same name , moved ten times in eleven years in areas across the country , and she doesn ’ t mess around with flimsy , single-use cardboard boxes — at least not as her only moving box option .
“ One thing that I do really like are plastic storage containers for moving ,” Wenzke says . “ We use these especially with our children , because oftentimes we pack items and then there ’ s something that they absolutely must have . If we have it in a plastic storage container , it makes it easy for us to find items if we need them .”
This alternative to moving boxes is certainly much easier to open and reseal than a taped moving box might be , and once the move is over , instead of making trip after trip to the recycling bin , these plastic moving boxes ( truly just storage containers of any size ) can lead second lives as storage containers — or even as moving supplies for the next move , too .
“ We ’ ve ended up reusing those plastic storage containers so often as we ’ ve moved ,” Wenzke says . “ They ’ re more expensive up front , but we ’ ve been able to use them again and again . We ’ ve used them for holiday decorations and other items , too .”
So there you have it : Invest a little extra money in your moving boxes to get plastic versions , and you ’ ll have reusable boxes you can use for storage and future moves — plus you ’ ll be doing the environment a huge favor .
If you don ’ t want to buy boxes — say , if you already have your organization plan on lock — there ’ s another option : You can rent moving boxes . Initially a rather niche moving trend , the option to rent plastic moving boxes is becoming more and more popular among both large companies such as U- Haul and smaller companies focused on just providing moving box rentals .
Stop begging friends and family and local stores for free ( and not always in-great-shape ) boxes — you have ( smarter ) options when it comes to moving boxes , if you dare to look for them .
6 . First Things to Do After Moving Into Your New Home
Moving can be nerve-wracking , exhausting , and overwhelming . There ' s so much to do in one day , and that can be a recipe for disaster . Don ' t make it any harder on yourself than it has to be . This is the beginning of a new life in your new home , after all .
To manage it all , consider making yourself a checklist of things to do as you move into your new house . Here ' s what to consider when making your checklist .
What to Do Before Closing
If you haven ' t already , review the home inspection report and other types of inspection reports . The seller may have fixed certain things for you or you ' ll have to do so yourself to make sure everything is working to your satisfaction .
You should also check for plumbing leaks during the final walkthrough with your agent . Don ' t forget to find out where your water shut-off valve and electrical panels are located .