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Eight Places to Scoop Up Free Moving Boxes When Relocating

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Moving to a new home is exciting, but it can also be expensive with hiring a moving truck or renting storage units and equipment such as lifting dollies and hand trucks. The added costs of cardboard boxes and packing supplies can strain your bank account unless you can get them for free. The good news is you can get free boxes!

Many people are not aware of the many sources for free moving boxes, so we have compiled the following list of eight places. Check them out!

1. Relatives, Friends, and Neighbors

According to Krazy Coupon Lady, the quickest and easiest source for free moving boxes is the people you know. Call, visit or text your relatives, friends, and neighbors to ask if they have any to give away. Most people will be glad to get rid of them. You can also post a request for free boxes on various social media platforms.

2. Hardware Stores

Many small-town hardware stores would be happy for you to take boxes off their hands so that they don’t have to worry about breaking them down and crushing them. Hardware stores are also good places to get free pallets if those make moving easier for you.

3. Office Supply Stores

Stores like Staples and Office Depot frequently receive supplies in boxes that are sturdy and perfect for moving items like dishes and books. A plus is that boxes previously used to ship printer/copier paper often feature handles and lids, requiring minimal tape. Additionally, many of these office supply boxes contain packing materials like bubble wrap and packing peanuts, which are ideal for fragile chinaware and valuable keepsakes.

4. Bookstores

If you need strong, solid boxes, bookstores are the place to look because boxes packed with books are heavy. Whether it be independent, small-town bookshops or large chain bookstores like Books-A-Million or Barnes and Noble, these stores often receive shipments multiple times a week.

5. Large Retail Stores

Austin local movers recommend trying large, name-brand retailers like Walmart, Home Depot, Target and Sam’s Club. These are great places to find boxes because they receive shipments daily. You are also likely to find large boxes at these places to use for moving appliances.

6. U-Haul Box Drop and Exchange

U-Haul offers free drop and exchange services with locations in most U-Haul company stores and many independent stores. Go to your local U-Haul store to pick up reusable boxes that have been dropped off by previous movers. You can also check out the U-Haul Customer Connect message boards where people offer boxes and moving supplies for free, trade, or sell.

7. Grocery Stores

Both large chain stores and local grocers get shipments daily or several times a week. Call your local grocery store to let them know you are needing moving boxes and ask when their shipments come in.

8. Restaurants

Like grocery stores, restaurants receive shipments frequently with boxes that come in a variety of styles, shapes, and sizes. Restaurant employees are often busy with other duties and may be glad for you to save them the chore of breaking down boxes for the dumpster. Call ahead of time to find out when shipments are expected.

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Where To Donate Your Unwanted Household Items in Santa Clarita

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Moving is a lot of work, but it’s also a prime time to get rid of all of the items that you no longer need. Clothing, outdated electronics, duplicate household items, and many other things tend to gather when you live in one place for a long time, and it’s senseless to take something that you haven’t used or appreciated in five years to your new home. That’s why you should donate anything that you no longer want to a donation center before you move. There are many places in Santa Clarita that you can donate your old items. According to Cheap Movers Santa Clarita, here’s a list of some of the best places for donations. Many of these use proceeds to help the community and other philanthropic efforts.

Where To Donate Cars

A vehicle is a large item that you probably don’t want hanging around outside your home, but if you haven’t gotten rid of the car that was made in the 80’s and no longer starts, before moving is the time to get rid of it. The Yellow Pages has a listing of many places that you can donate to, all with great causes, including Cars 4 Kids and Cars For Breast Cancer.

Household, Clothing, Books and More

Books, clothing, spare dishes, old exercise equipment, and many other items can be donated at places like Goodwill. What’s great about donation centers, like Goodwill, is that they are extremely easy to give to since they accept such a wide range of items. Another charitable organization that accepts several different kinds of items is Donations4People. Clothing, shoes, DVDs and many more objects are accepted and then sold.

Electronics

While many electronics can be donated to local charities and resold, sometimes it’s better to donate to places that specifically deal with electronics. Many electronic items become outdated or broken, but they can also have valuable parts and metals that can be reused in another new device if the parts are recycled rather than thrown in the trash. Companies like Forerunner Recycling and All Green specialize in recycling old electronics so that less ends up in the landfills and more can be reused in new equipment.

Pick-Up Donations

Moving can be stressful as it is, so it’s always nice when a service is willing to make things a little easier. That’s why it’s nice to have a service that will pick up your old items for you, rather than you loading your vehicle and driving across town. Places like the Salvation Army and AmVets will pick up your donations so that you don’t have to do as much work. Donation Town more fully illustrates some of the charities, the service, and the need for donations.

If you’re moving in the Santa Clarita area soon, there are numerous places that you can take your old items. It doesn’t make any sense to pack up things that you no longer want. Also, it makes more sense to make sure that your old items find useful purposes rather than ending up in a landfill. Through your donations, you’ll also be helping people in your community and beyond.

