- Local grocery or retail stores: Check with grocery stores, supermarkets, or retail stores in your area. They often have empty boxes after restocking shelves and may be willing to give them away.
- Bookstores: Visit bookstores or libraries, as they receive frequent shipments of books and often have sturdy boxes available.
- Online marketplaces: Look for free or inexpensive moving boxes on websites like Freecycle, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace. Many people give away boxes after their move.
- Community groups: Join local community groups or neighborhood forums on social media and post a request for free moving boxes. People in your area might have boxes they no longer need.
- Liquor stores: Liquor stores usually have strong, compact boxes that are ideal for packing heavy items. Ask them if they can spare some boxes for your move.
- Offices and workplaces: Check with your workplace or nearby offices. They often receive shipments and might have spare boxes they can give you.
- Recycling centers: Visit recycling centers or cardboard recycling drop-off points. You might find boxes that have been left for recycling but are still in good condition.
- Schools or universities: Contact local schools, colleges, or universities. They often have boxes from supplies or deliveries and may be willing to share them.
- Frequent flyer programs: If you or someone you know has a frequent flyer membership, they might have access to free or discounted shipping boxes through the airline’s rewards program.
- Craigslist “Free” section: Keep an eye on the “Free” section of Craigslist. People often list moving boxes they no longer need.
- Moving supply stores: Check with local moving supply stores. They typically have a variety of boxes available for purchase, including specialty boxes for fragile items.
- Hospitals or medical facilities: Medical facilities receive regular shipments and often have sturdy boxes. Contact them and ask if they have any boxes you can take.
- Construction sites: Visit construction sites and ask if they have spare boxes. Construction materials are often delivered in sturdy boxes that can be repurposed for moving.
- Restaurants or cafes: Restaurants and cafes receive supplies and produce deliveries. They might have boxes that can be reused for moving.
- Ask friends and family: Reach out to friends, family, and coworkers and ask if they have any moving boxes they no longer need. Personal connections are often a great source for finding free boxes.