From hiring a relocation company to renting a storage unit, the process of moving to a new home comes with a handful of necessary, yet cringe-worthy expenses. Out of all of the annoying moving costs, though, forking over one’s hard-earned money for a simple cardboard box may be the worst. After all, as soon as the move is finished, you’ll only be recycling that $25 bundle of bankers boxes, anyway (sigh).
Thankfully, there are ways to avoid spending big bucks on moving boxes. By seeking out free moving supplies near you from various stores, online marketplaces and community groups, you could save hundreds of dollars on moving expenses. With the exception of a few special-size boxes designed to fit certain TVs and mirrors, you could potentially move your entire home in free boxes as well. Below, we’ve listed 9 places to find free boxes near you to ensure your move is as cost-efficient as possible. Happy box hunting!
Liquor Stores
Live near a wine and liquor store? It’s not a bad idea to pop in, and ask the manager if you can take some boxes off their hands. Liquor stores receive a slew of shipments every month, which can easily be turned into moving boxes. Larger liquor stores receive more boxes than they know what to do with, so don’t be shy about asking!
Friends and Neighbors
The easiest way to find free boxes is by simply asking your friends and neighbors. Knock on doors, text and call around to see if anyone has extra boxes from recent deliveries, or possibly from moving, themselves. In today’s world, where everyone is plugged in 24/7, you can also just post a status on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram to let friends know that you are looking for moving supplies.
Community Groups
One of the best ways to find moving boxes near you is by connecting with locals through an online community. Many towns and cities also have closed Facebook groups. I recommend asking group members for advice on finding free boxes and moving supplies in your area as well.
Large Retailers
You can be sure that large retailers will have a massive amount of boxes sitting around in the back. After all, they’re called “big box stores” for a reason. With shipments coming in every day, you should be able to find just about every kind of box at your local shopping centre.
Bookstores
Large-chain bookstores and small, locally-owned bookstores, alike, should have plenty of boxes you can use to pack up your knick-knacks, smaller items and (of course) books You can also be sure that these boxes will be anything but flimsy, given how heavy books happen to be. Keep in mind that you can ask local college and university bookstores for extra boxes as well.
Offices
I once moved the majority of my one-bedroom apartment using boxes found in my workplace. With reams of paper being delivered every single day, you’re sure to find a slew of paper boxes with lids laying around. If you work in a large office, chances are good that they have a recycling room somewhere in the building.
Recycling drop off points
Ever been to a recycling drop-off location? It’s like hitting the moving box jackpot. Most cities have multiple recycling drop-off locations that accept flattened corrugated cardboard. Assuming these boxes are in good enough shape to use again, you’re likely to find multiple moving boxes for your relocation.
Grocery Stores
Both large grocery store chains and small grocers should have plenty of large boxes up for grabs. Grocery stores receive shipments weekly, sometimes daily, to maintain a fresh produce inventory, so there’s no telling how many sturdy boxes they recycle every day. Next time you’re grocery shopping, I recommend letting a manager know that you’re moving soon, and would love to take those extra grocery store boxes off of their hands. I’m sure they’ll happily let you take the boxes home with you.
Schools
Chances are good that there are multiple primary, middle and high schools in your area. Call up the front office, and ask if they have any boxes laying around. The beginning of the school year is a good time to check, as the school will be getting a slew of book and school supply shipments.
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