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Expert Tips for Packing Your Fragile Items When Relocating

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You’re moving, and you don’t want your grandmother’s china or your collection of ceramic elephants to end up in shards on the way to your new home. Taking time to pack fragile items properly with the right moving supplies ensures that they will make it to your new home unscathed.

Plates

Wrap each of your plates in bubble wrap, and secure it in place with a piece of tape. Uship recommends packing your plates into boxes vertically; this reduces surface area and the risk of breakage during transportation. For finer china, place a piece of cushion foam or pliable cardboard between each individually-wrapped plate. Fill empty spaces in the box with crumpled packing paper to reduce jiggling during transport.

vases-fragile

Glasses and Fine Glassware

It’s best to use small or medium double-wall cardboard boxes to pack your glasses and fine glassware. Cheap Sacramento Movers suggests stuffing the inside of each glass with packing paper for structural support. Then, wrap the outside of each glass with packing paper, and secure it into place with a piece of tape.

You can stack glasses in your boxes as long as you put the heaviest glasses on the bottom and lighter glasses on top. Put a piece of pliable cardboard in between each layer.

Bowls

Use clean packing paper to wrap each of your bowls individually. Place smaller bowls, such as soup bowls, into boxes vertically. United Van Lines suggests wrapping larger bowls, such as mixing bowls, individually and placing them rim-side down into a box. It should be okay to stack two or three larger bowls on top of each other, as long as you put the heaviest bowl on the bottom of the stack and the lightest on top.

fragile

Collectibles

Figurines, Ceramics, and Pottery: Pad the bottom of the box with bubble wrap. Wrap each item in several sheets of clean packing paper or bubble wrap, and secure it in place with tape. Don’t allow the tape to touch the actual item because it can cause damage to the finish or paint. Place your fragile collectibles into the box in an upright position. These types of items travel better standing upright than they do laying on their sides. Fill all empty spaces within the box with packing paper so that your collectibles don’t jiggle around during transport.

U-Pack recommends using smaller boxes to pack heavier items. A dish pack box may work well for smaller, lighter collectibles.

Mirrors

Starting in the center of the mirror, place painter’s tape on the glass, extending it to the mirror’s edges in the shape of a star. This will help absorb vibration during transport and keep the glass from sliding around. You can put foam frame protectors on the corners of your mirror to protect them. Wrap the entire mirror in bubble wrap. You can use corrugated mirror boxes to pack mirrors for transport.

Vases

Stuff the inside of the vase with crumpled up packing paper. Wrap the outside of the vase with bubble wrap, and secure it in place with tape. Put a layer of bubble wrap in the bottom of the box for extra padding. Place the vase into the box standing up with the heavy side down. UShip recommends using smaller boxes to pack vases. If the vases are light, you can pack more than one in a box, with pieces of foam or pliable cardboard separating them. Fill all empty spaces in the box with T-shirts, towels, or packing paper to prevent jiggling during transport.

Abnormally-Shaped Items

Wrap abnormally-shaped items in clean packing paper, and secure it into place with tape. Next, wrap the pieces in bubble wrap. Be sure to protect all the fragile corners and edges of these pieces. You can utilize foam coverings for fragile edges or corners.

If you layer, place a piece of pliable cardboard between each layer in the box. Always place the heaviest items in the bottom of the box, and layer lighter items on top. Never over-pack boxes. Fill any empty spaces in your boxes with packing paper or bubble wrap.

You are probably worried about all of your fragile items getting to your new home in one piece. By using these tips, you can ensure that your collectibles, dishes, mirrors, and precious family heirlooms arrive safely and securely at your new home.

packing-fragile-items

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Essential Tools and Supplies You Need for a DIY Move

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Moving can be a stressful process from start to finish. Most of us focus so much on finding a new place to live, that we forget about the actual process of getting our belongings there.

Here are some of the most important supplies and tools you will need to make your move go smoothly:

Essential tools for your move.

1. Dolly

Moving heavy items can be not only difficult but also hard on your back. Take the weight off of your body by using a dolly.

Obviously, dollies can be used to move heavy furniture like shelves and refrigerators. But, you can also stack a box or two on a dolly to help transport it without hurting your back by doing it yourself.

2. Moving Straps

Moving straps can help move large furniture that may not fit onto a dolly. For example, you may find a strap very helpful when moving a dresser or heavy couch. These can also save your back because they help you lift these heavy items with the right posture.

3. Stair roller

If you are going to be moving heavy items on stairs, this moving company in San Diego says a stair roller is a must. This will help you move furniture like couches and refrigerators with easy up or down a staircase without hurting yourself (or the walls!) in the process.

4. A truck

Are you using your truck or renting one? Determine how you will transport your items ahead of time because many truck rentals require advanced notice.

Essential supplies for your move.

