When something you use is on sale, STOCK UP!
Your first grocery trip on the road to saving money is actually to spend a little more than you are used to. Items that are staples in your pantry should be purchased in large quantity if possible. These include items such as flour, sugar, pasta, dry beans, rice, oatmeal, canned goods, etc. I have a nice little "should have" pantry list I will share.
Now, I have added and pared down multiple lists to come up with this list. If you are not cooking from scratch, some of these items might not be necessary to you, but some I don't have listed might be must have's!
Dry BulkGoods
•Flour(white,wholewheat,and bread)
•Sugar(white,brown and powdered)
•Cornmeal
•Dried beans (kidney,black,split peas,white navy, garbanzo)
•Oatmeal
•Pasta
•Rice
•Soups (cream of chicken, cream of mushroom)
•salt
•baking soda
•baking powder
•Yeast
•Vanilla Extract
•Maple syrup
•shortening
•spices
•dry milk
•dry eggs
•cocoa
•Vinegar
•Olive oil
•Canola oil
•Canned veggies (green beans, corn, tomatoes,tomato sauce,tomato paste)
•Home canned veggies(variety)
•Canned beans
•Canned Fruit(pears, peaches,applesauce,pineapple)
•Canned Meats
•Mac and cheese
•Peanutbutter
•Jellies
•Ketchup, mustard, mayo
•Crackers
•Ramen noodles
•Pasta Noodles
•Popcorn (stick with the kernels, not the "boxed variety") - its cheaper and healthier!
•Pretzels
•Coffee
•Tea
•Raisins
•Nuts (peanuts,walnuts, almonds)
•Grains-barley, wheat
•Cereals
and many, many more!
So these are the items you should try to stock up on as much as possible! There are many more I can add to this list but for now, this is a basic starter set. You have these, and you can whip up meals, even when you think you have nothing to cook!
Monday, May 02, 2011
Tuesday, March 08, 2011
Reusing What You Have - Dresser Drawers
My friends and family always laugh when they see the strange uses I come up with for my many different odds and ends pieces of furniture. I have been reusing furniture in new and innovative ways since I first moved out of my mother's house at eighteen. So what could I possibly find to do with a dresser drawer? Oh, you just wait and see!
To Read More, see the article Reusing What You Have - Dresser Drawers
To Read More, see the article Reusing What You Have - Dresser Drawers
Sunday, March 06, 2011
Great Frugal Uses For Tennis Balls
Most families have tennis balls somewhere around the home. And if they don't, consider this. Tennis balls are seriously inexpensive, and make great toys for kids and pets alike. But in addition to pets and children, tennis balls are useful for many different purposes around the home too.
For more, read the article Great Frugal Uses For Tennis Balls
For more, read the article Great Frugal Uses For Tennis Balls
Saturday, March 05, 2011
Saving Money On Trash Bags
Trash bags are a necessity in households, period. We use them for large trash, small trash and everything in between. The cost of trash bags does not necessarily speak of frugality. In fact, depending on the brand and style of trash bags you purchase, as well as how many you use in a week, you will probably pay somewhere around $15.00 to $20.00 a month for them. That might not seem like a lot, but when you add it up, at the end of the year that comes to around $180.00 to $240.00. Wouldn't you rather save at least half or maybe more for something else?
For more, see my article Saving Money On Trash Bags
For more, see my article Saving Money On Trash Bags
Saturday, February 19, 2011
101 Money Saving Tips
Ok, well perhaps we'll begin with only 10. I'm sure if you went through my entire blog, and added all the tips I have, there are probably closer to 1001 rather than only 101.
These are my ten most favorite tips:
1. To keep your heating costs down in the Winter time, wear more clothes. Make sure you always have socks on, and wear layers. You should be able to knock your thermostat down quite a bit. Plus there is nothing wrong with wearing a lightweight spring jacket around the house, or putting extra blankets on the bed. In fact, we tend to turn our heater down at night, because we are sleeping anyway. We have extra blankets, and just dress warmly.
2. Never grocery shop on an empty stomach. Of course, it also isn't a good idea to shop on a completely full stomach either. Obviously the reason for not shopping on an empty stomach is self-explanatory. You'll purchase more food because you are hungry and want everything you see. But the reasons for not shopping on a full stomach, are a bit more complicated. The problem with a full stomach is, that often we are repelled by food when we are full. The idea of eating is not pleasant, when you are completely full. Which means you won't buy enough food, causing you to return again to the grocery store to pick up more food eventually. A nice medium is to eat a light sandwich before you go, to help cure the cravings, but to keep you open to getting food for your home.
