Packing Boxes/tape

vicstar_2

Hi

I am moving house soon (fingers crossed!) but there will a period during which I have to put my things in storage before I can move into the new house. I am trying to find a cheap supplier of packing boxes and tape as the removal and storage firms seem to charge a fortune for these.

I have managed to get some boxes from e-bay (used boxes from people who have just moved are good value but seem to be few and far between and of course they need to be located relatively close to me so I can pick them up). I have also got some boxes from the supermarket but my local one is so reluctant to let you have them and often the box sizes are not ideal

Does anyone have any tips/ideas for getting other boxes/packaging materials cheaply?

Thanks

Vic

finc

My removal company supplied 2nd hand ones at 50p per box but it's on Bolton so not much use to you. Have you asked any companies if they could supply 2nd hand ones?

snax

Try local greengrocer for banana /apple boxes - very tough and sturdy/stackable....even better if there is a fruit market/wholesaler near to you = loadsa boxes.
check yellow pages as most local hotels and restaurants will buy from local veg and fruit suppliers so there will be a supply somewhere.
If you find a load just say it's a 1 off for a house move - they wouldn't want to think they are encouraging you into anything regular, so may say they don't give them away as they get money on recycling [was told this buy a manager who works for lidl]

snax

.....also don't buy bubblewrap/packing paper - grab as many free newspapers[local advertisers]/metro/property papers etc as you can find[for wrapping/general packing
if you are in the supermarket look for wrapping off the fruit and veg [ I see people nicking the bubble wrap from between the layers of mushrooms etc in Asda]
also keep your shopping bags and inflate them, then use the handles to tie a tight knot [useful for filling voids in boxes - will deflate but ok for 1 trip] or empty soda bottles [cola etc] - same purpose
You shouldn't have to spend anything unless you want to.
Any local big factories or large office complex - they will usually have a catering department that will have a ton a card board a day to get rid of - even try the catering dept of your local college - they can only say no
regards
s