When you are making a financial plan for the upcoming relocation, it is very important to include literally all costs. Indubitably, the first item on that list will be the price of your new home. Next, costs of renovating if you are not going to purchase brand new house/apartment. Then you should include some new appliances and furniture. Hiring moving company is not cheap as well. And there are always those teeny-tiny things that people usually forget to put on the list. When you sum everything, you will probably get an instant migraine. Then you will try to make some cuts and savings. This is the moment where you’ll appreciate anything that you can borrow or get for free. Good news is that, if nothing else, you can easily find free moving boxes. And you are going to need a ton of those, especially if you are having long-distance relocation.
Get free moving boxes in your neighborhood
Pursuing free boxes for your move can be exciting and fun!
If you put just a little effort, you will be able to get as many free boxes as you need. I am well aware that it will not make the significant change in your budget. But, you will save enough to buy a new microwave or maybe even a TV. And on top of everything, you will be helping the environment by recycling used boxes.
If you already made that list, most probably you have a headache now. What you need are some fresh air and long relaxing walk. This is great as you can use it to get some free boxes on the way! For this adventure you will need the following things:
- Comfortable sneakers – you wouldn’t like to get tired soon
- List of local stores, shops and schools – these are points of interest you are going to “attack”
- A big pleasant smile – the best “weapon” in your upcoming pursuit of free moving boxes
Before you start, make sure you know exactly what you need. Making a packing items checklist can come handy during the planning process.
Bookstores
Bookstores are a great place to find some free moving boxes.
In the era of Kindle, bookstores are not that common as earlier. But as there are still paper-cover enthusiasts, you can probably find at least one bookstore in your neighborhood. They are getting boxes full of books every day which you can use for packing your belongings. In case they are tough negotiators, just buy a book – it will lower their “defense” and help you get some free moving boxes.
Back to school for the free moving boxes
Be prepared, as this can bring you back some memories. Schools, colleges, and universities are always full of supplies. They often participate in recycling activities, but nonetheless, they have plenty boxes laying around.
Grocery stores, liquor stores, Starbucks…
These are the places where you will most likely have an opportunity to acquire some free moving boxes. Everyday inbound shipments of supplies granting a vast of empty boxes waiting for you in the backyard. Here you can find perfect packaging for moving fragile items, books, and clothes. More importantly, you’ll not need to negotiate to get what you need, as you will be making them a favor. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.
McDonald’s fry boxes are great for packing
I bet you would never think of those! These boxes are just perfect for packing smaller heavy things as they are pretty strong. Further, McDonald’s is storing fires frozen, thus you do not have to worry about the smell.
Use the Internet to obtain free moving boxes
Yes, yes, I know you have already thought of that, but still. You can find precisely everything online. Therefore, it is the perfect place to look for the free moving boxes as well. Here I will mention just a few palaces where you can start your search. If you have enough time, I’d recommend continuing your quest further and let us know if you find anything good.
Holy Google
You can find anything you like online. Use the internet to find some free moving boxes.
Straightforwardly type “free boxes” and start your journey. As a matter of fact, the first page will be loaded with ads of sites that are selling boxes. Do not let it discourage you. It does not mean that you’ll need to pay for something that you can get for free. Just dig deeper and you will get to the right place.
Craigslist
At the Craigslist site, you should roam at the free section to find boxes for the move. I’d suggest doing so during weekends, as this is the time when people are actually doing their chores and cleaning. In case you do not find what you are looking for, just leave a post in the wanted section and wait for someone to get back to you.
Freecycle Platform
If you do not have luck with the Craigslist, join the Freecycle network. This platform is connecting recycle supporters who will gladly share some cardboard boxes for free. Simply join the online group and easily find local Freecycle members for the assistance.
U-Haul Box Exchange
U-Haul is an awesome platform helps people during the relocation process. Among other useful things, U-Haul costumers can buy, sell and giveaway boxes. Once you sign up, type your zip code or city in the search box and you’ll have info about free moving boxes in your area.
For anything you can think of, there is a group on Facebook. Search for terms like recycling boxes, giveaway boxes, help with moving, and you’ll find at least one person willing to contribute with some boxes. And not just that. You will get a ton of useful tips and ideas that will ease your packing and moving process.
So, there you go. I hope that I helped you save some money and have fun on the way. As I mentioned before, these are just suggestions for finding free moving boxes, you should be creative and persistent and you’ll surely get as much as you need.
