Simple Ways to Find FREE Moving Boxes

Once you confirm that you will be moving, and BEFORE you begin the packing process, you should establish what you will use to pack & transport your items, to allow a smooth and uninterrupted packing process leading up to moving day.

The first step is to come to terms with the fact that the cardboard boxes you may have been keeping since your last move or any that have been safely storing items in your storage or basement, may not be able to be reused this time around - yes, it is sad to say that even boxes have a shelf-life!

Take the time to carefully check out the condition of what you are planning to use. If they fall apart or lose their shape when lifting or moving them from where they are currently stored, it is safe to say that they should be brought to the curbside for your next recycling pick up.

If any seem salvageable, put them to the test by creating a couple of 'mock' boxes containing different types of items and weight. Lift and move them around to be sure of their sturdiness and ability to hold your items. Just remember each box may be lifted and moved multiple times, and handled by a few different hands, so when in doubt - toss it and move on.

If purchasing new + unused boxes is not in your move budget do not worry - there are a number of different community resources to look into for finding what you need to do the job safely and securely, and at no cost to you!

1. Grocery Stores

Surprisingly enough, your local grocer may have exactly the amount of boxes you are looking for to pack up your studio apartment or multi-bedroom family home. To save yourself some time and travel, call ahead to grocers in your area to check that they have boxes on hand to give you or find out when they expect their next delivery before you make the trip.

BONUS: Many of the produce delivery boxes come with attaching lids which make for easy and safe transport to your new home, as well as optimal stacking capability in your new home if you are unable to unpack right away.

2. Liquor Stores

This is another great location to check out, as stock is received frequently and the boxes are built strong and more durable due to the delicate and breakable nature of their contents.

BONUS: Many of these boxes include handles to make carrying easier, and often have dividers, which are perfect for packing fragile and/or glass items.

3. Brand Name Retail and Department Stores

Think of anywhere in your community that receives a decent and frequent amount of stock or shipment on a regular basis! Big name electronic or hardware stores are probably the ideal place to check out first, since they usually carry items that fly off the shelves quickly and therefore receive new inventory replenishment.

To save yourself some time, call ahead to ask or find the Customer Service department in store to direct your inquiry to since they are typically the best resource for quick information regarding all departments of the store or finding the next best team member to assist in finding out for you.

4. Office and Commercial buildings

If you currently work in an office or commercial building, check with your receptionist, mail + shipping department, building concierge or security desk to find if there are any boxes you may take. Most office and commercial buildings have a loading/shipping bay, or a specified location for communal cardboard recycling that you could check out and sift through; however you may need permission or access to the area(s), so check with the building first before you begin to go scouting for it on your own.

TIP: For larger office towers, consider checking out the service elevator area on your floor - many buildings require that boxes be broken down, flattened, and stored in the service elevator bay area for easy and quick removal by building cleaners to the designated recycling area during closed hours.

BONUS: These boxes are best for those wanting the least chance of coming into contact with any material that could spoil, or potentially leave residue on your valuables. Since delivery of boxes to commercial spaces are frequently coming from office supply or courier services, the chances that they have come into contact with fluids, or food items is less likely.

5. Consider your social network

Consider the invaluable resource and network of the people you know and trust. Ask friends and family, or take to social media and post that you have a move in the near future and are in need of boxes - friends in your area may come forward begging you to take the supply of boxes they used last month for their move that are just taking up space in their new place!

6. Craigslist

Check out your local Craigslist's FREE section (hidden under the 'For Sale' category, by doing a keyword search of 'cardboard boxes', or 'moving boxes' to find locals in your area that wish to pass on the use of their boxes to people, as opposed to putting them on the curbside for community removal.

_____________________________

While suggestions #5 and #6 are good resources and ideas to check out for finding what you need, we do highly recommend being cautious when considering these options and remember that anything you may find from these avenues has been in someone else's home before. This may not seem like an important factor to consider, but you never know where these boxes came from originally, or the condition of the living environment that the items held inside them were exposed to.

The last thing anybody wants is to unpack and settle in to their new home and find that the boxes picked up from someone else's residence brought unwanted critters (mainly silverfish - eggs often times look like a powdery white substance) or other contaminants along with them. Be sure to carefully inspect the condition of these prior to deciding to take them - check every fold and corner for evidence of anything that may be of risk to you and your household.

In your search, if you come across anything that looks questionable or unfit to handle the transport of your valuable possessions, leave it and continue your hunt. It will be worth the extra time and effort to ensure you have the best equipment possible on moving day!

- Eazy Moves

#movingday #moving #packing #relocation #newhome #MoveEazZy