Moving costs add up quickly. By the time you settle into your new place, you may find you’ve spent a lot more money than you had planned. One area in which you can save a few bucks is packing supplies. With some planning, you can find moving boxes, bubble wrap, and other supplies for little or no cost. Read our guide below for tips on how to score free or low-cost moving materials. 

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1. Online Marketplaces

Some people sell their leftover or lightly used packing boxes and supplies through online marketplaces. You may find cardboard boxes, newspaper, and packing tape for free. Other items may be available at a massive discount. 

Vendors offer free supplies through these online marketplaces: 

Some marketplace users offer upcycled, gently used moving materials, which you can find through community chatrooms or online boards. Vendors may offer you the choice of meeting in person or collecting the items by shipment. Always be cautious when communicating with someone you don’t know.

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2. Friends and Family

Ask your family and friends if they’ll give you their leftover boxes or other moving supplies. Consider asking everyone in your social circle, including the following:

• Close coworkers 
• Community groups, such as a church or sports group
• Family
• Friends
• Workout or gym buddies

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3. Your Workplace

Some companies have large rooms dedicated to storing all packaging materials until recycling day. Ask your office manager or mailroom clerk if they have sturdy boxes or packing peanuts you can take for your move. You can also ask your family or close friends to check with their respective office managers.

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4. Large Local Stores

Local stores often discard their boxes after unpacking merchandise, and you might find some retailers are willing to give them to you. These boxes come in a variety of sizes. You may even find irregular-shaped boxes that could function as wardrobe boxes. 

Visit local businesses and ask a store clerk if you could speak with a manager. Explain to the manager that you’re moving and ask whether you can take the store’s shipping boxes once they’re done unpacking them. A few examples of the stores you can contact include the following:

• Bookstores
• Electronics stores
• Grocery stores
• Home improvement stores such as Home Depot
• Liquor stores
• Office supply stores

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5. USPS

The United States Postal Service offers free shipping materials but limits individuals to a maximum of five of each item per order. The USPS also offers envelopes and boxes in various sizes that may work well for packing fragile items or breakables. You can order mailing tubes, labels, and stickers through the USPS.

Your supplies will be delivered by your mail carrier after you’ve placed your order. Shipping and delivery are free.

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6. Go Dumpster Diving

Dumpster diving involves searching dumpsters and trash cans for gently used items that can be reused. Check out the dumpsters behind moving companies, retail stores, and big box stores to find free moving boxes, packing paper, and other moving supplies. 

Dumpsters frequently contain broken glass, sharp nails, and other hazardous items. Wear work boots, gloves, and thick, protective clothing when you search around the dumpster to protect yourself. You may want to wear a mask in case you encounter dust or other airborne particles.

Also, you cannot access the dumpster or trash can if it is locked up, chained, or fenced in, as that’s considered trespassing.

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7. Keep Shipping Boxes

Hang onto your delivery boxes instead of putting them in the recycling bin, and ask your neighbors if you can take theirs. Keep and store the boxes you receive during the holidays. 

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Where To Shop if You Have To Buy Packing Supplies

You may find you need additional discounted moving items after you’ve secured free or low-cost boxes. Consider the vendors below, which should cater to any budget. 

• Freecycle: Freecycle is a nonprofit organization dedicated to keeping quality items out of landfills. It has built an extensive community network through which you can exchange items safely, as it has zero tolerance for scams and spam.
• Home Depot: Purchasing your items from a brick-and-mortar store such as Home Depot allows you to check out items in person before purchasing them. It’s easy to compare the quality of brands while you decide which is right for your move and budget. 
• OfferUp: OfferUp is dedicated to connecting people who are buying, selling, finding, and giving away items, including used boxes and packing materials. OfferUp allows you to check profiles and transactions to learn more about a seller’s business acumen through its website or app. 
• U-Haul: U-Haul Box Exchange connects people who need to offload moving supplies with people who need moving supplies. The company functions primarily through an online forum.

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Our Conclusion

Search for free boxes and moving supplies ethically and safely while you prepare for your move and start packing. With some planning and tenacity, you can put together a collection of boxes and moving supplies for free or at a low cost.

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FAQ About Finding Free Packing Supplies

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