Why Buy Boxes for Moving? 6 Free Sources

You’d think a few pieces of cardboard wouldn’t break the bank, but boxes for moving aren’t always inexpensive. If you buy packing boxes from a moving company or a supplies store, they can cost upwards of $5 each. Not so bad, until you figure that you could need 100 boxes or more to move. Save yourself a lot of cash and look for these sources of free boxes:

1. Stores (Particularly Grocery and Warehouse)

Stores get all of their merchandise shipped in boxes. What do they do with these boxes? Crush and recycle them. You can do a store a favor by taking these boxes off of their hands. Just speak with the manager of a grocery, warehouse or other local store and ask if you can take some boxes for moving.

2. Boxes from the Workplace

Let your co-workers and boss know you’re preparing to move. Ask your boss if you can take any office supply boxes that were going to be recycled (most offices and places of business order copy paper, envelopes and other supplies in bulk in boxes). Also ask your co-workers if they have any boxes they don’t need at home that they can bring in for you.

3. Friends and Family

Ask anyone and everyone you know if they have packing boxes lying around that they can give you (if you’re not moving too far, you can even give them back when you’re finished if they use them for storage). If every friend donated just one box, you’ll have plenty of boxes for moving.

4. Classifieds

After moving to a house, boxes become problematic; you’ll have lots of them and no longer have any need for them. Other people face the same problem. Look in your local paper and on online classifieds websites for anyone who’s donating free boxes in your area. You can also post an ad asking for free boxes for moving (just be sure that you’re willing to pick them up yourself).

5. Your Favorite Shipping Provider

The USPS, UPS, FedEx and other shipping providers offer free boxes and packing supplies, provided you actually use them for shipping. You can get free boxes at any post office, but since you’re on an honor system to use them to send packages via the mail, don’t get more than you think you will eventually use to send friends and family packages after you’ve moved.

6. Recycling Community

Search the Internet for a recycle or “freecycle” program in your area. People offer things they no longer want, including boxes for moving and packing supplies, to people who are willing to pick them up. While you’re at it, if you come across some items you no longer want when you’re packing, offer your items to the recycling community.

Don’t forget to help out your fellow movers once you’ve finished unpacking. Offer your moving house boxes for free to friends, co-workers and family or make a post giving them away to a stranger in need. You got free boxes, so share the wealth; it’s better than disposing of them.