There are ways to ease the expense of moving. You may choose to purchase moving boxes for certain fragile or unusually sized items. But why not catch a break on your budget and pack the bulk of your household in free moving boxes?
There are a lot of places that give away good boxes of all sizes once they are no longer needed. You just need to know where to look.
Fortunately, we’ve narrowed down the search to five. Discover the top spots to find free moving boxes in Portland, Oregon.
1. Convenience Stores
Convenience stores around Portland, such as Plaid Pantry and 7Eleven, offer more than just coffee, snacks, beer, and lottery tickets. If you time it right, this is where you can score a good assortment of free moving boxes.
Speak with the clerk to learn about their stocking schedule and times when boxes are most likely to be available. You may end up with a lot of empty beer boxes, for instance. But they make perfect, sturdy storage for books, DVDs, and other small items.
2. Craigslist
You never know what you’ll find on Craiglist Portland, and you may need to drive a distance to make a pickup. But it can pay off – literally.
Under the “For Sale” section, click on the ″free″ link. Type search terms like “boxes,” “free boxes,” or “free moving boxes” in the search bar. Contact the person who made the listing to ensure the boxes you’re interested in are still available. Often, free boxes have already been flattened, so make sure you have good moving tape to get them back in tip-top condition.
Conduct your online search for boxes at the beginning or end of the month when people are more likely to be moving.
3. Friends & Family
Although we recommend you avoid having friends and family help with a move, you can still ask if they have any moving boxes available.
Be sure to put the word out. People in your personal circle may have recently moved or helped someone else move and have boxes that are up for grabs.
4. Grocery Store
Local grocery stores dispose of many boxes daily, so it may be challenging to ask them to hold them for you. However, if you find out when a good time is to pick up boxes (e.g., a few hours after a big delivery or the end of a stocking day), you can walk away with lots of good cardboard.
Talk to the staff of New Seasons, Safeway, or Fred Meyer stores around Portland about their stocking schedule and box availability. And try to get banana boxes! They are substantial and sturdy. Apple crates are also useful.
5. Retailers
Most Portland retailers have boxes they need to dispose of. Warehouses and office supply stores are a good bet for clean, sturdy boxes. Smaller stores with limited storage or recycling capability may appreciate you taking boxes off their hands. And considering how often inventory is replenished, restaurants will also have a good supply of boxes. Just don’t be afraid to ask!
There are many places to get free moving boxes in Portland, Oregon. If you find yourself with an abundance of boxes once you start accumulating supplies or after your move, learn how to repurpose moving boxes. And remember: the effort you make to find, use, and recycle free boxes is not only a cost-saver but sustainable and eco-friendly!
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Priority Moving Services has provided professional moving services to individuals, families, and businesses in Portland, Hillsboro, Beaverton, Lake Oswego, and other Portland metro area neighborhoods since 2006.
Our trusted team of experienced, licensed movers will help you relocate and settle into your new home with ease and efficiency. From large households to studio apartments, you can leave the packing and unpacking to us if you prefer for a stress-free move. We also offer convenient storage services for items you don’t have room for.
Read testimonials from other satisfied Priority Moving customers and get a free moving estimate today for your local or long-distance Oregon move. We’ll give you an accurate quote based on your location and goods. Questions? Give us a call at 503-544-7972. Make your move with Priority!