Moving home or relocating your office can be a stressful and expensive process. Between hiring a removal company, and buying packing supplies, the costs can quickly add up. But what if we told you that there was a way to save money on one of those expenses? That’s right, we’re talking about free moving boxes. In this post, we’re going to show you where to find free boxes for your move, so you can save some money and put it towards a nice bottle of wine for when you finally reach your new home.
Supermarkets & Retail Stores
Supermarkets and retail stores receive regular shipments, which means they often have surplus boxes. These boxes are usually in good condition, making them perfect for packing heavier items. To get your hands on some free boxes, simply ask customer service or the store manager. They should be happy to give you some of their surplus boxes. Also, check with the store a few days before your move, as they may have just received a shipment and have fresh boxes available. And who knows, you may even score some free packing tape or bubble wrap while you’re there!
When approaching supermarkets and retail stores to ask for boxes, it’s important to be polite and professional. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your request:
- To find out the store’s operating hours, call ahead or visit its website.
- Describe what you’re looking for in detail. Inform them that you need boxes because you’re moving.
- Be adaptable when it comes to the size and number of boxes you need because it may depend on what the retailer has in stock.
- Offer to return to the store to pick up the boxes at a future date or time that suits them.
- Make sure to express gratitude for their time. In the future, you could need extra boxes!
- Keep in mind that you can always try another store if the first one is out of boxes.
Online Marketplaces
Free moving boxes can often be found on online markets like Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace. These online marketplaces contain a sizable community of users that buy, sell, and give away products like moving boxes. You can uncover postings from people who have recently moved and are looking to get rid of their boxes by searching for “moving boxes” or “free boxes” in the search bar.
When buying boxes from strangers, it’s crucial to exercise caution, meet in a public location, and carefully examine the boxes before accepting them.
Another piece of advice is to routinely check these platforms because new listings are frequently updated.
Rather than waiting for someone to post about free boxes, you could try posting a wanted ad. There are plenty of people who want to be rid of their boxes but haven’t got around to advertising yet. Make sure you clearly state ‘double-walled boxes’ and the required sizes. We commonly use 50x50x50cm boxes which is a great size for books (not too heavy) and cutlery. Also, be prepared to collect them so it’s wise to find someone who is fairly close.
Friends & Family
Don’t discount the power of your own network while looking for free moving boxes.
Receiving boxes from friends and family is a good method since they’ll be eager to assist. They’ll be more than happy to give you some of the boxes they no longer need since because of the hassle and expense of recycling. Additionally, you get to catch up and spend time with them.
In addition to getting boxes, you may also be able to get some help and advice from them. They may be able to lend a hand with packing, moving, and even unpacking. So, don’t forget to tap into your network of friends and family when looking for free moving boxes.
Removal Companies
Another great way to get free moving boxes is to contact a local moving company. As part of their regular operations, many removal companies get boxes; after they finished with them, they are often pleased to give them away without charge. We, at Macro Removals in Bristol, do this on a regular basis.
In this post, we discussed the best ways to find free boxes. We explained that supermarkets, retail stores and removal companies often have a surplus of boxes and that by asking politely and approaching them at the right time, you can get your hands on some for free.
We have discussed that online marketplaces such as Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace can be great resources for finding free moving boxes, but be cautious when getting boxes from strangers.
Also highlighted are friends and family members who have recently moved or have a business that may have boxes they no longer need and this can be a great way to get boxes for free and also get some help from people you know.
The key takeaway is that with a little bit of research and creativity, you can find free moving boxes, save money and make your move more ec0-friendly.
If you need further advice or a home and office removal service, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Disclaimer – This blog should only be viewed as a guide. Macro Removals Ltd cannot be held responsible for any injuries, loss of earnings, or death as a result of following this guide.