Moving boxes are the foundation to any successful move,
especially if you're packing and loading your boxes yourself. The
long-standing debate is whether or not it is best to buy brand-new
moving boxes, or if you can get the same quality and durability by
purchasing moving boxes second-hand.
New moving boxes
So many people advise against buying moving boxes outright when
you can get them for free from supermarkets or friends who have
recently moved. Is it wise to spend your money on new boxes when
you're only using them for a move that will last several days?
First, when you purchase brand-new containers, you can trust
that you are investing in a high-quality product. You won't have to
worry about tearing, ripping, or sagging containers when loading
your belongings on moving day.
If you foresee another move in your future, brand-new containers
can be used three or four more times without compromising their
quality. When you break them down, they can be stored in the back
of a closet or underneath a bed, taking up very little space until
their next use.
Additionally, you may need to purchase new packaging supplies if
you need specialty containers for garments, electronics, or fragile
dishes.
If you have special items that need careful packaging, it is
best to purchase a brand-new box made for the size and shape of
your belongings instead of packing them in a used container.
Used moving boxes
If you're moving on a budget, gently used containers are the way
to go. However, before gathering used containers from friends,
family, and retail stores in your area, you need to test each box
for quality and durability.
If you have gathered used containers from supermarkets and
department stores, make sure that they are free of damage caused by
moisture or pests if they have been sitting in storage.
With that being said, there are several places that you can get
inexpensive, used packaging supplies for your relocation:
- Ask your neighbours. If you have new
neighbours that have recently moved, ask if they would like you to
take their old packaging supplies off their hands. If they have
purchased brand-new boxes, you may be in luck to get slightly used
containers for your move.
- Check the trash behind grocery stores.
You can ask a grocery or retail store directly for used containers,
or you can also check for any broken-down, used containers stacked
next to the dumpster behind the store.
These containers have been thrown out, meaning that you can get
your hands on completely free packaging supplies for your
move.
- Check online. Some websites will offer
free containers from users who have recently moved. If your move is
several months away, set up an online alert so that you will
receive an e-mail when free containers are advertised.
Other websites specialise in quality, used containers that you can
purchase at a discounted rate. If the containers are still in good
condition when you're done moving, you can resell them back so that
you can recoup some of the money used for your
relocation.
General box size recommendations
- Extra large box: 58 x 58 x 41cm -
Blankets, pillows, comforters, clothes, lamps, and other large,
lightweight items.
- Large box: 51 x 51 x 38cm - Stereo,
computer, large dishes, lamps, plants, and pillows.
- Medium box: 46 x 36 x 30cm -
Collectables, books, glasses, dishes, and kitchenware.