Used Moving Boxes

Used moving boxes are popular because they are much cheaper than new boxes.  Sometimes you can even get them for free. Even though this sounds like a good deal, there are times when making do with used moving boxes can make your move a disaster. Certainly if you have heavy items or your belongings are valuable, you will want to buy new moving boxes.  The same is true if you are moving a long distance because the further you move, the more likely it is that used moving boxes won't hold up.  But if your move is a short one and you don't have any heavy or valuable items, used moving boxes will suffice as long as you remember the pointers below.
 
Obviously used moving boxes have been used, but you don't know how many times they've been used and you don't know by whom unless you personally know the person you're getting them from.  So always carefully examine used moving boxes to determine how much integrity or strength the boxes have left.  Are they strong enough to support the things that you need to move?  You absolutely must answer this question before accepting any used moving boxes, even if they are being given to you free.
 
Carefully assess any boxes you’re given by looking closely at the used moving boxes on the inside as well as the outside.  Look for weak points, especially in the bottom of the boxes.  If you see any holes or tears, determine whether you can patch them with clear packing tape or regular box tape.  Don't use duct tape on moving boxes because duct tape does not adhere tightly to cardboard.

Don't accept used moving boxes with holes or tears that are too large to easily tape over because large holes, even when taped, weaken the box itself. Also, check to see if the box has any stains.  This is a good indication that the box is, or has been, wet.  Water always weakens the structure of a cardboard box.  If the used moving boxes you are examining are plastic or styrofoam, make sure any spots that have been wet are free of mold/mildew and do not have a stinky odor.
 
It is easy to find used moving boxes, but the more careful you are of where you get them, the more likely it is that you'll be happy.  The best source is family and friends because you know them and can trust what they tell you.  But be sure to ask specific questions about the condition and reliability of the boxes. 

Your next best source is neighbors since you also know them, though to a lesser degree than your family and friends.  Another option that you have is to put up an ad either offline or on the internet. Online ad posting is easier and often gets faster results because it is read by a lot of people.  But it's also easy to use local offline advertising to find used moving boxes.  Just post flyers at food markets and stores; many of them have bulletin boards that you can use free for this purpose.

Tips for Used Moving Boxes

Tip 1: If you find you have some used moving boxes that aren't very strong, use them as  "fillers".  Fillers are lightweight boxes that are wedged into top or corner areas of moving trucks to reduce movement of stuff on the truck.  Nothing is placed on top of filler boxes, so they don't have to be sturdy. 

Tip 2: Pack used moving boxes as full as possible without bulging out the sidewalls.  This will strengthen them and help prevent them from collapsing inward.