{"id":400,"date":"2022-05-09T11:03:54","date_gmt":"2022-05-09T16:03:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.move-tastic.com\/blog\/?p=400"},"modified":"2024-11-21T15:19:00","modified_gmt":"2024-11-21T20:19:00","slug":"free-moving-boxes-in-chicago","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.move-tastic.com\/blog\/free-moving-boxes-in-chicago\/","title":{"rendered":"Where to Get Free Moving Boxes in Chicago"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Boxes are an unfortunate necessity when it comes to moving<\/a>. If you\u2019ve ever tried to move without boxes, you probably didn\u2019t get too far! With all the expenses that moving can entail\u2014not to mention environmental concerns\u2014it\u2019s understandable that we may want to find some used cardboard boxes. This can help us save some cardboard from heading straight to the landfill, and also save a little money as we prepare to move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Places to Find Free Moving Boxes in Chicago<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Craigslist<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Check your local Craigslist<\/a> for free moving boxes. Craigslist has a \u201cfree\u201d section where people frequently offer up their moving boxes when they\u2019re done with them. This is also a great way to get rid of your own moving boxes after your move rather than simply tossing or recycling them!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be mindful that you should not use damaged or weakened boxes, especially if they have any amount of water damage. Water damage not only significantly weakens the boxes structurally but can also mean mold. If you go to pick up boxes from a Craigslist ad and at first glance they appear worn out or damaged, don\u2019t take them home with you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>U-Haul Box Exchange<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The DIY-moving giant U-Haul has created a box exchange<\/a> on its website where people can give away their moving boxes after their move, or request boxes in advance of their move. U-Haul makes good quality moving boxes, whether you are reusing them or buying them new. Recycle any boxes with crushed corners, tears, water damage, or any other problems. A damaged box is no good for your move!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Ask Around!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If there are retailers in your neighborhood, ask them if they have any boxes they\u2019re getting rid of. Liquor stores often have strong, uniformly sized boxes on hand. Your employer also may have some boxes to get rid of, such as copy paper boxes. Friends and family may have boxes left over from their own moves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One frequently-recommended place to acquire free boxes are bookstores. However, many bookstores reuse their own boxes until they are worn out. It\u2019s worth asking, but don\u2019t be surprised if your local bookstore doesn\u2019t have any boxes to spare!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Grocery stores sometimes dispose of boxes you can use, but these are usually not reliable. Because they are used to contain and transport food, grocery store boxes often acquire smells or even rot from the food inside. You don\u2019t want your belongings exposed to that! Be very careful when selecting free boxes from your local grocer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Things To Keep in Mind About Free Moving Boxes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Free moving boxes sound great! However, there are a few things to keep in mind before you rely on freebies:<\/p>\n\n\n\n