3. Shop By List. Period. Whether you are shopping for food, clothes, toys, gifts, whatever. Make a list and stick to it. If you are going in for something specific, and you know how much it costs ahead of time, or an estimate, than go ahead and only bring that amount of cash. It will keep you from spending extra money on things you didn't already decide to purchase.
4. Do not impulse shop. If you are shopping by a list, it shouldn't be a problem. If you see something that is not on your list, don't just decide to buy. Go home first, take a few days to think about it, and then return for the item(s) if you still want them. If they aren't there when you return, you probably didn't need them anyway, and if they are there, at least you know you didn't make an impulse purchase.
5. To cut costs on gasoline, be sure that you try to combine errands. If you have several things to do, try to get them done at the same time. Then you won't spend money on needless trips, and you can plan out your route to cut time and gas.
6. Avoid credit cards. If at all possible, simply avoid credit cards. Or at least if you have to have them, only have one and use it only in an emergency and keep it far below the spending limit. In addition, be sure to regularly make payments and keep current so as not to incur finance charges, fees and other costs.
7. Remember that making a meal from scratch, usually costs signifcantly less than making a meal from a box or frozen. And you usually have leftovers for later.
8. Utilize the bulk warehouses. Don't forget that these large stores exist. If you have the room to store these large items, purchasing them that way is the most cost effective.
9. Remember that name brands aren't everything. Toothpaste is toothpaste, normally. So buy the least expensive and spend a little more on getting a good toothbrush because that is what does the majority of the work. This same theory works for food items, clothing, toys and such.
10. Shop off season for clothing. In fact, right now is the best time to get winter clothes; hats, gloves, scarves, boots, sweaters and cords, are all on sale. Purchasing your winter clothes off season is great. Bring them home, fold them up and place them inside a storage container. Pull them out next winter and there's a whole new wardrobe!
Hope some of these tips were helpful! :)
Let me know if you have a good one!
These are my ten most favorite tips:
1. To keep your heating costs down in the Winter time, wear more clothes. Make sure you always have socks on, and wear layers. You should be able to knock your thermostat down quite a bit. Plus there is nothing wrong with wearing a lightweight spring jacket around the house, or putting extra blankets on the bed. In fact, we tend to turn our heater down at night, because we are sleeping anyway. We have extra blankets, and just dress warmly.
2. Never grocery shop on an empty stomach. Of course, it also isn't a good idea to shop on a completely full stomach either. Obviously the reason for not shopping on an empty stomach is self-explanatory. You'll purchase more food because you are hungry and want everything you see. But the reasons for not shopping on a full stomach, are a bit more complicated. The problem with a full stomach is, that often we are repelled by food when we are full. The idea of eating is not pleasant, when you are completely full. Which means you won't buy enough food, causing you to return again to the grocery store to pick up more food eventually. A nice medium is to eat a light sandwich before you go, to help cure the cravings, but to keep you open to getting food for your home.
3. Shop By List. Period. Whether you are shopping for food, clothes, toys, gifts, whatever. Make a list and stick to it. If you are going in for something specific, and you know how much it costs ahead of time, or an estimate, than go ahead and only bring that amount of cash. It will keep you from spending extra money on things you didn't already decide to purchase.
4. Do not impulse shop. If you are shopping by a list, it shouldn't be a problem. If you see something that is not on your list, don't just decide to buy. Go home first, take a few days to think about it, and then return for the item(s) if you still want them. If they aren't there when you return, you probably didn't need them anyway, and if they are there, at least you know you didn't make an impulse purchase.
5. To cut costs on gasoline, be sure that you try to combine errands. If you have several things to do, try to get them done at the same time. Then you won't spend money on needless trips, and you can plan out your route to cut time and gas.
6. Avoid credit cards. If at all possible, simply avoid credit cards. Or at least if you have to have them, only have one and use it only in an emergency and keep it far below the spending limit. In addition, be sure to regularly make payments and keep current so as not to incur finance charges, fees and other costs.
7. Remember that making a meal from scratch, usually costs signifcantly less than making a meal from a box or frozen. And you usually have leftovers for later.
8. Utilize the bulk warehouses. Don't forget that these large stores exist. If you have the room to store these large items, purchasing them that way is the most cost effective.
