Moving can be cumbersome, especially in NYC, where there is never enough space to store things that you might need later. One of these things is boxes for packing your stuff before a move.
It can be weirdly difficult to get boxes before a move, especially if you don’t know where to look. Today, we are going to help you with that by providing you with multiple options to get boxes. And not just any boxes, but boxes in good condition, for either free or cheap. We will also discuss how you can ensure that you don’t need as many boxes for the move.
Let’s take a look.
Where to Get Free Boxes in NYC
Moving boxes are cumbersome to acquire, but that doesn’t mean you have to pay a lot for them. In fact, if you are willing to put in the legwork, then you can score plenty of free boxes.
Here’s a list of places where you can get free boxes for moving if you time it right.
- Grocery stores. Most grocery stores in NYC receive daily shipments of products. They also usually stock these shipments on the shelves, either in the early morning or evening. If you go to the store at such hours and politely ask the store manager for any boxes, they will be happy to give you some.
- Online Community Platforms. Many online marketplaces like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and Freecycle have free boxes available. You just have to search for them in the “Free” category and do a search for [Your Borough Name], NYC. You will find plenty of boxes that way.
- U-Haul Box Exchange program. U-Haul provides a box exchange program where customers can give away or sell their boxes that they don’t need. You can ask U-Haul for such boxes even if you are not using their service. Typically, you do this by going to their store and checking the “Take a Box, Leave a Box” section for free boxes.
- Buy Nothing Groups on Facebook. Some anti-consumption groups on Facebook and other social media help each other out by giving away things that they don’t need to others who need them. It is possible that you can get free boxes from someone in the group.
Those are some good ways to get free boxes for moving in NYC.
Where To Get Cheap Boxes
While free boxes are great, it is not always feasible to get them. The effort involved and the conditions of the boxes can be a factor which might discourage many people.
In that case, the next best option is to get cheap boxes instead. Here are a few options you can explore to get cheap boxes.
- Amazon. As with most things, you can order boxes on Amazon and for quite cheap as well. Just take your time to explore the listings to find the best deal.
- Moving companies. Moving companies in NYC also provide packing supplies and packing services such as Dumbo Moving amongst others. You can buy packing supplies from them on their websites quite easily and for cheap.
- Office Supply Stores. Offices are always moving equipment around. They are either recycling old equipment by selling it or buying a new batch. That’s why office supply companies have tons of moving boxes, and you can buy them online. A simple local Google search will show you plenty of office supply stores that are selling the cheapest moving boxes of all shapes and sizes.
Where to Get Eco-Friendly Boxes/Rentals
A recurring problem with most moves in NYC is that you don’t have space to keep all the boxes you used for the move. So, you need to dispose of them. Now, you can give them away quite easily, or throw them, but there is an easier option: box rentals.
You can get sturdy crates, plastic boxes, and other types of boxes quite easily for a few days. Pack your stuff in them, move, unpack, and then return the boxes.
The best thing about this is that most moving companies of any repute provide box rentals in NYC. So, once you have completed the move, they will just take the boxes back with them, probably on the same day. You won’t even have to go out yourself to return them.
So, always check the moving companies in your area that provide box and bin rentals.
How to Make Sure You Don’t Need Too Many Boxes
While getting boxes from various sources for free or cheap is good, it is better to not need as many boxes to begin with. That’s why you should look into means of reducing the amount of stuff you want to move.
Here’s what you can do.
- Declutter before moving. Decluttering your stuff before a move lets you see which items you absolutely need and which ones you can live without. So, declutter and sort your belongings before packing.
- Give away stuff you don’t need. While it can sound very romantic to hold on to things that hold sentimental value, it is sometimes better to give them away if they are not providing any value to you. Giving them away will help others who need them more, and you can get a fresh start.
- Sell Stuff That is Extra. Sell stuff that you don’t need to get extra cash. You always need some for moving day due to various unforeseen costs. You can also pad up your savings quite a bit by selling your extra stuff.
In the end, you will thank yourself on moving day and unpacking day.
Conclusion
So, there you have it, the easiest ways to get cheap or free moving boxes in NYC. Most stores will give them out for free or sell them to you for a dime a dozen. Online communities and stores are also a good option to obtain cheap boxes and finally, moving companies can provide rental boxes/bins as well.
Go with the options that are the most convenient and cheapest for you. Happy moving.
