Lakewood NJ Master Thread

[avromie7]

If zevi, above, hasn't already provided enough boxes, here are the places I've had the most luck.  For all of these, the first thing people often do when unpacking is to knock down the box for recycling.  This requires you to re-tape it, which is time consuming, and results in a box that's weaker than the original pasted box.  So try to visit a store a few days before you're ready to pick up the boxes, and ask what day of the week, what time of day, is best for getting them before they've been knocked down. 

Get heavy duty shipping/packing tape.  It may be a little more expensive, but can be worth it if it prevents a box from opening in transit.  This is especially important if you have to tape up the bottoms yourself.

Supermarket.  Workers may stock shelves early in the morning, and I walk around to find those who are emptying out boxes that look strong and of the right size.  I like those that hold cans and bottles, because they're especially strong, and I just grab them before they can be broken down.

Liquor store.  Especially strong because bottles are heavy.  Many workers will use a box cutter to open them, which can destroy the top, but that might be easy to tape up.

Bookstore.  Books are heavy, so these boxes are strong, and also a perfect size for... books.

People who have recently moved, and want to get rid of their boxes.  As you will, soon...

I once had a neighbor move in after a very expensive professional move, and he gave me some of his used boxes.  One was especially useful, a wardrobe box with a rod, and you just move a closetful of clothing into it, still on the hangers. Depending on what you have to move, you might want to splurge on something like this, but they're very expensive.

Instead of writing the contents on the outside of the box, I found it simpler to write a number on each box (on all sides, because they might get stacked up and turned around) and then keep a clipboard with a list of what's in each box.  I thought this would be easier, to have one place to look for things, rather than having to run around to read what's written on each box.  I also preferred not having the people handling the boxes know what was inside.

In Lakewood (and Monsey and Brooklyn), many people get their groceries delivered. It's not uncommon for people to get 5+ boxes similar to egg boxes every week. People use them for moving and then pass it on to the next person. Some of them don't survive the move, but they're easily replaced with next weeks groceries.

[aygart]

IIRC he works with Yossi A and the company name is Sage?
If yes, I used them a couple of years back and was very happy.
Good quality that will last and looks professional and beautiful.

Yossib is his brother in law the company is Ezcadi

[herb]

Supermarket.  Workers may stock shelves early in the morning, and I walk around to find those who are emptying out boxes that look strong and of the right size.  I like those that hold cans and bottles, because they're especially strong, and I just grab them before they can be broken down

just walked into a grocery and there was a whole cart of empty milk boxes, but the manager didn't let me take any

[Saver2000]

just walked into a grocery and there was a whole cart of empty milk boxes, but the manager didn't let me take any

Did you ask him why?

[aygart]

just walked into a grocery and there was a whole cart of empty milk boxes, but the manager didn't let me take any

They probably use them for deliveries or are afraid you won't pay for boxes by taking them

[solmeir]

The milk crates are owned by the dairy company and are returned every few days

[Saver2000]

The milk crates are owned by the dairy company and are returned every few days

Most companies use cardboard boxes these days.

(I doubt he planned on using milk crates as moving boxes)

[HudZ]

If you shouldn't be able to get all the boxes you need, I believe home depot and Lowe's sell "moving boxes", at very decent prices. FWIR, they have S,M,L. And are heavy duty boxes, so can easily withstand the move.

[herb]

Most companies use cardboard boxes these days.

(I doubt he planned on using milk crates as moving boxes)

correct, these were cardboard

[biobook]

just walked into a grocery and there was a whole cart of empty milk boxes, but the manager didn't let me take any

Just assume that he's doing you a favor because he knows that his store has cockroaches and he doesn't want you to take infested boxes.

Try a large supermarket, and mosey around till you find someone emptying boxes onto the shelves.  In my Walmart, 7-8 AM is the best time. Avoid boxes that had refrigerated items because the boxes may be wet, or produce, because they might be buggy.  Best are boxes that held cans or bottles.  Nowadays some groceries are shipped on short cardboard bottoms with shrinkwrap around the goods, which I find less useful.

[biobook]

In Lakewood (and Monsey and Brooklyn), many people get their groceries delivered. It's not uncommon for people to get 5+ boxes similar to egg boxes every week. People use them for moving and then pass it on to the next person. Some of them don't survive the move, but they're easily replaced with next weeks groceries.

Those might work, if they're sturdy boxes.  But a box that "doesn't survive the move" doesn't sound very sturdy. Yes, you can easily replace the box, but maybe not so easily replace goods inside the box that are damaged as a result. It might be fine if you're packing them gently into the car or truck yourself, but herb is going on a long distance move with a moving company, so won't have that kind of control over how roughly or gently the boxes are handled, or how high they're stacked in the truck, putting lots of pressure on the lower boxes. 

In moving long distance, some large companies will load your possessions onto their truck, then offload them into their storage facility, then, when they've gotten more customers traveling in that direction, they reload them all together for the long trip.  So this could add another time that they're handled.

[Sammy82]

If you know anybody in the nursing home business, ask them to get you diaper boxes. They're nice sized but not too big, sturdy, and would be thrown out otherwise. It's also nice to have all of the boxes the same size.

[etech0]

Those might work, if they're sturdy boxes.  But a box that "doesn't survive the move" doesn't sound very sturdy. Yes, you can easily replace the box, but maybe not so easily replace goods inside the box that are damaged as a result. It might be fine if you're packing them gently into the car or truck yourself, but herb is going on a long distance move with a moving company, so won't have that kind of control over how roughly or gently the boxes are handled, or how high they're stacked in the truck, putting lots of pressure on the lower boxes. 

In moving long distance, some large companies will load your possessions onto their truck, then offload them into their storage facility, then, when they've gotten more customers traveling in that direction, they reload them all together for the long trip.  So this could add another time that they're handled.

"Doesn't survive the move" could also mean "doesn't survive sitting around while waiting to get unpacked, especially with kids around who like to climb and jump". FWIW

[avromie7]

"Doesn't survive the move" could also mean "doesn't survive sitting around while waiting to get unpacked, especially with kids around who like to climb and jump". FWIW

Or it already went through 3 or 4 moves and it's starting to tear (especially at the handles), got smashed too many times, or tearing off tape too many times pulls off too much of the cardboard.

[av83]

Can I get a recommendation for someone to redo my kitchen? (Demo/electric/Plumbing/some framing and sheetrock). Need someone reliable who does decent work and hopefully not too expensive...

[Realshlomo]

Can I get a recommendation for someone to redo my kitchen? (Demo/electric/Plumbing/some framing and sheetrock). Need someone reliable who does decent work and hopefully not too expensive...

I can recommend someone. DM

[Tuna Baygel]

Bingo charges .45 for ready-made boxes. You can't just walk and buy 50 boxes?

[avromie7]

Bingo charges .45 for ready-made boxes. You can't just walk and buy 50 boxes?

They charge more if you're not using it for groceries.

[Tuna Baygel]

Can I get a recommendation for someone to redo my kitchen? (Demo/electric/Plumbing/some framing and sheetrock). Need someone reliable who does decent work and hopefully not too expensive...

Superior Construction 732644771nine. Honest and professional and didn't break the bank. PM for more info

[Tuna Baygel]

They charge more if you're not using it for groceries.

How much?