Where to get free moving boxes

Are you planning on moving soon? Be prepared to shell out some serious cash. Add in the cost of a moving truck, movers, and supplies, and your budget may be a little tight. That’s why you should look for all the cardboard boxes you can get your hands on so you can pack all your belongings for free. All it takes is a little ingenuity.

Let’s face it. If you have a lot of stuff, you need a lot of boxes. And if you want to be as frugal as possible, with your own transportation and friends to help you move, why not go all out and get your boxes for free?

If you decide to go through the trouble of finding free moving boxes, there are a few options that are better than others. We’ll break down some of the best places to find free moving boxes and make your move a little cheaper.

For more moving tips, check out the best moving companies for 2024 and six common mistakes to watch out for when moving.

How much do cardboard boxes cost?

Depending on the size of the cardboard box you purchase, you will likely spend about $1 to $3 per box The Home Depot, Lowe’s or U-HaulIf you don’t have a lot of stuff or are moving from, say, a studio apartment, this may not be a huge financial investment, but it can quickly add up.

Where can I get free cardboard moving boxes?

Before you spend money on boxes, see if you can get everything you need for free.

Recycling centers: Visit your local recycling center to find broken cardboard boxes. This can be a good first stop for you, as there is bound to be some type of cardboard boxes for you to take away.

U-Haul Customer Connection: U-Haul offers customers a service to swap boxes with each other via Customer ConnectionThrough the U-Haul Box Exchange, you can see messages from people who need or want to get rid of boxes.

This service can work for you, but you’ll need a bit of luck. If you can find someone in your area who will give away boxes when you need them, that’s great, but it might be easier to go to a local retailer or check out other community apps.

Liquor stores: Reddit users recommend using liquor store boxes for your move, as they are some of the sturdiest boxes and often come with handy dividers for packing glasses and fragile items.

The best thing about visiting liquor stores is that depending on where you live, there are likely numerous locations you can go to.

Large stores:Retailers like Walmart, Target, Costco, and Best Buy receive large volumes of cardboard boxes every day because they need to constantly replenish and keep their products in stock.

It’s a little known secret that if you visit Walmart after 10pm, you can end up with loads of broken boxes. For your local big box stores, try calling ahead or checking to see when the best time is to pick up boxes, as the time stores receive goods varies.

Grocery stores: Your local grocery store receives new products and merchandise every day, so there will undoubtedly be extra boxes. You would be doing them a favor by taking the boxes off their hands, so they may be happy to give them to you. Double check with them to see when the best time to get boxes is.

Office supplies: Outlets like Staples, Office Depot, or OfficeMax are great places to check out if you’re looking for boxes. For stores that sell paper, you can buy boxes that come with convenient lids — great for books and other personal items.

Bookstores: Check your local Barnes & Noble or independent bookstore to see if they have any boxes they need to get rid of. Like some large retail chains, bookstores get multiple shipments of, well, books, and the boxes will likely be on the sturdy side.

Your social circle: Your friends, family, and neighbors probably all have a few empty cardboard boxes lying around. Check to see if they have any they’d like to give you before you move.

Diving into cardboard trash cans: If you’re feeling adventurous, some Redditors recommend getting your boxes from dumpsters. Several major retailers have special dumpsters that are just for cardboard. So if you’ve exhausted your options and don’t mind donning gloves, go for it.

View community apps

Craigslist “free” section, Next door And BuyNothing: Community apps for giving away or selling items are other great options for free cardboard moving boxes. Community members who recently moved to your neighborhood may be giving away their boxes. You can also post a friendly request for free cardboard moving boxes.

Our research found that several Redditors had had great success finding free cardboard boxes from Facebook MarketplaceSo it may be worth checking out what options are available in your area.

Don’t forget to use all the cardboard boxes you have lying around. Yes, those Amazon boxes work — and after all, those impulsive online shopping orders come in handy too.

Need more moving tips? Here are ways to make your move more eco-friendly and seven must-have moving apps.