Moving is expensive, but you can cut some costs by finding free packing supplies. However, it’s hard to locate free moving boxes, bubble wrap, and other materials if you don’t know where to look. In this article, we’ll tell you where to find moving supplies that are cheap or free.

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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 may 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 supplies for moving. Consider contacting 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 packing 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 The 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. 

Keep in mind that 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

Instead of recycling the boxes you receive after a delivery, hang on to them. Reusing shipping boxes and supplies is an eco-friendly way to source packing materials. You can keep the packing paper or bubble wrap that comes with your deliveries too. If you notice that your neighbors have also received shipping boxes, offer to take them off their hands.

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Mistakes To Avoid When Looking for Free Packing Supplies

There are mistakes you can make while searching for free boxes that could land you in hot water. Try to avoid these situations during your search: 

• Breaking the law: Abide by local laws when looking for free boxes in dumpsters, trash cans, or your neighbor’s recyclables pile. Ask your office manager or mailroom clerk before you take boxes from your workplace, and ask store managers for permission before taking boxes from local businesses.
• Collecting low-quality boxes: Avoid using boxes if they have rips or tears, and inspect them for pest infestations before taking them home with you. 
• Forgetting transportation: Make sure you have a car or truck with plenty of space to fit your packing supplies so that you don’t have to leave anything behind.
• Giving out contact or bank information: You may encounter online scams when looking for moving supplies. Don’t provide your address, bank account numbers, or credit card information to any online seller unless it’s through a secure website. Make sure you receive your items before sending any money to an online vendor, and don’t share personal information.
• Meeting strangers in unsafe ways: Never share your address or agree to go to a stranger’s home. Agree on a neutral and public meeting place, such as a shopping mall parking lot. Bring a trusted friend with you, and always keep your cell phone on you.

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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. If you do end up buying moving 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.
• The Home Depot: Purchasing your items from a brick-and-mortar store such as The 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

Collecting free moving supplies can be easy when you know where to find them. We recommend you make a list of the type of packing materials you need to stay organized and keep track of what you’re looking for. Search for free boxes for moving and other packing supplies ethically and safely and make sure the used bubble wrap and boxes are in good condition and don’t have strange smells or stains. 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

Are cardboard boxes at The Home Depot free?

No, cardboard boxes at The Home Depot aren’t typically free. However, Home Depot employees may hold delivery boxes for you if you contact them or find a customer service representative while you’re at the store.

Can you get free boxes from supermarkets?

Yes, you can get free boxes from most supermarkets. Ask store managers when stores expect shipments and whether you can take them after employees have unpacked them. 

Where can you find free packing tape?

You can find free packing tape from your moving company. Some moving truck rental companies or full-service movers offer free packing tape when you hire them for your move.

What are some free packing supplies that are easy to find?

Some free packing supplies that are easy to find are boxes, bubble wrap, and packing paper.

Where can people get free bubble wrap?

People can get free bubble wrap from grocery stores, businesses, and online marketplaces. 

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