What to buy before moving, the dollar store edition

Moving is stressful, we’ve said it a million times. But you know what’s more stressful? Forking out the money to pay for moving supplies. It adds up! So being able to save in any way can really help. And who doesn’t love a good bargain any day, right? Our previous post had 5 things to buy before moving. But, here we thought we’d give you some ideas of dollar store hacks for your next home move.

1. Shelf liners to spruce up an old home before you unpack

A lot of people call these contact paper. They are also referred to as PVC paper, and they can be made of vinyl, flexible plastic or a rubber-like material. Some of them stick and can be removed easily (though you should always test a patch first). Nonetheless they can be used for a variety of things to spice up your new home and make it livable or ‘like new’ again. For example:

• Lining shelves and drawers (duh!)

• Covering walls or built in millwork shelving (yes, people use these as a wallpaper substitute – but make sure it’s removable or test a little before you go all out! Especially if you’re renting!)

• Making windows frosty (get the frosty kind, Con-Tact brand has these varieties)

• Covering holes and gaps on utility shelves (some shelf panels are not solid, so plastic sheets can help prevent things falling through the cracks)

Plus, if you like being a little crafty and Pinterest-ey, you can look up the way some clever folks are using marble contact paper to create a high-end look on side tables, vanities and desks. Maybe a Craigslist furniture reclaiming project for later?

2) Containers and organizers to make space in your new home

The dollar store can give you great bargains on things that don’t necessarily need to be ‘name brands’ to be good quality. Plastic bins, garbage cans, drawer organizers, and even tupperware can help you create segments out of your new closets and kitchen cupboards on your next move-in. You’d be surprised how easily you can create extra space with the power of stacking containers. Tip: think vertical instead of horizontal. And, if you like things to look clean and purposeful, try to keep the containers consistent in colour and size. We also recommend using clear containers for the stuff you’ll put away and not look at often; the see-through bins don’t require opening up to see what’s in them.

3) Rope, masking tape and markers for moving day

Classic moving-day supplies you’ll need, that you can get at the dollar store, are rope, masking tape and markers. The dollar store may also have cardboard boxes for packing up your home. These will most likely be smaller boxes for the little trinkets (like your nail polish collection or your silverware). But the masking tape and rope can hold larger moving boxes together, while the markers can help you label the boxes so you know where things are when it’s time to unpack. In fact hey, why not grab a pack of dollar store office labels to make things stand out a bit more on those moving boxes!

Bonus tip: try looking for mailing paper wrap at the dollar store in case you need that extra protection on your boxes, or would like to mail things in advance for long-distance moves.

4) Hardware, tools, outdoor gloves and knee pads for moving in and settling in

For the rough and heavy work, you’ll need to make sure you have things that will make your life just a bit easier. Grip gloves can help you move large and heavy things (especially if it’s wet outside). And, if you need to do handy work around the house again, you may find another need for them later. If not, they’re cheap enough at the dollar store you could toss them if you don’t need them, or they last just for themoving day.

You’d also be surprised how many variants of tools and hardware you can find at the dollar store. From screwdrivers to picture hanging hardware, and even electrical surge protectors or light bulbs, the dollar store has a lot of cheaper options you’ll want to shop for before going to a traditional hardware store. You’re going to need to find places to hang your old light pendants, or plug in your computer at your new desk station, and so on. So try the dollar store for when you settle in after moving day.

Knee pads can be kind on your knees for cleaning, or anything that involves kneeling while you’re moving in or moving out. If you plan on painting, or installing closet shelves in your new place (or uninstalling them at your old place), knee pads can soften that experience. Also great for cleaning lower areas. They can be found near the gardening section of the dollar store, and of course can be used for pulling out those weeds the old tenants may have left behind!

5) Cleaning products for moving in or moving out

Cleaning is part of every move, and the time when you notice things behind other things that you didn’t know about! Great news is, the dollar store can sometimes carry even name-brand cleaning products. From window cleaners to Lysol disinfectant, you can try your chances at the dollar store for these essentials. And if it’s the cheap stuff, it probably won’t matter much for the rough and dirty clean to get initial grime off. Later you can go over your area with the better stuff, if you’re concerned about ‘how clean is clean’, or any chemical residue.

The dollar store fun doesn’t end on moving day!

We’ve given you a few ideas to get you going for moving day at the dollar store. But of course, it doesn’t have to end there. Dollar store hacks can be useful for other life situations after you move. Like for office supplies, party supplies, kids toys, gifts and other cool stuff for the home.

The Vancouver Movers Guide

At Ferguson Moving and Storage, we love helping you with ideas and tips on how to move.

Read more moving tips on our blog, the Vancouver Movers Guide. Or, if you’d like us to help with your next move, give us a call at 604-922-2212 or contact us online.