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Alex is the founder of 9Kilo Moving, which he started to help people easily find and choose the right moving company to make their move as stress-free and seamless as possible. He has spent over 20 years working in the moving industry, so he knows every aspect of the business and uses his knowledge to write about the industry and give moving advice. More on about us page

Where to Find Free Bubble Wrap

Moving is a daunting task. Even if you're only moving a few blocks away, there's so much to do. Moving is also expensive, either by professional services or choosing to move by yourself. Packing your belongings and transporting them yourself can be time-consuming too. You have to dig deep in your wallet to afford the move, but there are ways to cut corners. 

One of the most important things to do when moving is securely packing your belongings. This means finding enough packing materials.

One popular packing material is bubble wrap. Bubble wrap is not just for packing fragile items anymore; it can be used as a protective layer or cushioning between two items when stacked on top of each other and even in place of cardboard boxes. It is also recyclable and reusable, so there's no need to feel guilty about using this material repeatedly. That makes it an even more environmentally friendly choice than some packaging materials! But wait: where do you go if you want to get your hands on some? There are plenty of ways to access bubble wrap for free from sources.

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Is it worth getting free bubble wrap?

Yes, it is worth getting free bubble wrap if it is not time-consuming to look for free bubble wrap.

To safeguard your fragile items, such as glasses, plates, artwork pieces, antiques, electronics, and other collectibles, you'll need to wrap them in bubble wrap. Bubble wrap is not only a great protective layer for your belongings, but it's also recyclable and reusable. This means you can use it multiple times without worrying about harming the environment. Plus, who doesn't love popping those bubbles? The other major reason is that this air-filled plastic bubble material is not cheap, especially if you are using a lot of it. Finding free bubble wrap is necessary if you're trying to save on moving costs. 

  • A roll of Enviro-Bubble (16" x 10') costs around $5.
  • One box of Enviro-Bubble (150 FT) costs roughly $20.
  • One bulk roll of Enviro-Bubble (12 in x 250 FT) costs $30.

You may get the bubble wrap for a lesser price than the one listed above. But why buy them if you can get them free?

Also See: How to Find Free Packing Supplies | How to Pack Small Kitchen Appliances

Ask in your social circle: Friends, Family, Neighbors, Co-workers

The first thought of getting free bubble wrap is usually asking friends, family members, or neighbors if they have any extra that you can use. Odds are someone you know has some extra bubble wrap that they aren't using and would be more than happy to let you borrow it. They may have a lot of packing materials at home that they don't need. It's always a good idea to ask around before spending any money on moving supplies, especially if you're trying to save as much as possible. Call your friends and family to ask for help moving. There is no harm in asking, and they may be able to help you in other ways too.

Also, check with your co-workers. If you know of anyone relocating, they may have some unused bubble wrap that they don't require any longer.

You can even ask your buddies on any social platform like Facebook or Twitter. These online platforms make it easier to connect with people you may not know in person but can be an excellent resource for getting what you need. Plus, it's easy and convenient to send a quick message asking if they have any bubble wrap they can spare. You may also get a variety of tales from people who have relocated.

Online

The Internet can be a good friend to get help from. If you're not able to find anyone who can help you out, there are plenty of online resources that offer bubble wrap for free. Numerous websites allow you to order bubble wrap for free, and some of them even offer to ship to your door.

There are a few things you should keep in mind when looking for online resources:

  1. Not all websites have the same type or size of bubble wrap available. 
  2. Make sure to read the dimensions, as some websites only offer large sheets of bubble wrap that may not be feasible for your needs. 
  3. Bubble wrap can sometimes be recycled and reused after it has been used to pack your belongings. 

Look for websites that allow you to recycle bubble wrap after you're done with it.

Here are a few of the best websites to get free bubble wrap:

Freecycle

Another option for finding free bubble wrap is to use Freecycle. This online resource connects people who are giving away items they don't need with people looking for free items. You can search for bubble wrap specifically on the website or post a want ad for any other packing materials you may need. There's a good chance you'll find someone in your area who will give you some bubble wrap if you're willing to pick it up. 

Craigslist

If you've tried all of the options above and still haven't been successful in finding free bubble wrap, your last resort is to turn to Craigslist. This online classified ads website has a section specifically for people giving away items they don't need anymore. Post an ad asking for any bubble wrap available in your area. You may get lucky and find someone willing to give you a whole roll or box of bubble wrap for free. 

Box Giver

If you're looking for a more convenient way to get free bubble wrap, BoxGiver is a website that you should check out. This resource allows you to order free shipping boxes and packing materials, including bubble wrap. The only catch is that you have to pay for the shipping costs. But, if you're planning on doing a lot of packing, the cost of shipping will likely be worth it. Just enter your zip code on the website to see what's available in your area. Type "Free bubble wrap near me" into your browser window to acquire a quick answer.

