Moving with Used Boxes in Chicago – Commonly Asked Questions

I have previously mentioned in a post that utilizing used boxes for a move is a great idea to save on packing costs. You may have some questions in mind about this idea. Here are some commonly asked questions and corresponding answers:

• Is moving with used boxes okay? – Well, yes, it’s perfectly fine to use them for packing as long as you are sure that they are durable to use. Always test the boxes to make sure that they can actually handle the weight of your stuff. Check if there are any weak spots, especially with boxes from grocery stores, since products do leak at times and cause the box to deteriorate in quality. Additionally, make sure that you avoid over packing. Pack only what the box is supposed to carry.

• What do I do next if I don’t find any used boxes? – If you’ve tried your best to find used boxes but failed to do so, an alternative way is to save on costs of packing supplies is to ask for plastic tote bins from family and friends. It can work out well if you are going to stay in the same region or if there is a way you can return the bins after the move. Also, if you believe you will have to move a few more times in the future, you can opt to buy your own plastic tote bins. They are easy to store in between moves.

• Can a moving company provide boxes? – Usually, no. A moving company can sell you boxes but on rare occasions or promos, they can provide some free packing supplies. For instance, if you refer a friend or find the moving company online and site the source, they can give you a small incentive like some free packing materials. There are also some movers who can provide you plastic bins to rent for a short period. Green movers are great for suggesting environmentally friendly methods to save and reuse packing supplies.

• What should I do with the boxes once the move is done? – Good question! If you have free time, you can post an ad on an online or offline bulletin board or in local paper. You can offer the boxes free of charge and you’ll be surprised at the number of responses you’ll get. Or, you can also donate the boxes to an organization that could make good use of them. Charities which ship donations abroad can use durable boxes to move their items.

So, now that you have cleared your doubts about using used boxes, you can finally search for good-quality, sturdy ones and use them for your move. However, you can always purchase new boxes if you really want to make sure that you’ll be using only the best ones for your household goods.

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