Residents of the Big Apple live in the one city where they can almost always find what they’re looking for at virtually any time. Of course, the things that New Yorkers want or need usually come at a cost.
Happily, this is not the case, however, if you find yourself preparing for a move and desperately in need of boxes. Not only can you quickly acquire all the boxes you’ll need, but you can do so without spending a dollar. Here are seven places to score free moving supplies in the city, courtesy of the best moving service in Manhattan.
1. Gather and save delivery boxes
Many Gotham residents receive frequent deliveries from Amazon.com, and some even get their groceries delivered using services like FreshDirect. In either case, this means that lots of sturdy, new boxes pass through apartment buildings every day. If you use delivery services, plan to break down and store the boxes from your shipments. You can also ask your neighbors to do the same for you.
2. Scavenge on garbage and recycling night
Like most residents of New York, you probably already know when the city picks up garbage and recycling on your street. On trash day, you can strategically pick up the best, unsoiled boxes from the curb whenever you can.
3. Talk to staff at your local deli or grocery stores
One of the many things that make New York so unique is the abundance of delis and boutique groceries. These establishments receive frequent shipments of fresh food, which means lots of boxes. Let the staff know that you’re moving and find out when would be the best time to stop by to take some boxes off their hands.
4. Get specialty boxes from retail stores
In addition to delis and grocery stores, you probably have wine or liquor stores in your neighborhood. Boxes from these retailers are perfect for packing fragile items such as glassware or your wine collection. Also, if you live near a bookstore, they’ll have tons of sturdy boxes for packing heavy books. Just talk to the employees at these places to see what you can get.
5. Check out classifieds on Craigslist
One of the most frequently posted offerings in the “free” section of Craigslist is moving boxes. Thousands of people move to or within New York every day, and many are happy for you to take used moving supplies off their hands.
6. Utilize online social networks
NextDoor, a social network for neighborhoods, typically has lots of people giving away boxes. If you haven’t signed up yet, create an account. Additionally, Facebook has a marketplace feature where people nearby can post items that they’re looking to sell or give away.
7. Take unused boxes from your office
If your place of employment is somewhere that always has boxes coming and going, break a few down and take them home.
By getting creative, you can save money on moving supplies. If you still need a few specialty boxes, like dish barrels for packing your kitchen or a TV box for moving your flat screen, just give us a call! We have all the moving supplies to help you safely pack items in preparation for your move. You can even hire movers Manhattan to do the packing for you!
