Save Money and Help the Environment: Your Guide to Used Shipping Boxes in Arizona
What you'll gain from reading this: You'll learn how to cut your shipping costs by 50-70% while helping the environment by buying used boxes in Arizona.
Why Choose Used Shipping Boxes?
You get three main benefits when you buy used boxes:
- Save money: Used boxes cost 50-70% less than new ones
- Help the environment: You keep boxes out of landfills and reduce waste
- Get the same protection: Most used boxes work just as well as new ones
What Types of Used Boxes Can You Find?
Small to Medium Boxes (12×12×12″ to 24×18×18″):
- Perfect for moving books, clothes, or small items
- Great for online sellers shipping products
- Usually cost $0.75 to $1.00 each
Large Moving Boxes:
- Wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes
- Picture and lamp boxes for fragile items
- Book boxes (smaller but stronger for heavy items)
Industrial Gaylord Boxes:
- Large containers that sit on pallets
- Size: 48×40″ base, 30-57″ tall
- Perfect for businesses moving large quantities
- Cost $5-10 each when buying 500 or more
Where to Find Used Boxes in Arizona
RePackify (Phoenix area):
- Small to medium boxes
- Custom sizes available
- Local pickup and delivery Monday-Friday, 6 AM-4 PM
- Get quotes online
How Much Will You Pay?
For personal moving (10-50 boxes):
- Small boxes: $0.75 each
- Large boxes: $1.00 each
- Specialty boxes: $5-15 each
For business use (100+ boxes):
- Standard boxes: $3-7 each
- Gaylord containers: $5-10 each
- Custom sizes: Request quotes
Free options:
- Retail store surplus boxes
- Online classified free sections
- Friends and neighbors after moves
Step-by-Step Buying Process
Step 1: Figure out what you need
- Count how many boxes you need
- Measure your largest items
- Decide if you need special boxes (wardrobe, picture, etc.)
Step 2: Start with free sources
- Check online classified free sections
- Call 3-5 local liquor stores
- Ask friends who recently moved
Step 3: Compare paid options
- Get quotes from RePackify for local delivery
- Call recycling companies for bulk orders
- Check online marketplaces for deals
Step 4: Place your order
- Order 10-20% more boxes than you think you need
- Ask about delivery options
- Confirm pickup times if buying locally
Real Example: Moving a 2-Bedroom Apartment
Sarah needed to move her 2-bedroom apartment in Phoenix. Here's what she did:
- Got 15 free small boxes from a local liquor store
- Bought 10 medium boxes from RePackify for $8
- Found 2 free wardrobe boxes on online classifieds
- Total cost: $8 (saved $40 compared to new boxes)
Environmental Impact
When you buy used boxes, you help in these ways:
- Reduce waste: Each reused box stays out of landfills
- Save trees: Less demand for new cardboard means fewer trees cut down
- Lower energy use: Reusing boxes takes much less energy than making new ones
In Arizona, we throw away millions of boxes each year. Your choice to buy used makes a real difference.
Quick Tips for Success
- Inspect before buying: Check for tears, water damage, or weak corners
- Buy extra: It's better to have too many than too few
- Mix and match: Combine free boxes with purchased ones to save money
- Plan ahead: Good used boxes sell quickly, especially during moving season
- Ask questions: Reputable sellers will answer questions about box condition
What to Avoid
- Boxes with stains or odors: These might contaminate your items
- Severely crushed boxes: They won't protect your belongings
- Boxes missing flaps: Hard to seal properly
- Very old boxes: Cardboard weakens over time
Start with free sources, then buy what you still need. Most people find they can get 70% of their boxes for free and only need to buy specialty items. This approach saves the most money while still getting reliable protection for your belongings.