He mentions they are used to protect the item at the bottom of the box during shipping and handling. “And what’s in this?” he asks as he digs to the bottom of the cardboard box.

If you have a lot of stuff, you're going to need a lot of boxes. And if you're trying to be as frugal as possible, with your own transportation and friends for moving help, why not go all the way ...

Once the cardboard is free of tape and staples, it's ready to be your herbicide. It virtually comes at no cost either. You can repurpose shipping boxes you receive, and neighbors or local stores ...

Phinnie Zahareas is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She works as a project manager and professional organizer for a moving company in Louisiana. She’s managed dozens of moving ...