9. Remember that name brands aren't everything. Toothpaste is toothpaste, normally. So buy the least expensive and spend a little more on getting a good toothbrush because that is what does the majority of the work. This same theory works for food items, clothing, toys and such.
10. Shop off season for clothing. In fact, right now is the best time to get winter clothes; hats, gloves, scarves, boots, sweaters and cords, are all on sale. Purchasing your winter clothes off season is great. Bring them home, fold them up and place them inside a storage container. Pull them out next winter and there's a whole new wardrobe!
Hope some of these tips were helpful! :)
Let me know if you have a good one!
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Freezer Cooking - Choosing The Right Freezer
One of the hardest things people face, when dealing with freezer cooking, is lack of space, or not enough freezer room. Although freezer cooking can be done using only a regular side by side refrigerator and freezer, it is best done when you own a separate freezer chest.
For more, see my article Freezer Cooking - Choosing The Right Freezer
For more, see my article Freezer Cooking - Choosing The Right Freezer
Sunday, February 14, 2010
The Frugal Baked Potato
One of my favorite fast, frugal foods to prepare has always been baked potatoes. In fact, I almost continuously have them on hand, sitting in the darkness of our pantry, just waiting for an opportunity to come and be enjoyed at dinner.
There are not many foods that are as cheap as a potato. What other hearty food can be purchased in large ten and twenty pound bags for simply a few dollars? And if you are lucky and happen to have a farmer's market nearby, you can get even better deals.
For more, see my article The Frugal Baked Potato (1) and The Frugal Baked Potato (2)
There are not many foods that are as cheap as a potato. What other hearty food can be purchased in large ten and twenty pound bags for simply a few dollars? And if you are lucky and happen to have a farmer's market nearby, you can get even better deals.
For more, see my article The Frugal Baked Potato (1) and The Frugal Baked Potato (2)
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
Freezer Cooking - Marking Your Meals
Freezer cooking is a time and money saver, but you have to be organized in order to make it all work. Having a jumble of unmarked meals strewn all around your freezer, is not a very good idea, when you spend all that time trying to save yourself the hassle of constant meal preparation as well as the time and money it requires.
For more see my article Freezer Cooking - Marking Your Meals
For more see my article Freezer Cooking - Marking Your Meals
A Freezer Cooking Weekend
Freezer cooking is an easy method to stay frugal and help you save money on food costs. Preparing foods in advance can save time as well. It does require a little extra time once a month, but is totally worth it throughout the month when you are short on time and can throw a meal right into the oven.
For more, see my article A Freezer Cooking Weekend
For more, see my article A Freezer Cooking Weekend
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Check Out The New Blog - Freelance Writers, Frugal Friends, Scrapbookers
I finally got my everyday blog up and running. It is an awesome place for people who are looking to freelance from home. Lots of great writing tips, writing information and freelance writing stuff. Check it out! A whole new frugal living section is being added!
http://www.scribblesnscraps.com/blog
http://www.scribblesnscraps.com/blog
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Get FREE Digital Prints!
www.shutterfly.com
Shutterfly is offering 15 free prints to new customers. Also, get 10 free prints each for up to 10 friends in a calendar year who join and place an order.
www.winkflash.com
Winkflash is currently offering 50% off for new customers. The new customer price is .06 a photo which is an amazing savings on digital prints! Use Coupon Code: HA93LF32
www.photoworks.com
Photoworks is offering new customers 25 free prints when you join Photoworks. Use coupon code C465-38-5135-51
Also, use coupon code C622-38-5144-71 (Expires 2/28/07) to get free shipping and handling on your order.
www.snapfish.com
Snapfish is offering 20 free prints to new customers plus 12 cents a print after that. In addition for February, get $5 off any order over $25 - use coupon code AFFOFF2506 thru Feb 28. You can get 25 Free Prints + FREE SHIPPING on up to 25 4x6 prints with coupon code: FEBAFFSH25. There is a special promo right now for new customers, you get one free 11x14 poster print.
www.kodakgallery.com
Kodak Gallery is offering 20 prints free when you sign up. In addition, current specials are listedn on their site, most do not need coupon codes.
www.dotphoto.com
dotPhoto is currently offering 50 free prints when you sign up. I completed this offer, and am waiting for my prints to arrive. I will post an update when they do. In the meantime, other offers include 10% off your entire order when you use coupon code: 10OFF1006 and 10% off Photo Calendars using coupon code: CJ10CAL.
www.yorkphoto.com
York Photo is giving 20 free prints to new customers with your first order. No coupon code needed.
www.clarkcolor.com
Clark Color is offering 30 free prints on your first order. In addition, everyday low prices are 11 cents! I have used clark color before and think they are not only a great deal, but the quality is excellent as well.
