A Guide to Finding Cheap Boxes

If you are moving on a budget, you can save a little bit by not spending a whole lot on boxes. Buying brand new moving boxes is not necessary, but you may want consider newer boxes if you have particularly breakable or valuable items. The following are some tips to make packing stuff in boxes a little bit cheaper.

1) Dumpster Diving

The cheapest boxes are free! Check behind grocery stores and restaurants for boxes, and even in their dumpsters if you can. It is hard to literally dumpster dive anymore since local business frequently chain their dumpsters down, but if you check during business hours employees will frequently leave the dumpster unlocked.

Many grocery and restaurants still do leave cardboard boxes out for those who may want them. . You can also try asking local restaurants and business if they have any boxes that you could use. Most will be willing to save some boxes for you or give you what they have in back.

2) Save Boxes

If you know that you are going to move, you should start saving any boxes you may receive in the mail. You can also ask close by friends, neighors and family to save some boxes for you. Also, ask around at work to see if the business has any boxes they wouldn't mind parting with.

3) Buying Boxes

If you need to buy new boxes for your move, shop around for the best prices is the key to getting cheap boxes. Just going to the local moving store you will usually get ripped off by their extremely high prices. Buying online, even with shipping costs, is the best way to get cheap boxes. If you do buy boxes, make sure you only get as many as you will need for the move.

4) Do Not Buy Filler

Use homemade filler to cushion any fragile items you may need to put in boxes. Sheets, newspaper, paper, clothes all make excellent cushion in boxes. If you don't have a newspaper subscription look around for local free magazines at stores that usually feature real-estate or car ad listing. You can technically take as many you want, so grab a few if you see them out.

5) Buy Cheap Tape and Markers

Do not buy tape and markers from a location for convenience. Places like your local grocery store or gas station will rip you off. Get the cheapest tape possible at Staples, Home Depot, The Dollar Store or Target for the best prices.

6) Use Grocery Bags

A lot of smaller items you can just put in left over plastic grocery bags. Cleaning supplies, food and papers can be easily transferred to the new location by using these left over bags.