Where can I find free packaging materials?

[john_chervanev]

I would like to reuse packaging materials instead of buying new materials from the store. Does anyone have any suggestions on where I can find unwanted supplies? Thank you. 

[Anonymous]

Try seeing if there’s any posted on BoxGiver.com. I know a bunch of people donate cardboard boxes and packaging materials. Hope this helps!

[lamber9347 · Accepted solution]

Ask at local small businesses, like card shops. They often throw away lots of bubble wrap and small boxes used for shipping. You'd be surprised how quickly you can also accumulate extra material simply from doing your own purchasing online. I haven't needed to purchase anything in years, except for packing tape....

[john_chervanev]

Never heard of BoxGiver. Thank you I will check them out 

[john_chervanev]

Thank you I will see if any of my local businesses or stores have some leftover cardboard.

[vettenoodle]

If you have a dollar tree store near you, it does not hurt to ask if you can have their empty boxes.  Depending on who is working, my local one will- or will not.   Also Walmart.   They want to look over the pile you take (understandably) but will often let you have the empty boxes as well.   

We have a wood stove so the trashed sliced wrong boxes I get in these assortments also have a use.   Not all the boxes are reusable.   

[john_chervanev]

This is a good idea since I have a dollar store a few streets from my home. I never thought about asking them but I will walk over tomorrow. Appreciate the help. 

I’ve asked Walmart once and they told me the cardboard boxes were “for employees only”. I’ll try again maybe it does depend on which Walmart I ask.

[candd205]

This might not work, but it doesn't cost anything to try it - you could ask on Craigslist for free used shipping supplies. Once after a move, I had so many boxes, I offered them up on Craigslist. They were picked up in just days. I'm guessing environmentally friendly businesses would love to have their used shipping supplies recycled, so it's worth a try.

[vettenoodle]

I have grandkids so I appreciate anyone that tries to reduce & reuse.    

I have had the best luck getting boxes when I shop later in the day and just happen to see a huge box of broken down boxes and some poor soul trying to restock.   That person usually isn't the one that can say yes, but that is where I start.

Some places have said no rather unkindly and I hate to admit I am less likely to shop or ask there again as a result. 

[slotqueen5x]

Try asking your family members, friends, neighbors and coworkers. So many people order items online and receive boxes and packing materials of all kinds that they will not be reusing. I save all my boxes and packing materials for my daughter who has an Etsy shop.

[Anonymous]

I know this may sound odd, but your local nursing homes always have an abundance of boxes that their supplies come in.  I worked in nursing homes for 20 years and always had my box needs met.  Just ask the administrator.

[john_chervanev]

Thank you everyone for the helpful advice. I was able to pick up some cardboard boxes and packing paper from my local dollar store and boutique store. The owners were pretty happy that I wanted to take the materials off their hands and said they would have thrown everything in the trash. 

[funnypr-41]

is there any physically location available in France I need to visit that packaging material shop.......

[mike_jayroe]

I found some boxes when I drive to the local post office on trash days. Neighbors put out their trash and sometimes there are good boxes. I have used some to ship larger items.

[ms.rodriguez*]

I know zombie thread but here are great tips for find free supplies.  Auto BOdy shops have tons of bubble wrap and that foam that is great for packaging.  They also tend to have big boxes too.   Next,  check out stores like Dollar Tree. They have lots of small boxes.  They also have bubble wrap that is tossed out.  I love the little baggies of bubble wrap that they used for glasses.  The also have these foam papers that are used to protect plates.  Those are great for wrapping up small items.   Check supermarkets.   

NEver ever use a box that is marked flammable.  It will be rejected by the post office.  The same for a box that contained lithium batteries. If you get these boxes, you will need to put them in a plastic shipping bag to cover up the word flammable.    Also do not use any box that contained meat or other items they may harbor bacteria.   

Furniture stores are fantastic for bubble wrap.  I once got a bubblewrap baggie that protected at 6 foot  sofa.     If these stores don't have stuff when you go, ask them when is their next delivery date and go there in the morning. (Give them some time to load the shelves though.)