How to Find Free Packing Supplies
Moving can get rather expensive so it’s only natural to find ways to cut costs. Of course, saving money should never make you compromise on the quality of services you’re getting. You never want to risk using cheap materials for valuable items. You also never want to go for a mover with the cheapest rates in case a low price comes at a cost of poor service. That being said, moving on a budget can make you be more creative when it comes to finding free packing supplies.
For most of your household items, moving boxes, packing paper, and bubble wrap, the crucial supplies from the must-have packing and moving supplies list, will be enough. Although most of these materials are cost-effective, things add up and you have an additional cost added to your moving expenses. Luckily, not all moving supplies must be purchased. In fact, most of them can be found for free. In the following text, you’ll get to read about some of the common places to find free materials like bubble wrap, paper, and cardboard boxes. Carry on reading and learn how to find free packing supplies.
Check with people you know
This may be an obvious one but it is definitely the best place to start. Check with your friends or colleagues if they have any packing supplies to give away. Lots of people don’t really know what to do with all that clutter after the move is done. So, most of us end up storing these things away and keeping them for later use. In case anyone you know has moved recently, they should be the first ones to ask about packing materials. Chances are your search will be over before you know it.
Join community groups
Even if you live in an area that’s not exactly known for its strong sense of community, you may be surprised about how many people actually think that sharing is caring. Your community groups are a great place to find some free moving supplies since many people are willing to help. This is a win-win since they will get rid of things they don’t use and you’ll get to save some money. The best part is that most communities are local so you won’t have to drive for hours in order to get your free packing materials.
Check out online platforms
The nicest part about living in the modern age is that you have quick access to virtually anything, including free packing supplies and moving boxes. Here are only a few of the websites and online platforms you should check out:
Facebook Marketplace
The Facebook Marketplace is one of the best places to look for free stuff. Lots of people post their items for free and you could even create a listing searching for exactly what you need. Creating a listing is free and you can make as many as you like. Also, Facebook Marketplace will show you stuff listed by people near you so you can easily reach your supplies.
Freecycle
Members of this online group are gathered around the idea of saving the environment. Recycling helps keep things away from the landfill site but it also helps people find things for free. The process is simple – join the group and describe the type and amount of packing supplies you need. You should then receive messages from other members who have items that match your description.
OfferUp
OfferUp is an easy way to connect with local buyers and sellers. Lots of people are willing to give away items for free so it should be fairly easy to find whichever packing supply you need.
Craigslist
This platform is widely popular for having all sorts of free things. That also includes free moving boxes and other packing supplies. The “search” bar lets you look for anything you need so you just have to type in “moving boxes”, “packing paper”, “bubble wrap”, or whatever you’re after. Since most moves are scheduled for weekends, you may have the most luck if you search for supplies on Mondays.
Go to your local U-Haul location
You’re certainly familiar with one of the biggest rentals in the USA – U-Haul. With more than 21,000 locations, it’s pretty hard to miss. But what you may not be aware of is that they also have locations where people can drop off their used boxes so that other people could get them for free. So if you’re on the hunt for free moving boxes, take a walk to your nearest U-Haul drop-off point.
Visit local stores
In case your first two options weren’t successful or you need extra moving boxes, there are plenty of places you can visit. These are only some of the stores that should have moving boxes to give away:
Grocery stores
In case you have a grocery store near you, it’s another great place to look for free boxes. Since they have to keep their merchandise fresh, grocery stores receive delivery quite often. That leaves them with lots of cardboard boxes which they’re usually able to give away for free.
Liquor stores
Your local grocery store is a pretty safe bet when it comes to looking for free moving boxes. Stop by and check if they have any unneeded boxes to give away. These should be perfect for your heavier belongings since they’re sturdy enough to transport liquor.
Large retailers
Big box stores also get delivery pretty often – mostly every day. Once the merchandise is displayed, most of these boxes serve no purpose anymore. It’s a good idea to visit your nearest large retailer, such as Costco, Walmart, Home Depot, or any other similar store, and ask if they have boxes they need to get rid of.
Once you’ve gathered your free moving supplies, you’ll be all set to pack. And once all of your household items are ready to go, it’s time to search for trusted Brooklyn movers and storage. Rabbit Movers, an NYC eco friendly moving company, are at your service – contact us to receive a complimentary in-house quote today!