Free moving boxes are an excellent idea for those looking to trim costs when planning a household move or simply wanting to reuse containers and boxes to be kind to the environment. The good news is there are many ways to find them.
Start looking a couple of months before your move. Being proactive gives you sufficient time to get the number of cartons you need, and, as a bonus, you can pack a little bit at a time, reducing your stress and making for a more effortless moving experience. Here are five easy ways to secure some gently-used moving boxes to supplement your moving supplies.
1. Ask Around
One of the best ways to get low-cost boxes is to ask around. Chances are you know someone who has recently moved. See if they’re finished with their boxes and take them off their hands. Many people would be happy not to deal with breaking them up and recycling them. Also, ask family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues if they know anyone who has recently moved – you never know who might be looking to unload their boxes.
2. Grocery Stores
Check with your local grocery stores, both large and small. The great thing about getting boxes from store merchants is you can collect a variety of box sizes to help you pack different types of items. In addition, many boxes from grocery store shipments are sturdy since they have to hold up through delivery and are filled with heavier items, such as canned goods.
Speak to store managers in your area and find out if they’re willing to make arrangements for you to pick them up on their delivery day – many are more than happy to give away boxes since it means less work for their employees to break them up to discard, saving them both time and money.
3. Liquor Stores
Like grocery stores, boxes used for delivery to liquor stores are sturdy since they have to haul heavy glass bottles and be packed so that they don’t break. Check with local liquor stores to see if they wouldn’t mind passing their boxes to you on delivery day.
4. Check Online
Believe it or not, there are several ways to obtain boxes online. Places you can search for “free boxes” include:
- Craigslist
- Facebook Marketplace
- Facebook Community Groups
- Freecycle
- Nextdoor
If no one is advertising gently-used boxes, you can always try placing your own ad or request. You never know who might be happy to pass along their boxes and decrease clutter in their home.
5. Moving Companies
Movers often offer gently used moving cartons for a discount. Ask around to see if your mover or another local company does this. If so, you’re sure to get sturdy boxes because they are specifically designed for durability. Other boxes might do the trick, but they might not be ideal.
Ready to Plan Your Next Move?
The above are a few good ways to nab yourself reduced moving boxes, but check other options too, such as big box stores, Starbucks, office supply stores, drug stores, and dollar stores, to name a few.
While getting gently-used boxes is beneficial in many ways, check them carefully for any mold, mildew, or pests. The last thing you want to do is bring unwanted problems into your new home.Contact us today if you’d like a free quote for your move!