This guide will help you get your shipping boxes and packing material for free!  And you'll save additional money along the way!

First of all don't pay for what you don't need.  In the eBay world you NEED tape and printer supplies.  That's it!  The rest can be obtained for free.

Boxes.....are everywhere!  I have a ton now that the holidays are over.  Especially since my family has passed theirs along to me too.  My garage if full of them.  I can't wait to ship things out!

Shop online when your can (for things you NEED).  For example, you know your nephew will need a birthday present for his party next month.   Think about this for a minute.  With gas prices over $3 a gallon, isn't spending $3 in shipping worth not getting out of the house?  I have 2 kids, an SUV (read:consumes lots of gas).  I save time and gas money shopping online.  I've signed up for BigCrumbs and get cash back for my shopping.  It shows up in my PayPal account.  I made $12 with my Christmas shopping alone.  Tell friends and make even more.  Not to mention that my favorite sites like FlamingoWorld and CouponCabin give you codes for free shipping and online discounts for TONS of websites.  Save money on the things you need and get free shipping supplies.  It's a win-win.

Another box spot, your own house.  I've turned tons of boxes inside out for shipping.  Cell phone boxes, Easy Mac, a ceiling fan box, "bulk" veggie boxes from Sam's.  There are so many boxes in your house if you look a little and turn them inside out!  I've also been known to raid our recycle bin looking for that perfect box, that my hubby tossed.  :)

The Post Office!!  Get online with the post office (usps.com) or the e-Bay shipping site.  Priority boxes are free.  Shipped right to your door.  You can also get stickers, envelopes, etc.  I always have a few in stock.  :)

Packing.  Okay, so if you've shopped a little online you'll get some fun packing materials.  Peanuts, air packs, bubble wrap, etc.  Save everything!!  I have mine organized in the garage with my boxes.  Here's my favorite tip if you run low.  Fill a plastic grocery bag with 10-12 more bags and tie shut.  When my grocery bag "collection" gets out of hand, I make up several of these "packing bags" and store them with my peanuts.  They work so well!!!!  I also get a little "recycle crazy" and fill my bags with the plastic wrap from things like toilet paper, paper towels, and diapers, torn grocery bags, etc.  Basically all clean plastic that normally would have been thrown away.  It gives the plastic a whole new use before hitting the landfill.  I would love it if people used my packs again!!

Newspapers are also great.  Not only do you get to read the paper and clip the coupons, but it's reusable and recyclable.   Since I've been staying home and "working the grocery deals", I save an average of $70 a week on groceries!!  So, using them for packing is just an awesome perk.  :)  Also, be on the look out for a local library or church who recycles paper.  They will make a little money on recycling the paper for you.

I will say that I do buy some "poly bags" on e-Bay about 3 times a year.  They will run you about $10-15 for 50-100 bags.  Depending on the size you need.  These are GREAT for mailing clothes (especially kids clothes).  They will keep your shipping weight down (under 13oz. can go First Class for $2-3).  Low shipping costs gets you more bidders!

So.....in a nut shell, recycle and reuse!  It's cheap and better for the environment.