Where to Find Free Cardboard Boxes?

06/04/2019

Where to Find Free Cardboard Boxes?

Moving can be a daunting task, but finding the right cardboard boxes shouldn't add to the stress. Luckily, there are various avenues where you can find free cardboard boxes to make your move easier on the wallet. From physical locations such as grocery stores to online platforms like Craigslist and Freecycle, there are plenty of opportunities to score free moving boxes.

Additionally, offices, schools, community centres, and even office supply stores can be hidden gems for obtaining sturdy boxes at no cost. In this guide, we'll explore these different sources and provide you with valuable tips to secure the cardboard boxes you need for a seamless and budget-friendly move.

Physical Locations to Find Free Cardboard Boxes

1. Friends and Family:

Friends and family are excellent sources for free cardboard boxes when moving. Reach out to your friends, family members, and colleagues who have recently moved and ask if they have any spare boxes they no longer need. Many people are happy to help and may have boxes they would be glad to give you.

2. Grocery Stores:

Local grocery stores are great place to find free cardboard boxes for moving. Many grocery stores receive frequent shipments of goods in sturdy cardboard boxes.

To find free boxes, simply visit the store and inquire with the store manager or staff in the produce or stockroom area. They may be willing to give away empty boxes or direct you to a designated area where you can pick them up.

3. Liquor Stores:

Liquor stores receive regular shipments of bottles that come in sturdy cardboard boxes. Although these boxes are smaller in size, they can still be useful for packing smaller items or books.

Visit local liquor stores and ask if they have any empty boxes available for free. They are often willing to give them away as they need to dispose of them regularly.

4. Bookstores:

Bookstores receive books in sturdy cardboard boxes that are generally well-suited for moving. Contact your local bookstore and inquire if they have any empty boxes they are willing to give away. Since book shipments can be quite frequent, bookstores may have a surplus of boxes that they are happy to part with.

5. Retail Stores:

Many retail stores, such as clothing stores, electronic stores, or home goods stores, receive merchandise deliveries in cardboard boxes. After unpacking the merchandise, these stores often have excess boxes that they need to dispose of. It's worth checking with local retail stores and asking if they have any boxes available for free. Store managers or staff members may direct you to a designated area where you can pick up the boxes.

6. Recycling Centres:

Recycling centres often have designated areas where people can drop off or pick up various recyclable items, including cardboard boxes. Some recycling centres specifically collect cardboard boxes for reuse. Contact your local recycling centre and inquire about their policies and availability. They may have a specific area where you can pick up cardboard boxes for free, promoting the recycling and reusability of these materials.

7. Offices and Workplaces:

Offices, including banks, law firms, or corporate offices, often receive regular shipments of supplies, equipment, or documents in cardboard boxes. Reach out to offices in your local area and inquire if they have any spare boxes they are willing to give away. Building managers or office administrators may be able to assist you in finding available boxes.

8. Schools and Universities:

These educational institutions regularly receive deliveries of books, stationery, and supplies packaged in cardboard boxes. When searching for free boxes, contact local schools or universities and ask if they have any available. They are often willing to give them away for reuse. Contact administrative offices, libraries, or bookstores within these establishments for more information on acquiring the necessary boxes.

9. Community Centres:

Community centres or recreation facilities often host events and programs or receive deliveries that come in cardboard boxes. Inquire with your local community centre if they have any boxes available for reuse. Speak with staff members or event coordinators who may be able to direct you to the designated area where boxes are stored.

10. Office Supply Stores:

Office supply stores like Staples or Office Depot sometimes have boxes they are willing to give away. These stores often receive shipments in large quantities and may be willing to provide you with empty boxes. Contact or visit the stores to inquire about their box disposal policies and if they have any available for you to take.

11. Local Libraries:

Libraries receive shipments of books, magazines, and other materials in sturdy cardboard boxes. Contact your local library and ask if they have any boxes they are willing to give away. Libraries often have a surplus of boxes and may be happy to provide them for your moving needs.

12. Poundland

Heaven of all cheap and economical items, including hundreds of free moving boxes.  Given that Poundland is one of the biggest well-known pound shops in the U.K. I'm guessing their boxes get snapped up pretty quickly. So you should be right on time because I bet more people than just you know about these tricks! You can just show up and ask for some free boxes, they always have tons.

Online Platforms to Find Free Cardboard Boxes

Online Platforms to Find Free Cardboard Boxes

1. Craigslist:

Craigslist is an online classifieds platform that operates in various cities and regions worldwide. It provides a platform for individuals to post ads for various items, including free moving boxes.

To find free moving boxes on Craigslist, visit the website specific to your city or region. You can then navigate to the "Free" section, where people offer items they no longer need at no cost. Alternatively, you can search for "moving boxes" in the "For Sale" section to find listings from people who are giving away boxes. When you find a listing, you can contact the poster to arrange pickup or inquire about availability.

2. Freecycle:

Freecycle is an online platform that aims to reduce waste by connecting people who want to give away items with those who are looking for them. It operates through local groups, and you can join the group specific to your area.

Once you're a member, you can keep an eye on the group's discussions or listings for free moving boxes. People often post about available boxes or other items they no longer need. You can also make a specific request for moving boxes in the group, and members who have them may respond to your request.

3. Facebook Marketplace:

Facebook Marketplace is a platform integrated into the Facebook social media platform. It allows individuals to buy, sell, and give away various items within their local community.

To find free moving boxes on Facebook Marketplace, search for "moving boxes" in the search bar of the Marketplace section. You can refine your search by selecting your location. Additionally, you can post a request for free moving boxes in local community groups, as many people prefer to offer items directly within those groups rather than on the Marketplace platform.

4. Nextdoor:

Nextdoor is a neighbourhood-based social networking platform that connects people who live in the same community. It provides a space for neighbours to communicate, share information, and offer items for sale or free. Nextdoor often includes a "For Sale & Free" section, where neighbours can post listings for items they want to give away or sell.

To find free moving boxes on Nextdoor, navigate to this section and search for "moving boxes" or browse through the listings. You can directly message the people who have listed boxes to express your interest and coordinate the pickup.

5. LetGo:

LetGo is a mobile app and website that allows users to buy and sell used items locally. It features various categories, including a "Free Stuff" category, where people can offer items at no cost.

To find free moving boxes on LetGo, browse the "Free Stuff" category or search for "moving boxes" in your local area. You can contact the individuals who have posted listings for free boxes to arrange pickup or inquire about availability.

6. OfferUp:

OfferUp is another mobile app and website that facilitates the local buying and selling of used items. It operates similarly to LetGo, allowing users to browse and search for items within their local area.

To find free moving boxes on OfferUp, check the app's "Free Stuff" category or search for "moving boxes" in your area. You can reach out to the people who have listed free boxes to discuss pickup details or ask any questions you may have.

7. Gumtree:

Gumtree is another online platform where you can find free cardboard boxes for moving. Gumtree is a popular classified advertisement website that operates in multiple countries. It provides a platform for people to buy, sell, and give away various items, including moving boxes.

To find free moving boxes on Gumtree, visit the website specific to your country or region and search for "moving boxes" or "cardboard boxes" in the "Freebies" section or under the "For Sale" category. You can also post a request in the relevant section or reach out to people who have listed boxes for pickup.

get a quote in 30 minutes!