When I was moving last month, I completely underestimated how many boxes I would need and buying them all added up fast. I started calling local stores, asking friends, even checking online community boards for freebies, and it was honestly exhausting at first. Some stores gave me boxes immediately, others said they’d save them for a few days, and I had to drive around more than I thought. The tricky part was finding boxes that were sturdy enough for heavy items like books or kitchen appliances without spending a fortune. I also discovered that timing matters a lot because some shops get their shipments in the morning and toss the boxes by afternoon. In the end, I managed to gather enough free boxes, but it took planning, persistence, and a little creativity in stacking and reusing boxes so nothing got damaged. I never realized moving could turn into such a scavenger hunt for cardboard, but it was kind of fun once I got into the groove.