Anyone who has moved can tell them that travel costs will quickly increase. From renting a moving truck to hiring a professional mover, to emptying your old home, you can easily do pretty large bills. But the saved penny is the acquired penny, and if you know where to find cheap moving boxes, the savings may surprise you. So whether you’re planning a long trip across the country to Atlanta or moving town to rentals in Seattle, this Redfin article will help you reduce travel costs.
1. Visit your local grocery store
From groceries and produce to other products, grocery stores go through many boxes each week. When you ask, most willingly hand over the box.
“One of the best ways to find a free moving box is to check with your local grocery store, bookstore or a large box retailer,” says Timothy Winter from Moving, Delicate Touch. “They often have sturdy boxes.
2. Check out our online marketplace
The Internet is a free mobile gold mine, provided you know where to look. There is no shortage of online resources to find free and discounted items, such as mobile boxes.
“Another great option is to search for online community groups such as Facebook Marketplace and Nextdoor, where people often provide free supplies,” adds Winter. “A future plans can help you hook the best boxes before they go away.
In addition to the Facebook Marketplace, Zip Moving shares recommendations for finding cheap moving boxes.
“You can find cheap or free moving boxes on Craigslist and Offerup. Check out spare boxes at big stores like Walmart and Target and look at U-Haul’s box exchange. Office supply and home improvement stores sell affordable bundles.”
3. Ask a friend, family member or colleague
You’ll be surprised at how many people have stashes of boxes that move them into their garages or attics. A simple text or social media post can bring more boxes than you need.
According to San Diego Packing Mover’s microphone, some of the free boxes may be able to utilize personal networks. “A simple text or post can go a long way,” he says. People often have the remaining boxes from delivery or past movements.
4. Stop by your local apartment
The apartment building frequently leaves the work as tenants come and go, and many residents leave the box near the recycling area. Talk to your property manager or maintenance staff. You can also hold a special stash for this purpose. That way, you have to yourself a free moving box for clothes and other items.
5. Contact your local school, university or library
When it comes to finding a box for transportation, you’ll be paid to do your homework. Your local school, university, or library can be a great source of cheap moving boxes. These institutions are always shipped with books and supplies. Book boxes are especially useful for transportation as they must be particularly sturdy to safely transport the contents.
6. Get a free box from the recycling centre
Knowing that recycling is environmentally friendly, why not try a new life in a used box? Some recycling centers reserve a usable box before it is compressed. You may have a free transfer box just by making a quick call and asking if you can pick up the box before processing it.
7. Grab some boxes from a nearby office building
Companies receive regular supply or shipping of office equipment. Large office buildings have boxes that are clean and gentle to use, happy to let go.
“As a professional mover, I recommend asking if you can provide used mobile cartons to your local independent carrier,” says J. Michael Scott of Capital Moving & Storage, North Carolina. “Many businesses include pickups and box removal after the move is complete. These boxes are used for a variety of tasks, but the main advantage for families looking to move is cost savings. These boxes can be used for multiple movements before reaching the end of structural life.
Make sure the box is of the right size
Free boxes are a welcome addition to the moving Arsenal, but it is also important to make sure there is a proper box size to ensure the safe relocation of things.
“There are many different places where you can get or buy boxes to move around, but it’s important to get the one that’s right for you to move around,” says Jeff of Ame Movers. “For example, we’ve seen customers buy only larger boxes because they thought they could save money by purchasing fewer boxes. This raises the question and creates the possibility of damaged or crushed belongings, let alone super heavy boxes.”
Jeff continues. “It’s important to get a box of the right size. Use small boxes for items such as plates, books, and small ornaments. This will keep the fragile items a little tighter and safer, along with proper protection, such as wrapping paper and help.”
