Tip For Saving When Moving
When it comes to moving, most people buy their boxes from the movers because of the convenience factor. If you think ahead a bit, you can get your moving boxes for free by asking at stores (I've always had great success with stationary and office supply stores). If you a haven't thought ahead or don't feel like making the effort to find boxes for free, you still don't have to pay full price. I stumbled across a website appropriately called Used Cardboard Boxes.
They have a quite simple business plan that allows you to get quality used cardboard boxes for moving (or any other need you may have for them) at half the price of buying them new. From their site:
...If we wouldn't use the box to move our own households, we don't put then in inventory. Make no mistake, the boxes we deliver are used. But for the purpose of packing them with household items for a single move, they are great. Our main suppliers are manufacturers and moving companies that use high-quality boxes only one time, to deliver products to a retail store, or to deliver household items to a residence. Most of the boxes we stock have been carefully opened with razor blades, so the integrity of the cardboard is not jeopardized. We offer you these same boxes, but at about ½ the price of new ones. You will pack them, tape them and write on them just like you would a new box. If you have any problem with any of the boxes we deliver, just give us a call and we will take care of you.
This is a quality and convenient alternative for getting moving boxes at a deep discount over the prices the moving companies charge for those that don't have the time to search for free boxes on their own.
Comments
Heh. Something within my area of expertise.
I own a box plant. We make custom boxes to order. We have a lot of people call us for moving boxes because they think the local U-HAUL or self-storage place is charging too much for boxes. When people call for moving boxes, we generally direct them to a used box supplier.
I'm not sure that ordering used boxes over the internet is cost-effective. Shipping will kill you. But in most large cities, there's going to be a company that specializes in used boxes and packaging. If you're moving and need boxes, check the yellow pages for box suppliers. If none of them advertise used boxes for sale, call around until one of the other places points you to the right company. Eventually you'll find the place you need.
Another fantastic source for used boxes is craigsl..., where there are always dozens of people looking to get rid of boxes, most of them willing to just give them away.
How about buying large totes when they are on sale a Wal Mart, K mart, etc. Some come with wheels and they will be reusable for storage when the move is complete.
The cheapest (as in free) way to get boxes is your local freecycle. Where I live, a request for boxes is answered immediately by several people. I've never seen a request for boxes go unanswered.
I think if you need boxes, your workplace may be able to give you the boxes they don't need...I know when I moved, I worked at the mall and there is a spot in every mall where stores drop their boxes and usually the boxes are in good shape. THat save a lot of money!
The US Postal service website offers free priority mail boxes, the large parcel box size is perfect for almost everything! They deliver in about 1 week too and you can order upto 100 free boxes!