moved twice in three years, and a few times before that, so I have learned some things along the way. This is just if you are doing a DIY move. I know nothing about professional movers.



BOXES

• The best boxes come from the produce department of your local grocery store. Tomato and apple boxes are the best, because they are sturdy and have lids. Banana boxes are good for light things, but you have to line the bottom with some clean cardboard. I pack my linens in banana boxes. Some vegetables come in small boxes with a lot of air holes in them. These are good for packing things that are heavy, but not very fragile, like books or groceries. Be sure to strap tape across the bottom to brace it, though.
• Liquor and wine boxes are wonderful for packing glassware or small, fragile things, because they have compartmentalized cardboard dividers.
• Small boxes can be gotten from gift stores and such. Dollar Tree is a good place. Ask the manager when they get orders in. These are great for delicate collectibles, because they are thick cardboard and sometimes have protective styrofoam inside. If you order a lot of stuff online, you probably have a bunch of small boxes around. I put some delicate things into a small box inside the large box for extra protection.
• Seafood boxes are great for things that need extra protection, like fine china and porcelains, but you have to clean and air them out before hand. Don't use them for clothing or anything with fabric that can absorb the smell.
• People regularly give away packing boxes on Craigslist or Freecycle, so check those out as time comes to move. I scored two brand-new wardrobe boxes when I moved, and will use them again this move, then pass them on.

WRAPPING MATERIAL

• Newspaper is fine for most things that don't break easily, and even some things that do if you use enough of it. I always triple wrap things, then stuff crumpled paper between them. Shredded paper is great for stuffing in and around things, and is biodegradeable, unlike styrofoam peanuts.
• Styrofoam and bubble wrap are essential for packing electronics. I always save the boxes and inserts that my small electronics come in, so I can pack them back up safely for moving.
• Plastic grocery bags are excellent for stuffing between and around things in boxes. Plus, you can wrap items in a doubled bag to keep them from getting scratched.
• Linens, blankets and towels have to be packed anyway, so I use them to wrap things like large pictures and to cover furniture in the truck so it won't get scratched up.
• Socks are the best thing in the world for packing glassware. If you have those liquor or wine boxes, simply put a few peanuts or crumpled paper into the bottom, slip it into a thick sock (double if they are thin socks), drop it into a slot, and top off with crumpled paper or peanuts.
  

HELPFUL TIPS

• Buy more packing tape than you think you will need, and get the good kind. The cheap kind tears and you can never find the end to get it started again. Use more tape on your boxes than you think you should. It pays to have them closed up tight.
• Make sure you have a good box cutter to get into the boxes quickly when you're packing and unpacking. These are invaluable for cutting the tape when taping boxes. You can buy those cheap sets at the dollar stores that usually have a couple of small ones that are great for cutting tape.
• Buy lots of markers, large and small. Believe me, they get lost when you have boxes all around. Use the large ones to mark boxes for where they go in the house, and small ones to list what is in the box, so you won't have to open every box to find things.
• Use a large red marker to put a huge 'X' across the top of boxes that go on the BACK of the truck, like toiletries, towels and linens, clothes, kitchen essentials, food - anything you are going to need for everyday life while you're unpacking. That way, you will have those available in case you have to park the truck overnight and unpack the rest in the morning. 
• If you do have to park the truck overnight, back it up as close to the building as you can. If you can't, make sure you have a QUALITY LOCK -- this is something you do not want to try to save money on. Buy the best lock for your truck you possibly can, especially if you will be parking somewhere like a motel overnight.
• One tip I got from a professional mover is to have a web of rope strung across the back and in a few places throughout the truck. String it up and down. Not only does this keep your items from shifting, but people wanting to rob a truck don't want to get caught, so this will deter them, because it will take too long to get through it. Rope is cheap, and and extra $20 is worth it to keep your stuff safe. 
• The pro also said to put a set of mattresses across the back of the truck and rope across the back of it to tighten down the load. Another tip for mattresses is to put your large mirrors and pictures between mattresses for protection. If you have more than one bed, do this throughout the truck to stabilize each section.

MOVERS AND TRUCKS

• I've found that Penske usually has the best prices for one-way moves, and their customer service is good. If you go look on their website and leave your email, they will contact you and offer you a better price. If they need trucks returned to a certain place, or going in a certain direction, they will sometimes let you have it for free or half-price. U-Haul is the worst for long-distance moving.
• If you have relatives with SUV's, vans and pickups, ask them first when you're making a local move. Most of them will help for the cost of gas and some food and drink after. If you can't get anyone for free, offer to pay them a little per hour. Remember, it's cash money, so usually $10 an hour or less is sufficient. Just make sure you keep their butts moving, so they don't try to pad their pay. If you're moving out of town, ask on your social networks for anyone who wants to make a little extra money or has friends who do.
• Rent a dolly with the truck -- two if someone else is helping you. You cannot imagine how much time this will save.

This is all I can think of right now, but that's a lot, so I hope this helps. If I think of anything else, I'll update this post.