Order free Priority mail supplies from USPS.com. They offer several sizes of boxes and envelopes for both domestic and international shipping. The supplies may ONLY be used for Priority Mail - you may not turn them inside out to use for other mail classes.
Step2
Check 24-hour retailers such as grocery stores, convenience stores, and discount stores like Wal-Mart and Target. Visit late in the evening or in the early morning hours when the employees are stocking the shelves. You can have your pick of an array of free boxes. The employees are usually glad you will take them off their hands.
Step3
Check with local furniture stores and ask how they dispose of the heavyweight paper wrapping or bubble wrap that new furniture is wrapped in. Many times, the materials are just put outside in the dumpster. (Ask before dumpster diving on private property!)
Step4
Look on FreeCycle for people giving away packing materials. FreeCycle is a recycling group - environmentally conscious people help each other out locally by advertising things they are giving away. You can find packing materials and boxes offered by people who have just moved and want to get rid of the materials.
Step5
Check Craigslist for free boxes and packing materials. Many companies post when and where to come pick up packing peanuts, boxes, and bubble wrap.
Step6
Make friends with the local deli and liquor stores. Their boxes are small, study, and perfect for media mail items like books and CDs. You can also use these small, durable boxes for international mailing.
Tips & Warnings
Always ask before taking anything from a retail store.
Always ask before dumpster diving on private property.
Try to create relationships with retail stores and companies so that you can get free packing materials on a regular basis.
Comments
WendyRenee said
on 5/19/2008 great ideas!!
candlegurl said
on 4/3/2008 Great Tips Suzanne! I never thought to check craigslist.. or freecycle!
Keep the good stuff coming!
Melissa
www.candlesmadefromsoy.com