1. Boxes

Avoid the temptation just to find boxes laying around your home. This usually results in using garbage bags to pack your items and will likely end up damaging some of your belongings.

Spending a little bit of money on boxes can go a long way in the efficiency and quality of your move. Be sure to get boxes of various shapes and sizes so that you can pack items the right way.

2. Tape

The tape may seem obvious, but many people forget or choose to skip this item. If you have boxes that are not secured shut, you will not only risk your precious belongings falling and breaking, but you also will have a harder time packing your moving truck.

3. Thick marker

Another frequently overlooked item. When you mark boxes, you will obviously have an easier time finding what you need when you are in your new place.

Marking boxes also make a move more efficient because you can label each box with the room it belongs in at your new home. Those helping you with the move will be able to put each box where it belongs to help make the unpacking process much more efficient.

4. Packing paper and furniture pads

Keep your belongings safe with packing paper to wrap fragile items in as you pack them into boxes. Furniture pads and blankets will need to be placed on your dressers and shelves to keep them from getting damaged in the truck during the move.

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Who Sells Packing Supplies for Moving in San Francisco? Find Out Here!

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Moving can be more than just stressful. To make your move as simple as possible, the right packing supplies are essential. Effective packing methods are also helpful as well as where to find supplies.

To make your move as smooth as possible, you need to get the right moving boxes and packing supplies. However, before packing you need to estimate how many moving boxes you will need. As well, determine the type of boxes required for your move and other packing supplies needed.

Type of Boxes

It is best to get strong and sturdy boxes, especially if you have a lot of heavy items such as books or maybe a rock collection. Flimsy boxes tend to fall apart and will cause a great deal of frustration.

Also, different sized boxes are essential. Heavy items should be packed in smaller boxes to save you a lot of strain and stress on your back. Sturdier boxes are also needed so that your fragile items are better secured.

How Many Boxes?

The first thing to do is to determine how many boxes you will need to move everything safely. It takes around 16 boxes of varying sizes for two rooms:

  • Small- 7 boxes
  • Medium – 3 boxes
  • Large – 3 boxes
  • Bulky items – 1 box
  • Wardrobe – 2 boxes

You can estimate the boxes you will need for more than two rooms; e.g., four rooms would be double the amount, six rooms would be triple.

Color Code your Boxes

It can be very helpful to color code your boxes, especially when it comes time to unpack. For instance, use a specific color tag or tape for each room e.g., blue for the bathroom, red for the kitchen, green for the bedrooms, etc.

Other Materials

Other materials that will make your move go smooth and easy include one box of bubble wrap, one roll of tape that has a built-in dispenser, marking pens, a roll of twine and room label tags.

Companies in the San Francisco Area

Moving and packing take a whole lot of time and energy. When it comes to finding boxes and the ideal supplies for your needs, sometimes it is best to hire professional services. In fact, there are various moving and packing companies in the San Francisco area.

Bay Area Box Brothers

4644 Geary Blvd. San Francisco
415-387-2140
info@boxbros.com

Established in 1985, Box Brothers can provide you with high-quality moving boxes, shipping boxes, and packaging supplies. Items can also be shipped from any of their locations via FedEx, UPS, DHL and freight carriers.

Bay Area Box Express

945 Taraval St. San Francisco
415-328-3832
boxman@bayareaboxexpress.com

Bay Area Box Express has “Precycled” containers that can be delivered right to your door. They are sturdy and uniform in size, ideal for packing, moving and shipping. Packing paper, bubble wrap, and other supplies are also available.

Cheap Movers San Francisco

237 Kearny Street #9124
San Francisco, CA 94108
(650) 753-5253
cheapmoverssanfrancisco.net

Cheap Movers can help you find a full-service moving company that brings the boxes to you! Hire a professional mover who also does all the packing, so you don’t have to.

Corrib Moving & Storage

1120 Thomas Ave, San Francisco
415 -282-6683

A moving and storage company that can provide any packing materials you need. A wide array of boxes are available:

  • Book Boxes
  • Medium Boxes
  • Large Boxes
  • Dish Packs
  • Art Boxes Regular
  • Art Boxes Large
  • Wardrobe Boxes
  • Lamp Boxes
  • Mattress Bags

Other items available are Tape, Paper Pads for fragile items and 40-lb Paper Rolls.

ZipCubes Storage & Moving

1619 Whipple Rd, Hayward, CA 94544
415-982-1508

ZipCubes Storage is a San Francisco based company that provides moving and storage services. They deliver their Eco-friendly ZipCube to your door. Also, a cube estimator is available to help you determine how many cubes you need.

ZippGo Moving Boxes

548 Market St Ste. 38930 San Francisco
b/t 2nd St & Sutter St. Financial District
800-723-7017

ZippGo rents out high quality moving boxes in the San Francisco Bay Area. Their method of moving is simple:

  • Place your order
  • ZippGo drops off and delivers to your door
  • You pack and move
  • ZippGo picks up the boxes
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