If you know of any others, please share!!
Shutterfly is offering 15 free prints to new customers. Also, get 10 free prints each for up to 10 friends in a calendar year who join and place an order.
www.winkflash.com
Winkflash is currently offering 50% off for new customers. The new customer price is .06 a photo which is an amazing savings on digital prints! Use Coupon Code: HA93LF32
www.photoworks.com
Photoworks is offering new customers 25 free prints when you join Photoworks. Use coupon code C465-38-5135-51
Also, use coupon code C622-38-5144-71 (Expires 2/28/07) to get free shipping and handling on your order.
www.snapfish.com
Snapfish is offering 20 free prints to new customers plus 12 cents a print after that. In addition for February, get $5 off any order over $25 - use coupon code AFFOFF2506 thru Feb 28. You can get 25 Free Prints + FREE SHIPPING on up to 25 4x6 prints with coupon code: FEBAFFSH25. There is a special promo right now for new customers, you get one free 11x14 poster print.
www.kodakgallery.com
Kodak Gallery is offering 20 prints free when you sign up. In addition, current specials are listedn on their site, most do not need coupon codes.
www.dotphoto.com
dotPhoto is currently offering 50 free prints when you sign up. I completed this offer, and am waiting for my prints to arrive. I will post an update when they do. In the meantime, other offers include 10% off your entire order when you use coupon code: 10OFF1006 and 10% off Photo Calendars using coupon code: CJ10CAL.
www.yorkphoto.com
York Photo is giving 20 free prints to new customers with your first order. No coupon code needed.
www.clarkcolor.com
Clark Color is offering 30 free prints on your first order. In addition, everyday low prices are 11 cents! I have used clark color before and think they are not only a great deal, but the quality is excellent as well.
If you know of any others, please share!!
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Romantic Ideas For Valentine's Day
Valentine's Day is right around the corner. Often dubbed the most romantic day in the year, Valentine's Day is a time for love. Remember, just because you aren't married, or do not have a boyfriend or girlfriend, does not necessarily mean that you can not have a Valentine and celebrate this special day. In fact, your children, your friends, anyone can qualify to be your Valentine. It's about loving someone, not necessarily being "in love" with someone. And Valentine's Day is a day to recognize that connection and spend some quality time together.
For more, see my articles Inexpensive Valentine's Day Date Ideas, 5 Romantic Ideas for a Frugal Valentine's Day and 5 More Ideas For a Frugal Valentine's Day
For more, see my articles Inexpensive Valentine's Day Date Ideas, 5 Romantic Ideas for a Frugal Valentine's Day and 5 More Ideas For a Frugal Valentine's Day
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Frugal Living Is a State Of Mind
To be a true frugal gal (or guy), it has to become a part of who you are. Not everyone is cut out for frugal living, and not everyone cares.
But if you do, you should be making it part of your lifestyle, a part of who you are.
There are dozens of ways to incorporate frugal living into your everyday life. It goes beyond cutting coupons and preparing food from scratch, and goes further into learning how to pay less for services you use continuously and organizing your household to keep things in order.
It's knowing when to shop for the best deals, where to shop at particular times, and how to know the difference between spending money to save money, and spending money just to spend it.
Sometimes I think frugality is born inside of you. You just have to know where to reach down and pull it all the way out.
What are your thoughts?
But if you do, you should be making it part of your lifestyle, a part of who you are.
There are dozens of ways to incorporate frugal living into your everyday life. It goes beyond cutting coupons and preparing food from scratch, and goes further into learning how to pay less for services you use continuously and organizing your household to keep things in order.
It's knowing when to shop for the best deals, where to shop at particular times, and how to know the difference between spending money to save money, and spending money just to spend it.
Sometimes I think frugality is born inside of you. You just have to know where to reach down and pull it all the way out.
What are your thoughts?
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Freezer Cooking and Other Frugal Cooking Tips
I'd like to focus on the most valuable tool I've found for my grocery budget!
