An exciting new chapter in my life began last year. Last fall, I got accepted to the University of Toronto.
I was born and raised in Fredericton, New Brunswick, and I always wanted to get into Canada’s top university. I was so stressed all year that when I got the great news, I almost fainted. Can you faint from joy? I think I almost did.
The fact that I went to U of T meant I had to move and transport many things with me. At first, I didn’t realize how much stuff I had to move with me and how many supplies I needed. But as a teenager who didn’t want to borrow money from my parents, I didn’t have hundreds of dollars to spend on expensive boxes, tapes, or packing paper. I knew I had to spend some, but I didn’t want to overspend.
I asked all my friends, my parents, and searched the internet for information. So, let me share my experience where I found my packing supplies for free and how you can save money on them.
I have selected four sites and applications. You can get free boxes with the minimum of effort, right on your couch, and then just go and pick them up. Getting your packing supplies this way doesn’t necessarily make you a bargain hunter. It also makes you a citizen who cares about the environment and doesn’t want to generate more waste.
Craigslist
Craigslist opens my list, as it is one of the most prominent advertisement websites, famous not only among Americans but among Canadians too. You can get free boxes from Craigslist if you start looking for them early on. You can easily find people who moved nearby in your city, and they donate their boxes. Look for pictures. They will tell you better than words if the boxes are in good condition to use them one more time or if their place is in the recycling bin. Check the listings of your neighborhood as often as possible to gather enough boxes for your move.
OfferUp
OfferUp is very similar to Craigslist but much more phone-user-friendly. It’s an app. You can contact the people who sell their stuff directly. You can not only save on your boxes and other moving supplies on OfferUp, but you can also post some things you want to get rid of when moving as well.
Letgo
Letgo is an app too. It is very similar to OfferUp. Used boxes online that you can get for free. It is straightforward to use and very convenient. You genuinely feel the benefits of technological progress when you compare it to what it was 20-30 years ago. Would you have thought that you could look for boxes online using your smartphone or laptop back then?
Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is my favorite place to get free boxes. When I moved to Toronto, I used the Facebook Marketplace. People want to get rid of their packing supplies after moving, so you have a big chance to get almost all new boxes for free. You can also sell your supplies here.
Previously, I spoke about receiving boxes online, and now I will tell you where you can find packages and supplies offline.
From Electronics, Furniture, or Department stores
All these stores have lots of boxes they don’t need. You can go to one of your nearby electronics stores and ask the manager about some of the boxes they recycle. You can ask politely that you need containers for your move. You will be surprised, the staff may be delighted to give them to you.
From your Moving Company
Unfortunately, this does not work if you are moving on your own. But if you proceed with the help of a professional moving company, you should consider asking your movers about the supplies they can provide you. Sometimes, moving companies offer cheaper supplies or rental boxes and plastic bins. The options vary, so it is always best if you ask. Don’t be shy.
U haul Locations
U haul was a discovery for me. Their prices are one of the cheapest on the market. Buy new packing supplies and boxes here. They even have an online store at Amazon.
Home Depot and Lowe’s
Both Home Depot and Lowe’s sell new moving boxes for one of the lowest prices. The quality is good, and the price is about $1-2. But they are not so competitive for all other packing supplies. So for tape, wrapping paper etc, better go to Amazon.
Amazon
Amazon is the best choice for any packaging material other than boxes. But for tape, packing paper, mattress bags etc. Amazon is what you need.
UsedCardboardBoxes.com
On this website, you can find environmentally-friendly new boxes. They’re made of recycled cardboard and other materials and sell for about the same price as other places. UsedCardboardBoxes.com also gives 2-day shipping. We can try to save the planet, by choosing not to be a part of environmental damage.
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Professional moving companies at Camovers will cope with any difficulties!