If you didn't use Chicago GreenBoxes (we HIGHLY recommend them if it's not too late!), you might have a huge stack of cardboard boxes left over. If they are properly broken down, you may have some options to recycle, donate or even sell your used boxes. Here are some of the options for your moving boxes in Chicago.
Use BoxCycle or Freecycle
BoxCycle allows you to list your boxes for sale. They will sell them for you and you just collect a profit. This is a great way to get a little bit of your cash back and allow someone else to get moving boxes at a discount.
Freecycle, on the other hand, allows you to list items you would like to give away free of charge. Every now and then, you can find moving boxes on the site and many look for moving boxes here. There are several groups found in the Chicago area where you can list your boxes and give them away.
Craigslist
Another place to give your boxes away free of charge is Craigslist. There are always free ads on the Chicago Craigslist site for boxes. This is a popular place for people to look, so why not give it a try to get rid of your boxes?
Recycle Them
If your neighborhood or building has a recycling program, you may be able to recycle your used boxes. Sometimes, you have to look up a place in the area that will take a large amount of cardboard for recycling, however. While this isn't the best or easiest option, it's still better than tossing the boxes in the trash.
Local Charities and Libraries
The library may need some of your boxes for moving or storing books. If you have any heavy duty books, you can ask your nearby library if they can use the boxes. Often, they will take some of the boxes off your hands.
Other charities may also need boxes, such as Goodwill, Salvation Army, Churches, Schools and anywhere else that might have a need for boxes. Community enters often need boxes for different reasons and with a few phone calls to local organizations; you can probably unload all of your boxes.
Use a Box Broker
There are actually box brokers in Chicago that will sell your used moving boxes for you. You can easily do a Google search and find a few brokers to choose from.
Check with your Moving Company
Some moving companies will recycle the used boxes for you by giving them to others moving or simply recycling them. Always check with your moving company if you're not sure what to do with your boxes. If they are local to Chicago, they may be able to connect you with someone needing boxes, as well.
While it's not a good idea to trust used boxes for moving your belongings, they can still have a purpose, if broken down correctly. There are many ways to reuse your moving boxes. You can sell them, give them away, donate them to charity or use a local recycling program. No matter what you choose, all of these options are better than just tossing them in the dumpster. Again, hopefully you are using Chicago GreenBoxes, which are made from 100% recyclable material, and much sturdier.
Used Moving Boxes