This is something that took me almost a year to master and perfect to work for me and my family.
A lot of trial and error and several different recipes, some of which wound up becoming favorites, and some that we hope we never see again! LOL
This whole tool gave me my nickname "Freezer Queen", and despite what you think, it is not because I am frigid!
What is this magic tool that seems to have made life a bit more easy?
It's called FREEZER cooking. I teach a WHOLE class on it with my home business.
But I am going to recommend to you that you visit my families.com site: http://members.families.com/scrapbookguru/blog and learn more about it by reading my articles (there are tons of recipes on there too!), or that you go ahead and "google it". You will find recipes, storage ideas, and more!
Read about it, Master it, Live it!
It saved me in a 4 month period (because that's how long I actually kept track of it) over $400!!
And I kid you not, these savings are obvious in our budget every month!
So today's tip is to LEARN ABOUT FREEZER COOKING! It's the best there is!
This is something that took me almost a year to master and perfect to work for me and my family.
A lot of trial and error and several different recipes, some of which wound up becoming favorites, and some that we hope we never see again! LOL
This whole tool gave me my nickname "Freezer Queen", and despite what you think, it is not because I am frigid!
What is this magic tool that seems to have made life a bit more easy?
It's called FREEZER cooking. I teach a WHOLE class on it with my home business.
But I am going to recommend to you that you visit my families.com site: http://members.families.com/scrapbookguru/blog and learn more about it by reading my articles (there are tons of recipes on there too!), or that you go ahead and "google it". You will find recipes, storage ideas, and more!
Read about it, Master it, Live it!
It saved me in a 4 month period (because that's how long I actually kept track of it) over $400!!
And I kid you not, these savings are obvious in our budget every month!
So today's tip is to LEARN ABOUT FREEZER COOKING! It's the best there is!
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Remember The Coupons!
I am continuously amazed to see my neighbors and friends tossing away their "junk mail" without even looking through it.
Of course I understand is this day and age that decluttering is a huge part of our lives, but you cannot forget that not everything has to go in the trash. Coupons are typically NOT trash, they are cash!
There are coupons for local restaurants usually within that "junk". Even if it's a buy a burger get a soda free...think about that - it's around a $1 savings for something you probably would have gotten anyway!
Plus, have you ever noticed that sometimes there are great discounts and coupons on things like getting your gutters cleaned, carpets cleaned, chimney's sweeped, dents in cars removed, etc. All those coupons help add up to great savings!
Look through your "junk mail", coupon paks, newspapers, and more for coupons to local restaurants, fast food, and sometimes you can even find coupons for a buy a ticket get a ticket free to an upcoming concert, etc. So keep those coupons!!
And lately they've been hiding grocery coupons amongst all that stuff too, so always watch!
Of course I understand is this day and age that decluttering is a huge part of our lives, but you cannot forget that not everything has to go in the trash. Coupons are typically NOT trash, they are cash!
There are coupons for local restaurants usually within that "junk". Even if it's a buy a burger get a soda free...think about that - it's around a $1 savings for something you probably would have gotten anyway!
Plus, have you ever noticed that sometimes there are great discounts and coupons on things like getting your gutters cleaned, carpets cleaned, chimney's sweeped, dents in cars removed, etc. All those coupons help add up to great savings!
Look through your "junk mail", coupon paks, newspapers, and more for coupons to local restaurants, fast food, and sometimes you can even find coupons for a buy a ticket get a ticket free to an upcoming concert, etc. So keep those coupons!!
And lately they've been hiding grocery coupons amongst all that stuff too, so always watch!
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Eating Healthy, For Less
The complaint I hear most often, is that you spend more on eating healthy, than you would if you bought the junk food.
While this is true in some cases, it is not as much as you think!
First, a great way to save money on healthy eating, is to grow your own vegetable garden.
Don't think you can do this? Oh yes you can. Because I didn't think *I* could until I tried it. Also even if you are in an apartment, they sell miniature sized plants, that you could even grow on your patio or deck.
Also, fresh produce is ALWAYS better, but when cooking it into a recipe, frozen veggies or even cans, can be MUCH cheaper!! So keep that in mind next time you're preparing a meal!
While this is true in some cases, it is not as much as you think!
First, a great way to save money on healthy eating, is to grow your own vegetable garden.
Don't think you can do this? Oh yes you can. Because I didn't think *I* could until I tried it. Also even if you are in an apartment, they sell miniature sized plants, that you could even grow on your patio or deck.