See Also: Moving Essentials – 15 Things You Need When Relocating

Local businesses

If you're having trouble finding free bubble wrap, another option is to go to local businesses in your area. Many businesses, such as copy shops and printing businesses, use bubble wrap to protect their products during shipping. Ask if they have any extra bubble wrap they aren't using and would be willing to let you borrow. You may be able to find a lot of packing materials at local businesses, so it's worth checking with a few different places.

Contact stores going out of business

Suppose you came into contact with any store going out of business. Get in touch with the owner because they may have some extra bubble wrap to give away. Just be sure to ask before the store closes for good. They are getting rid of their stock, and in most cases, they won't need the bubble wrap anymore.

Check out furniture stores

Many furniture stores use bubble wrap to protect their products while being transported. Furniture stores are a great place to find bubble wrap and other packing materials, such as boxes and tape. Just be sure to ask the store employees if they have any extra bubble wrap that they can spare.

Check-in with grocery stores

Grocery stores are another great place to find free packing materials, including bubble wrap. To keep the fruits and vegetables safe throughout shipment, most retailers wrap them in bubble wrap. Inquire if the business has any more bubble wrap to spare. You may be able to find a lot of packing materials at local businesses, so it's worth checking with a few different places.

Call automotive body shops and garages

Another option for finding free bubble wrap is to call automotive body shops and garages in your area. Ask if they have any extra bubble wrap they aren't using and would be willing to let you borrow. These businesses often use bubble wrap to protect the car parts they are shipping. You may still need more cushioning to protect your delicate belongings even though you know where to get free bubble wrap. In this case, you need cheap bubble wrap.

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Where to buy cheap bubble wrap

If you're looking for a way to save money on bubble wrap, your best bet is to buy it online. Several websites sell bubble wrap at a discount, and some even offer free shipping. Here are a few places you can check out:

1. Bubblewrap4u.co.uk

This website offers bubble wrap in packs of different sizes, starting at just $2.79. You can also purchase tape, boxes, and other packing materials.

2. Bubble Wrap Store

The Bubble Wrap Store offers bubble wrap in both small and large packs, and you can buy as much or as little as you need. The site also offers free shipping on all orders over $54.71

3. Bubble Wrap Bags

Bubble Wrap Bags offers a variety of bubble wrap products, including bags, sheets, and rolls. You can also purchase packing tape and boxes on the site. Shipping is free on orders over $54.71.

4. Bubble Wrap Supplies

Bubble Wrap Supplies offers bubble wrap in packs of different sizes, starting at just £1.49. The site also provides a variety of other packing materials, such as boxes, tape, and markers. Shipping is free on orders over $27.36.

5. Amazon/ E-bay

If you're looking for various bubble wrap products, Amazon/ E-bay is an excellent place to start. The site offers bubble wrap in packs of different sizes, rolls, and sheets. You can also find packing tape, boxes, and other packing materials on Amazon/ E-bay. 

6. USPS/ Fed-Ex

If you're looking for a more convenient way to get free bubble wrap, the United States Postal Service may be good. You can order free shipping boxes and packing materials, including bubble wrap, from the USPS website. Fed-Ex also offers free shipping supplies, including bubble wrap. Just enter your zip code on the website to see what's available in your area. 

Also Read: Leading Packing Supplies Sources for Your Move | How To Use Plastic Wrap For Moving

Conclusion

No matter where you get your bubble wrap from, be sure to take the time to measure your belongings and purchase the correct amount of bubble wrap. What's important is keeping your possessions safe and secure while they're in transit. With the right packing materials, you can do just that. Thanks for Reading!

Frequently Asked Questions:

What can I use instead of Bubble Wrap?

Sweaters and Coats, Pillows, Towels, Scarves, Blankets, and sheets can be a good protective layer to your fragile items.

Is foam or bubble wrap better?

Foam packaging is thinner than bubble rolls, allowing you to pack more in your moving container. Foam rolls and pre-cut sheets are ideal for protecting and cushioning valuable surfaces.

Is bubble wrap recyclable?

Yes, most bubble wrap we use is recyclable. There are a few different options for recycling your old foam insulation:

  • Use leftover pieces of bubble wrap to cushion fragile items or pack up belongings.
  • Place your bubble wrap in the bag you will be used for curb side pickup, and it can be recycled that way. 
  • Recycle scraps into loose lay with other polystyrene plastics or polyurethane foams like seat cushions and throw pillows. You can also melt this down with a hot glue gun, but make sure you don't burn yourself! 
  • Check with your local recycling center to see if they accept bubble wrap for recycling. If not, ask them if they have any suggestions for how you can recycle it.

How long does it take for the bubbles in bubble wrap to pop and fall off?

Bubble wrap will usually lose its bubbles within a few days. The amount of time it takes for the bubbles to pop and fall off depends on the humidity and temperature in your area.

How much does USPS charge for bubble wrap?

There are many variables to consider. It will cost approximately $3.74 to send your bubble mailer up to 4 ounces through USPS First Class if you want to utilize stamps. You'll need seven forever stamps ($0.55 per stamp).

See Also: Tops Cheap Movers in the USA