How to find cheap moving cartons at community box exchanges

May 20, 7:52 AMMoving and Relocation ExaminerEric H. Anders

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Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

It’s hard to write not knowing if anyone is actually reading the words. Just when you think you’re talking to an empty room, someone in the back raises their hand with a question.

A reader from western Nebraska sent a note after reading a piece prepared last year about Moishe’s Box Exchange program in New York City.  He wanted to know if there were similar ‘green’ material reclamation resources operated by movers in his part of the prairie.

I started working a list in December but admit I never got very far. Here are several links to companies that offer nationwide exchange programs.

The first is a ‘box bulletin board’ operated by truck rental giant UHaul. The second is a free resource managed by Neal Hribar, an astute San Diego real estate entrepreneur.  Although Mr. Hribar's Keller Williams RE agency is in California, people use the useful (and free!) tool he prepared to post from all over the country.  

If you don’t know what Freecycle.org is, you should - regardless of whether or not you need cartons. The 'freecycle' network is a non-profit, grassroots exchange program operated entirely by volunteers for people who are into giving and getting stuff for free in their own towns. The goal is reduce waste and keep it out of landfills.   It's a fantastic collaborative effort using the Yahoo group network to connect concerned citizens. 

There are about 5000 groups nationwide and interest continues to grow worldwide. Some, like the one in my town, are extremely active – especially in this economy. Many planning to relocate are using the extensive resources at Freecycle to not only clean their closets and downsize their move to save money, but also to find replacement items at their new home location.

Boxquest is commercial site. Expect to pay to play here.

Beantown residents needing cartons can visit Carmel Movers box exchange site.  The company is located in Hyde Park, Massachusetts .

Although Moishe's has satellite offices in Chicago, San Fransisco and Los Angeles, it's mostly folks living in or near the Big Apple that continue to use the company's popular Box Exchange website. 

Those residing in the shadow of the Great Smoky Mountains should visit the Asheville Green Works site operated by a Beverly Hanks and Associates,  a well respected real estate firm in western North Carolina.  

Always proceed with caution when using these types of resources found on public bulletin boards. You can further minimize your risk by leaving your valuables at home and take someone with you when picking up or dropping off the packing material.

It’s really surprising that more companies involved in the relocation process haven’t figured out the marketing potential in operating these types of free consumer resources. The Asheville Green Works site should become a model for programs operated by moving and storage operators, real estate professionals, clean city committees and municipal waste management companies nationwide.

Please drop me a note if you're aware of other ‘box exchange’ or ‘packing material recycling’ type resources operated in your community. I would like to compose both a national and regional list that I can publish here for future reference. 

Still at your wit’s end? Check here for more professional tips on 'How to Find a Reputable Mover"; or, send a note to RELO RoundTable.com and let’s discuss your concerns. It’s free!