Also, fresh produce is ALWAYS better, but when cooking it into a recipe, frozen veggies or even cans, can be MUCH cheaper!! So keep that in mind next time you're preparing a meal!
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Digital Prints For Less!
One of the best "inventions" in the world is the digital camera. It saves money in so many ways. Film costs are cut down because there is no more needless printing of bad photographs. In addition, there is no more expensive film to purchase, and no developing costs. Only printing costs.
So looking for a place to print those digital prints for less?
With all the countless photo printing sites on the Internet, you are bound to find somewhere you are happy with.
And one of the best features of these printing sites is that the majority of them offer FREE prints to new customers. And in addition, their print costs are much less than standard film developing sites, even cheaper than Costco and Sams Club.
So next time you need to print your photos, check out "digital prints online" in google. You will get some great results!
So looking for a place to print those digital prints for less?
With all the countless photo printing sites on the Internet, you are bound to find somewhere you are happy with.
And one of the best features of these printing sites is that the majority of them offer FREE prints to new customers. And in addition, their print costs are much less than standard film developing sites, even cheaper than Costco and Sams Club.
So next time you need to print your photos, check out "digital prints online" in google. You will get some great results!
Thursday, July 13, 2006
What's Up With This Blog?
Hey friends!
I know many of you are wondering where the posts went, and why I haven't been around on this blog much lately, and let me explain.
I got a job writing for www.families.com and that is where all my scrapbooking, adoption and frugal living posts go now. So if you are looking for any of those, hop on over there and vist me at my families.com blog!
I have also been working on getting the ScribblesNScraps website back up and it is undergoing some changes. But it's on it's way and is scheduled to be up and running smoothly by the end of July. The blog that ScribblesNScraps contains will transfer over from this one - the writing blog - since writing has become my means of employment!
In additon, I got my Richmont Direct website back up and running, so if you are interested in any products, check it out.
I will be updating it soon with our new supplements and a brand new printer ink product section we have.
In the meantime, the most current information is found at families.com and I hope to see you there!
Love, Nicole
I know many of you are wondering where the posts went, and why I haven't been around on this blog much lately, and let me explain.
I got a job writing for www.families.com and that is where all my scrapbooking, adoption and frugal living posts go now. So if you are looking for any of those, hop on over there and vist me at my families.com blog!
I have also been working on getting the ScribblesNScraps website back up and it is undergoing some changes. But it's on it's way and is scheduled to be up and running smoothly by the end of July. The blog that ScribblesNScraps contains will transfer over from this one - the writing blog - since writing has become my means of employment!
In additon, I got my Richmont Direct website back up and running, so if you are interested in any products, check it out.
I will be updating it soon with our new supplements and a brand new printer ink product section we have.
In the meantime, the most current information is found at families.com and I hope to see you there!
Love, Nicole
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Please Visit...
us at OUR NEW HOME!! (Please update your links)
http://www.scribblesnscraps.com/blog/
http://www.scribblesnscraps.com/blog/
Thursday, January 05, 2006
New Topic - Moving
I am in the middle of a possible move and so I figured I'd take this time to show ways to save money in a move.
Moving day is always exceptionally hard on anyone, but often it's the day's leading to it that can be the most trying.
Between all the packing, rentals, and more - it's just too much.
Today we'll start with the basics. First of all, packing supplies. There are usually a required part of moving and they probably cost the most. Ok well other than truck rental and any other misc. equiptment.
Boxes. The number one item you need when packing. First, look around you for wasy to save on boxes. You can ask department stores to save them for you, grocery stores, and any number of other establishments. Their deliveries all arrive in boxes and most of them just pitch them. So be sure to ask around and don't get discouraged by the no's you receive, some companies can just be weird about it. But most won't hesitate to give them to you. Especially if you are hauling them away!
If you can't seem to find anyone who will let you have them (which I still find VERY hard to believe) you have several options. Either you can run to Uhaul and stock up on their boxes or you can try other places. The one benefit of Uhaul is that they will take back any unused boxes and give you your money back! That's a wonderful incentive to buy from them if you're going to buy from anywhere! So there are my two tips to saving money with the boxes.
