5 Uncommon Sources for Used and Cheap Moving Boxes
October 30th, 2009 by Staff WriterYou can reduce your moving costs by using used and cheap moving boxes. You may have to hunt around for them, but you’ll save money. Here are 5 uncommon sources to check out.
1. New Neighbors
Keep an eye out for new neighbors moving into your apartment building or neighborhood. They’ll have boxes, and many are willing to give their used ones away for free. If they want to sell them to you instead, you’ll still get them cheap. Introduce yourself to someone who’s moving in and tell them that you’re moving out and are in need of boxes. You’ll find that most people are open to you approaching them about it, and will do what they can to help you out.
2. Garbage Dump
Some apartment complexes and neighborhoods have a dump that serves two purposes. First, it’s an area with a container for people to dump their trash. Second, it’s an area where people often leave items out for others to see and take for free. Landlords don’t prefer this second use of the dump, but it’s an unwritten rule among many tenants. Check the dump now and then, especially if you see other tenants moving out or in. Sometimes they’ll leave cardboard boxes that they flattened. You can fix that with packing tape and use it for your move.
3. FreeCycle
Instead of putting cardboard boxes near the dump for others to take and use, many people use www.FreeCycle.org to give away their used moving boxes for free. The idea behind FreeCycle is to keep things out of the landfill by recycling it to others who could use it. Moving boxes are often posted. You can find your local FreeCycle group on the website and check the “Offered” ad or post your own “Wanted” ads.
4. Craigslist
Craigslist is more than just a website for personals or jobs. The free and furniture sections are great places to look for free or cheap moving boxes. A lot of people will take good care of their cardboard boxes during transit, so that they can sell them on Craigslist right after the move. Others just want to get rid of them and will give it away for free. You should check ads frequently to see if either section has postings for used moving boxes, because they go fast.
5. Electronics Stores
Your local electronics store receives shipments at least once a week. They’ll get boxes of various shapes and sizes, and sometimes very large boxes that you might need. Go the store and talk to the manager who’s in charge of inventory. Ask them if they can give you empty boxes. Most will give you cardboard boxes for free, as long as you can collect it on the day that the shipment arrives. It saves them (or their workers) a trip to the dumpster outside, and it helps them with their efforts to give great customer service.
The best approach to finding cheap moving boxes is to use a combination of sources. You might even find all of them for free if you’re not timid about asking people for boxes.
Tags: Moving, Moving Containers
