Save Money on Moving Day – Tip #1: Use Moving Boxes, Not Liquor Boxes

Moving can get expensive fast. Between truck rentals, packing supplies, and maybe even time off work, it’s no wonder that people are always on the lookout for ways to save money on moving day. But here’s a moving tip you might not have thought of, and it can make a bigger difference than you’d expect.

If you want to save money on moving day, one of the simplest things you can do is use proper moving boxes instead of liquor boxes, Amazon packages, or Costco banana boxes. Sure, those boxes might seem like a free solution, but in reality, they can slow your move down and cost you more in the long run.

Let’s break down why standardized moving boxes are worth the investment, and how they help you save money.

Save Money by Speeding Up the Move

One of the biggest factors that affects the cost of your move is time. The longer it takes to load and unload the truck, the more hours you’re paying for. So if you can speed things up, you can seriously save money.

That’s where uniform moving boxes come in.

Professional movers like us use dollies to stack and roll multiple boxes at once. When all your boxes are the same size, we can create neat, stable stacks that roll straight onto the truck.

Now imagine trying to do the same with a stack of mismatched liquor boxes, Amazon boxes, and reused Costco boxes with no lids. It doesn’t work. Boxes slide around, stacks are unstable, and we end up carrying one or two at a time instead of four or five. All of that adds up to more trips, more time, and ultimately, more money out of your pocket.

Save Money by Moving More Volume Per Trip

Another reason standardized moving boxes help you save money? Volume.

Liquor boxes may be sturdy, but they’re tiny. Even if you pack them perfectly, they hold a fraction of what a medium or large moving box can carry. That means more boxes overall, and more trips to and from the truck.

Moving boxes are specifically designed to maximize space. They come in predictable sizes, which allows us to pack the truck efficiently. When we can fit more per load and carry more per dolly trip, your whole house gets emptied and reloaded faster.

Here’s a quick example:

Box Type	Average Volume	Number Needed for a 2-Bedroom Home
Liquor Box	~1.5 cu. ft.	100+
Medium Moving Box	~3 cu. ft.	50-60
Large Moving Box	~4.5 cu. ft.	30-40

That’s a lot fewer trips when you're using proper moving boxes.

Save Money by Avoiding Damage

Let’s be honest: not all reused boxes are created equal. Liquor boxes might seem strong, but they’re often cut-up, oddly shaped, or have missing flaps. Amazon boxes? They’re made for shipping, not for stacking heavy items or being moved around on a dolly.

Using the wrong kind of boxes can lead to crushed corners, ripped bottoms, and even broken items inside. 

Proper moving boxes are made from thicker cardboard and designed to hold up under pressure. They stack cleanly, seal properly, and are much less likely to tip, crush, or collapse during transport. So while they might cost a few bucks up front, they can save money by protecting what’s inside.

You’ve invested in your belongings—don’t risk them with wobbly, worn-out boxes.

Save Money by Making the Unload Easier

What’s the first thing you want to do after a long moving day? Probably sit down, put your feet up, and start unpacking your essentials. But when every single box is a different size, shape, and label (if it’s labeled at all), unpacking turns into a giant game of hide and seek.

With uniform moving boxes, unpacking is more organized and efficient:

• Boxes are easier to stack in rooms where they belong.

• They’re easier to read, label, and sort.

• They open and close consistently (so no mystery flaps to deal with).

And if you’ve hired movers to help you unpack or place furniture, they’ll be able to work faster, which means even more ways to save money.

Save Money Without Sacrificing Sustainability

We get it: reusing boxes feels like a greener choice. And we love that people care about the environment. But did you know that moving boxes can be both eco-friendly and budget-friendly?

Most professional-grade moving boxes are made from recycled materials and can be reused several times before being recycled again. 

So you can feel good about reducing waste, without adding chaos to your move.

Save Money with Provincial Moving & Storage

At Provincial Moving & Storage, we’re all about making moving easier and more affordable. That’s why we encourage our customers to use proper moving supplies that help keep things fast, safe, and simple. Because when your move runs smoothly, you save money and stress.

We’re a family-owned local moving company based in Victoria, BC, and we’ve been helping people across Vancouver Island move efficiently and with care. Whether you’re relocating across town or heading somewhere new, our experienced team is here to make the process as smooth as possible.

Need help choosing the right packing supplies? Wondering how many boxes you’ll need? Want to make sure your move goes off without a hitch? Just give us a call at 250-588-8898, we’re happy to share our best tips and help you get started.

When you’re ready to move, we’re ready to help.

Book Your In-Person Estimate

Call us at 250-588-8898 to book your upcoming move!