Apr 10, 2025 Moving Supplies

Tips for Saving Money on Moving Supplies in Vancouver

Posted by: Mcmmanager

There is no question that the costs of moving can add up quickly, and most people are looking to save a little wherever they can. While there are ways to cut back on moving expenses, one area you don’t want to cut corners on is moving supplies.

Now, that might sound a little counterintuitive isn’t reusing old boxes a great way to save money? On the surface, accumulating a random assortment of grocery store and Amazon boxes sounds like a great money-saving strategy, but in reality, it can cause more problems than it solves. Here’s why quality moving supplies are worth the investment, plus tips on how to save without sacrificing quality.

What’s the Problem with Old Boxes?

If you’ve been saving a garage full of randomly assorted retail and shipping boxes, you might want to take a second look. While that box your microwave or coffee maker came in might have been perfect for storage, it’s probably not the best choice for packing up your belongings for a move.

These types of cardboard boxes are designed to be effective for their original purpose and low cost. They are softer and less structured than moving boxes, and the various shapes and sizes make them difficult to stack in a moving truck. What’s more, after months or years of storage, these boxes will have lost what little rigidity they had to begin with, making them less durable and prone to collapse.

Why Purpose-Designed Moving Supplies Are Worth It

Professional moving supplies, on the other hand, are designed to manage the weight of packed items and keep fragile belongings secure. They are constructed with stronger, more impact-resistant material and come in uniform sizes, so they are easier to stack. But more than that, there are specialty moving boxes for just about everything like your your clothes, TV, and dishes so you don’t have to run around trying to find the right-sized box for each item. When everything is packed, a neat labelling system gives you space to write exactly what’s inside the box and where it goes.

How to Save Money on Moving Supplies

Plan and Buy in Bulk

Last-minute purchases almost always cost more. Two ways you can save money on moving supplies in Vancouver are by buying early and buying in bulk. Companies that sell moving supplies typically offer discounts on bulk purchases and will also allow you to return unused packages of boxes.

How many moving boxes should you buy? That will depend on how much stuff you have, but in general, a 1-bedroom apartment will need a mix of 20 to 45 boxes, including small, medium, and large boxes. Packing up a 3-bedroom house, on the other hand, could require as many as 60 to 90 boxes of various sizes, including your specialty boxes for dishes, electronics, and wardrobe boxes.

Check for Moving Kits

If you are planning on buying all your moving supplies together which is a great way to save on total costs, check with your moving company to see if they offer pre-made moving kits. These packaged kits typically include everything you need to pack up your home, from boxes and tape to bubble wrap and packing paper, at a much lower price than purchasing these items separately. And with kits designed to fit different home sizes, you can choose the perfect-sized package for your space without the guesswork.

Ask Your Moving Company About Discounts

If you’ve hired professional movers, check if they offer discounts on moving supplies purchased through them as part of their services. Because they buy these supplies in bulk, you’re likely to find their prices already comparatively lower than purchasing moving boxes from other retailers, plus the quality is usually better. However, it never hurts to ask for a deal!