Packaging Tape. Now this is another item you HAVE to have. There needs to be some way to seal those boxes closed. So here's some tips. First, check the dollar stores. Often they sell the tape, and it's just as good as most other cheap places. If not, and there is no dollar tree or dollar store near you that actually carries packing tape, you CAN use duct tape which is fairly cheap or visit wal-mart. Wal-mart sells big packages of tape for pretty low cost. This can get you through the move with not too much leftover. If you're like me, I have several containers already here anmd they come with lids. So voila - a few cheap ways to package stuff.
Packing Materials. Peanuts, bubble wrap, newspaper - you name it. You can get very low cost packing materials by using your newspapers. Collect the free one's that get thrown on your driveway several times a week. Or pick up some free publications and save them and use them. You can tear up old magazines and other paper items to use as "cusions" inside the boxes. You can also use clothing, towels and other inexpensive ways to save on packing materials.
Rentals. One sure way to spend a lot on moving is rentals. Any kind of rental. Renting a dolly, blankets - anything. It would be more cost effective to use what you have. Not to mention you can get a dolly for around $30 or so at many different places. Depending on how many days you keep the dolly, this can add up to savings if you purchase it rather than renting it (the case with most things you rent!) The same thing goes for trucks. If you do it yourself, you're going to save a lot more money that if you hire a mover. Uhaul is perfect. Yes, it might mean a little more manpower is needed. Round up your friends, buy 'em some beers and get to work! By doing the majority of work yourself, you seriously save thousands of dollars. I can prove it - I've done it way too often!
So this is day 1 of my moving posts. Since I cannot be on everyday like I'd like, I will update as often as I can.
If you have read this far, I thank you. I will resume to regular money saving tips regularly right after this. I will keep putting small ways to save on things as we go.
Moving day is always exceptionally hard on anyone, but often it's the day's leading to it that can be the most trying.
Between all the packing, rentals, and more - it's just too much.
Today we'll start with the basics. First of all, packing supplies. There are usually a required part of moving and they probably cost the most. Ok well other than truck rental and any other misc. equiptment.
Boxes. The number one item you need when packing. First, look around you for wasy to save on boxes. You can ask department stores to save them for you, grocery stores, and any number of other establishments. Their deliveries all arrive in boxes and most of them just pitch them. So be sure to ask around and don't get discouraged by the no's you receive, some companies can just be weird about it. But most won't hesitate to give them to you. Especially if you are hauling them away!
If you can't seem to find anyone who will let you have them (which I still find VERY hard to believe) you have several options. Either you can run to Uhaul and stock up on their boxes or you can try other places. The one benefit of Uhaul is that they will take back any unused boxes and give you your money back! That's a wonderful incentive to buy from them if you're going to buy from anywhere! So there are my two tips to saving money with the boxes.
Packaging Tape. Now this is another item you HAVE to have. There needs to be some way to seal those boxes closed. So here's some tips. First, check the dollar stores. Often they sell the tape, and it's just as good as most other cheap places. If not, and there is no dollar tree or dollar store near you that actually carries packing tape, you CAN use duct tape which is fairly cheap or visit wal-mart. Wal-mart sells big packages of tape for pretty low cost. This can get you through the move with not too much leftover. If you're like me, I have several containers already here anmd they come with lids. So voila - a few cheap ways to package stuff.
Packing Materials. Peanuts, bubble wrap, newspaper - you name it. You can get very low cost packing materials by using your newspapers. Collect the free one's that get thrown on your driveway several times a week. Or pick up some free publications and save them and use them. You can tear up old magazines and other paper items to use as "cusions" inside the boxes. You can also use clothing, towels and other inexpensive ways to save on packing materials.
Rentals. One sure way to spend a lot on moving is rentals. Any kind of rental. Renting a dolly, blankets - anything. It would be more cost effective to use what you have. Not to mention you can get a dolly for around $30 or so at many different places. Depending on how many days you keep the dolly, this can add up to savings if you purchase it rather than renting it (the case with most things you rent!) The same thing goes for trucks. If you do it yourself, you're going to save a lot more money that if you hire a mover. Uhaul is perfect. Yes, it might mean a little more manpower is needed. Round up your friends, buy 'em some beers and get to work! By doing the majority of work yourself, you seriously save thousands of dollars. I can prove it - I've done it way too often!
So this is day 1 of my moving posts. Since I cannot be on everyday like I'd like, I will update as often as I can.
If you have read this far, I thank you. I will resume to regular money saving tips regularly right after this. I will keep putting small ways to save on things as we go.
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