Things You'll Need:
- time
- a vehicle
- internet connection
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Step 1
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.
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Step 2
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.
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Step 3
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!)
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Step 4
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.
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Step 5
Check Craigslist for free boxes and packing materials. Many companies post when and where to come pick up packing peanuts, boxes, and bubble wrap.
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Step 6
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.
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Step 7
Check the resources section below for more information about eBay selling and how to get free items.
Comments
simplelife said
on 6/30/2009 These are really good tips and as a bonus they keep a lot of packaging material from ending up in the wastebins. The tip on checking with local furniture stores to get the bubble wrap and paper wrap is just stellar! Thanks!
athome said
on 5/31/2009 Great tips for getting free shipping supplies this will save a lot of money. 5*
mizreilly said
on 5/29/2009 Perfect timing on this post! Thanks!!!
BillBillionaire said
on 5/11/2009 Check out this article, more details on how to get free shipping supplies! http://www.ehow.com/how_4706954_shipping-materials-us-post-office.html
KatyDidsCards said
on 4/14/2009 Great ideas!