How to Buy Moving Boxes
Moving is stressful and expensive, but you can cut your costs significantly by shopping around for boxes. While moving and truck rental companies sell boxes of every shape and size imaginable, you might be in for sticker shock when you see the price of cardboard. With a little planning, you can acquire used boxes for a fraction of the cost, or even free of charge. Whether you buy new or used, it's important to have the right boxes to protect your belongings.
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Things You'll Need
- Detailed estimates from moving and truck rental companies
- Inventory of your household items
Instructions
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Calculate how many boxes you'll need by using the moving calculator. (See Reference 1.)
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Get estimates from at least three moving companies if you're hiring a moving company. Ask for a breakdown on services so you'll be able to see the cost of the boxes separately from things like packing and transportation. Note that you are not required to buy boxes from the company that provides the moving service.
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3
Get prices on boxes from the rental company if you're renting a truck and moving yourself. They will generally be comparable to those of a moving company.
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Check online for moving boxes. Many companies will ship boxes to your home at prices much lower than those of moving companies. You will find "moving kits" that include boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and markers.
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Check the prices at "used box" online companies. Some of these boxes are new, as they are equivalent to "factory seconds," while others have been used only once. Make sure the company offers a guarantee that the boxes are in good condition.
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Check for freebies in your local newspaper classifieds, Craigslist.com or freecardboardboxes.com. (See Resources.) Many people who have recently moved are happy to give their boxes away free of charge.
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Save your boxes when you've arrived at your new home. You won't have to buy them the next time you move.
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Tips & Warnings
Choose the correct boxes for your belongings. Clothing can be hung in containers called wardrobes, while glassware and dishes also have special boxes to protect the contents.
Beware of free boxes from a supermarket. Some are not very sturdy and some could contain bugs.
References
Resources
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Comments
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Nowadays you can rent plastic moving boxes from companies like Bungobox. We offer recycled/recyclable plastic moving crates, dollies, wrapping supplies and other moving supplies that are delivered to your door and picked up when you're done for free. They are cleaned between uses, so you won't come across boxes that are either full of disgusting messes or smell like produce and other smells you don't necessarily want on your belongings like webflys mentioned. Good luck to everyone.
