The cost of moving can be expensive, but one place that you can potentially save money is through finding free moving boxes. You are only going to use moving boxes for a short period of time, so why not get them for free. Here are some potential places to try and score some free boxes.
- Craig’s List -This is an obvious choice, but we hear they go very quickly so if you see a listing act fast!
- Freecycle– This is another website similar to Craig’s List, except for everything is free!You are encouraged to return the favor and list the boxes when you are done as well.
- Facebook– Why not put your social network to work for you? This is perhaps one of the easiest suggestions, just make a post letting your friends know what you are currently looking for some boxes for your upcoming move. You never know who might respond. If you use Facebook to keep tabs on your friends and their whereabouts you may also know of someone who has recently moved, reaching out to your friend and sending a message may also help in your search for free boxes. Who knew Facebook stalking could pay off?
- Dumpster Diving – If you aren’t above digging around in the trash for some free boxes then you are sure to score big. Check in the dumpsters of large apartment complexes where people are frequently moving in and out or in the cardboard dumpster at your local recycling center.
- Liquor Stores – Liquor boxes are small and sturdy and good for toting heavy items, books and breakables. It can’t hurt to ask for some leftover boxes. Try and find boxes with lids though, otherwise the contents will spill out and they will be more difficult to stack.
- Work– Depending on where you work you may be able to add some free boxes to your collection. If your workplace receives office or bathroom supplies or equipment shipments, this may be one of the easiest ways to slowly collect some boxes over time, no extra trips to other places required!
- Walmart or your Local Grocery Store– After a store has received a delivery and re-stocked its shelves there are sure to be some boxes lying around. Just try and avoid boxes with food residue, such as boxes used to transport raw meat. You may also want to be careful what you pack in those boxes, you may end up with some objects that smell like bananas…
- Retail Locations-Retail stores are also constantly receiving shipments of clothing and merchandise. There is certainly a wealth of cardboard shipping boxes to be found at the mall. We hear that boxes from shoe stores and book stores are particularly ideal for moving.
- Starbucks– Word on the street is that Starbucks boxes are easy to come by. Starbucks receives 1-2 shipments per week and often resupply after midnight. If you do some late night waiting around you may be able to get some free boxes of various sizes, bonus if the boxes smell like coffee!
- McDonald’s Fry Boxes– We found this idea on an Apartment Therapy blog. Apparently these fry boxes are small and sturdy and perfect for moving small but heavy items. The french fries are shipped frozen, so the boxes are not greasy or smelly. Interestingly enough McDonald’s Fry Box aficionados and enthusiasts have created their own Facebook page.
- Costco– This one is almost a no-brainer, every time you shop there they give you boxes instead of bags. Nevertheless, most of their boxes do not have lids, etc.
Remember bigger is not always better, sometimes smaller boxes are better to use so you don’t overpack them and they are able to be more easily lifted and carried.
Happy hunting and we hope you find many free boxes for your move!