Discount Moving Boxes Online - Use Caution

The nuts and bolts of moving has benefited little from technological advances. Sure, we can now turn on our utilities remotely, sign up for DSL online and scope out a new place via Google Maps. But moving boxes, the cardboard we entrust our worldly possessions to hold, have not seen many advances in recent decades, other than in price.

Should You Buy Moving Boxes Online?

My friend purchased moving boxes from Dial-a-Box online, which nearly became a costly mistake. It was certainly a considerable inconvenience. The boxes arrived with only a few days left to spare before moving day. Originally, the moving boxes were expected six days prior. The attraction with Dial-a-Box, of course, was to save money.

Part of the delivery problem was Fed Ex and someone was fired for committing multiple delivery misdeeds, including this one, apparently. Yet, the bottom-line is neither Dial-a-Box nor Fed Ex were very helpful. If the moving boxes don't make it on time you're pretty much on your own and your moving box budget may be at risk.

If you want to order moving boxes online do so with plenty of time to spare and ensure that you can afford to buy more boxes locally if something goes wrong with shipping.

How to Buy Moving Boxes and Save Money

The first thing to know about buying moving boxes is to buy them new, with some exceptions listed below. The main reason is to avoid critters (See: Did I Get Bed Bugs on Ebay?), including roaches, spiders and other nasties.

There is no lack of places for new moving boxes but many retailers are overpriced and package deals may be improperly sized. Aim for plenty of medium-sized moving boxes in your purchase to better avoid over-packing, injury and damage goods.

Here are some additional tips when selecting moving boxes:

Avoid the leading moving truck rental companies like U-Haul, you overpay for convenience here.

Try stores like Home Depot, some suggest Wal-Mart, to purchase moving boxes individually. Additionally, Home Depot offers decent-sized, affordable wardrobe boxes, so don't pay too much for these in a packaged moving box deal.