Where to get free cardboard boxes for moving

Are you planning to move but worried about where to find secure cardboard boxes to keep your belongings organised? There’s good news – you don’t have to spend a fortune on boxes. Instead, you can save money by checking out places in your community where you can find free cardboard boxes for moving. While locating these boxes might take some time and energy, it’s a great way to save money and be environmentally friendly.

1. Grocery stores

First, check your local grocery store. Retailers often receive packages in bulk, hence the abundance of big cardboard boxes you can get there for free. Some boxes you may score at your grocery store include tall, dish, and even egg boxes for moving. Make sure to call them first to receive them on your pick-up day.

2. Pharmacies

Sometimes, the places you often pass by happen to have the largest number of moving boxes you can get for free. Just like grocery stores, it’s best to call your local pharmacy in advance to check if boxes are available for pick-up. Doing so also comes in handy in case it runs on a reservation basis. As long as you give your pharmacy early notice, you should leave with many boxes that can last you the whole move.

3. Office buildings

You’ll be surprised by the number of packages a typical office building receives daily. The good thing is, once they’ve unpacked those boxes, they will no longer need them. This is the perfect time to chat with the front desk person and ask if they have cardboard boxes for free. After all, putting them to good use is much better than having those boxes thrown away.

4. College dorms

College dorms are some of the best places to find free boxes for moving. Thanks to this thing called “Move-In Day,” almost every college and university dorm receives an armful of boxes from students who move in on campus every year. Most of these boxes are thrown out anyway, so it’s best to ask the students if you can have them instead. Not only does this help you save money, but it also benefits the environment by having less trash and waste.

5. Schools

If there aren’t any universities or colleges near you, visit your local elementary or high schools. Schools generally receive many deliveries, including food, books, furniture, and other supplies. Ask the cleaning personnel if you can take home some empty boxes just sitting in the school’s basement. Chances are, they’ll be more than happy to give them to you for free, as they won’t have to disassemble them for recycling.

6. Local bookstores

Another great place to find moving boxes for free is your local bookstore. You can be sure that the boxes here are of quality, as they are usually meant to hold large quantities of books. Before you visit, call your local bookstore to “reserve your slot.”

7. Gumtree

You’ve read that right. Gumtree is one of the best sources to find free moving boxes. If you haven’t heard of this yet, you can search for moving boxes from owners who are more than happy to give away their empty boxes for free. You might also have more luck towards the end of the weekend, as most people unpack or clean up old boxes during this time. 

Just remember to clarify a few things before picking up your boxes. Sometimes, the boxes being given away for free may already have slight damage from being used in the past. After all, you don’t want to collect free stuff that will end up unused in your home.

8. Facebook groups

Like Gumtree, Facebook can be a great avenue for free moving boxes. Look for groups within your area offering free goods, such as empty moving boxes. As most of the members of these groups live nearby, you won’t have to drive outside your city to pick up the boxes.

9. Recycling centres

This may sound like a no-brainer, but some people often neglect recycling centres when searching for free moving boxes. Give your local recycling centre an early call to ensure you can pick up some on the day of your visit. You could trade other recyclable materials in your home, such as glass, plastic, and paper products, for a better chance of getting free cartons.

10. Yard sales

The saying “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure” has never been more true when looking for free boxes at yard sales. Sometimes, you won’t even have to beg to take home these boxes for free---some owners would be glad to hand them over to you and find them a new home.

11. Apartments

Due to the sheer amount of people who move in and out of apartments, you might find a reasonable amount of free moving boxes at your nearby apartment complex. Just ask the manager or landlord of the apartment if they can spare you some free moving boxes.

12. Liquor stores

Your local booze store also has hundreds of boxes that can be given for free. These compact and sturdy boxes are ideal for holding books, picture frames, and other delicate or fragile items. Make sure to ask for boxes with lids. Otherwise, your things might fall inside the moving truck.

13. Newly occupied residences

Sometimes, those who just moved in are the best people to turn into for free boxes. Check your area and look for people who have just settled into their new place. After unpacking and organising all their stuff, they’ll happily give away their empty boxes to free up space in their new home.

Move stress-free with Airtasker

Now that you know where to find free cardboard boxes, it’s time to start planning your big move! While hunting for free boxes is a great way to save money, if you’re short on time or energy, consider booking a removal service. 

By hiring a professional mover near you, you can streamline the entire moving process and ensure that everything is taken care of efficiently. Whether you’re moving to a new home or relocating your office, a removalist can help make your move worry-free. Post a task today and get started on your move with ease!