Written by: Isaac Grant
Date:

Relocations are costly, there is no way around that. There are so many things you need to pay for, it is almost obscene. There are ways to minimize the cost, however, but you can’t get anything for free, right? Well, that is not exactly true, as you can find free packing materials if you look hard enough. While you do need to pay for moving services from a professional mover, you can find these supplies for free at select places. And speaking of movers, if you want to hire the best mover for the job all you need to do is get in touch with Verified Movers. We will match you with an ideal moving partner! But for now, let us show you how you can save quite a bit of money on packing supplies.

Best places for free packing materials

Here are the top 5 options you have at your disposal:

  • Freecycle groups
  • Dumpster “diving”
  • Local businesses
  • Community groups
  • Facebook

Of course, talking to your friends and family can only help, as well. Spread the word around your social circle that you’re in need of some moving boxes and assorted packing supplies. You never know what might come from it! If you are in a situation that you need to obtain free packing supplies, as opposed to acquiring them from one of the interstate moving companies Florida has on offer, it is in your best interest not to be shy about it. Think of it this way: People get a lot of satisfaction from helping others in need. This goes double for your friends and family members. But it may not even come to that if you exhaust all the following options.

people working with free packing materials

Your friends may be able to send a roll of bubble wrap your way.

Freecycle groups

“Freecycling'” is a recent term that signifies a nonprofit movement that encourages people to share their items with one another. Freecycle groups are being formed all across the country, and they are gaining a lot of momentum. Because, when you think about it, why throw away something that someone else sorely needs? In this particular example, you may be able to find people that have recently moved or are cleaning their garage of moving boxes. They might be able to send some your way, free of charge! These people may even recommend top movers in Miami for you to hire. And you can do your part, as well. Whenever you think of throwing away something, post it on the group. Maybe you will make someone else’s day!

Dumpster “diving”

This may sound a bit controversial, but is in fact a perfectly normal thing to do. You don’t need to rummage through the dumpsters all the way, all you need to do is look if there are some boxes present. Alternatively, you can “camp” the dumpster area. This means that you simply wait and see if your neighbors are throwing away their boxes and assorted materials that can be used for packaging. Don’t think for a second that you’re doing something shameful, either. You are spending your time and energy on making your life better. That is never a bad thing to do, regardless of the circumstances! Besides, everyone does it these days. Dumpsters are becoming more and more profitable, to tell you the truth. You might even have some competition!

Local businesses can provide you with free packing materials

But you might want to save the dumpsters for last resort unless you simply don’t know how to talk to people. This next tip involves you going to various local businesses and asking for free stuff. This is definitely something you want to put on your moving checklist, as it has the potential to provide you with a lot of free packing materials. You may need to do some research beforehand, though, if you want to optimize your time. You will want to find all the stores that are going out of business, as well as furniture and grocery stores. Let’s see what you can expect from each one.

inside of a convenience store

Local businesses are a great source of free packing materials.

Stores going out of business

Many businesses that are shutting down will be willing to provide you with some packing boxes or even packing materials that they no longer need. Most people are simply looking to get everything out of the premises, so they can liquidate in the shortest amount of time. In a way, you will be helping them out by clearing away some of their unwanted supplies. You may even find “premium” packing materials such as corrugated packing paper, bubble wrap, as well as packing peanuts. Definitely something well worth your time and effort.

Furniture stores

Next up, furniture stores usually have an abundance of assorted packing supplies and large boxes. It is a trifle for them to set aside a few items for you if you ask nicely. Therefore, give your local furniture stores a call, see how they respond. If you have been a customer, or know some of the employees, even better. But even if not, you can usually expect a warm reception.

Grocery stores

Similar to furniture stores, grocery stores receive a large number of cardboard boxes and packing materials in their deliveries. Some stores find a way to reuse these items but some simply throw them away. And that is your cue. If they are throwing away perfectly usable boxes, they will not mind one bit if you are to take them. However, you might want to ask about the delivery schedule in advance. To be perfectly honest, you might even have some competition in acquiring these boxes, as they are worth money, even if not that much.

Community groups

If you are a part of any community group (neighborhood organization, church, club, etc.) why not post a request for moving supplies on the community’s bulletin board. You may be surprised at how effective this might be. People love to help others and will usually do so if given the chance. Give them that chance.

a community meeting

Everything is easier in a community. Why not reach out?

Facebook

Lastly, if you have a Facebook presence, you can utilize the network to great effect. Furthermore, the “word of mouth” may spread and reach many more people than you originally intended. You might find yourself “swimming” in free packing materials if you have a decent enough Facebook network.Â