You already have a few odd boxes sitting in the back of your closets or hiding under your bed. But you don’t have nearly enough packing materials to cover everything.
So where can you find all the boxes for your next move?
Where to Find Boxes for Free
If you have a tight budget, you may want to try these options first. Many used boxes can still protect your furniture and clothing during your trip.
Local Schools
Local schools and universities prefer to purchase items in bulk to accommodate all their students. As a result, they usually have an overabundance of cardboard boxes perfectly sized for books, art supplies, and food.
Simply call the main office or the reception desk and ask if they have any boxes available. They may jump at the chance to avoid breaking down and recycling their current stockpile.
Bars and Liquor Stores
If you have delicate glasses and stemware you inherited as an heirloom, you likely don’t want to store them in just any old box. You want boxes sturdy enough to withstand the jostling of the moving van and yet cushioned enough that a dish doesn’t scratch.
Many bars and liquor stores have to deal with the same problems you do when they ship their wine and vodka bottles. Stop by your nearest store and ask if they have any leftover wine carrier boxes or crates that you can use for free.
Large Offices
Big businesses and corporations also tend to buy supplies in bulk: from paper to printers to computers. As a result, they likely have more than a few leftover boxes from their most recent purchases.
If you work in an office, ask your manager or your fellow employees about taking a few of these boxes home with you. If you don’t work in an office, you can contact the receptionist and ask about any spare containers they might have.
Where to Buy New Boxes
If you have a little extra money to spend, or if you’d rather not risk storing your valuables in a beaten hand-me-down box, you can buy new boxes from these places.
Amazon
Amazon.com allows you to shop from hundreds, if not thousands, of shipping and moving suppliers. Their wide selection enables you to find deals on free shipping, good prices on bulk purchases, and low costs on popular brands.
You can also pick and choose the boxes you want based on size, shape, and purpose. And while you’re at it, you can also add some packing tape, cushioning foam, and bubble wrap to your cart with a few clicks of your mouse.
The Home Depot
The Home Depot sells large and small appliances every day, so the company knows how to handle a move. In fact, most of their stores carry a large selection of moving boxes and shipping supplies, which you can buy individually or in bulk.
For your convenience, you can even use their free moving calculator to determine how many boxes and accessories you’ll need to cover your move.
Your Moving Company
While not every moving company offers packing materials, you shouldn’t forget to check with your movers. Bekins moving agents offer packing supplies for you to pack your belongings.
Feel free to explore all of these options to find enough boxes for your move.
