Where To Find Free Moving Boxes (2024 Guide)
Compare quotes from local moving experts.
Written by
Moving expenses can add up quickly. A smart way to save money and reduce waste is to hunt down free moving boxes. You can source high-quality cardboard boxes from local businesses and through online marketplaces. We’ll walk you through how and where to find free moving boxes in your town in the guide below.
Ask for Free Moving Boxes Around Town
Local businesses and retailers regularly receive shipments in large, sturdy boxes. You may even see a few lying around your workplace. Many businesses are happy to pass along their empty boxes to people who can use them as long as you ask first.
Department Stores
Department stores such as Target and Walmart receive large shipments of products every week, which means they’ll likely have a variety of box sizes. Boxes from department stores are generally sturdy and well-suited for heavier items. Stop at the customer service desk to ask if the store has any empty boxes you could take home.
Grocery Stores
Grocery stores also receive frequent shipments in sturdy boxes that range from medium-sized boxes that hold canned goods to larger boxes that hold bulk items. Visit your local grocery store and ask a manager about the best time to pick up free boxes.
Office Supply Stores
Stores such as Office Depot and Staples are excellent places to find various box sizes, particularly those suitable for office supplies and electronics. Many of these boxes have convenient handholds. Ask a store associate about the availability of empty boxes from recent shipments.
Liquor Stores
Liquor stores often have smaller but sturdy boxes designed to hold bottles. These boxes work well for packing fragile items safely. Pop by your local liquor store and ask if there are any spare boxes available.
Bars and Restaurants
Bars and restaurants usually get their supplies and ingredients in strong, durable boxes. These establishments may have an assortment of sizes to choose from, making them a good source for your moving box needs. Call the restaurant and ask to speak to a manager, or drop by during non-peak hours to ask about boxes and the best time to pick them up.
Office Complexes
Many business offices have an ongoing need for reams of paper and other supplies, resulting in a regular influx of cardboard boxes. These boxes are often high-quality and ideal for a variety of items. Contact the building manager or office receptionist to find out whether any boxes are available and how to collect them.
Apartment Complexes
Apartment complexes see frequent move-ins and move-outs, which means there may be cardboard moving boxes available. Check with the property manager or post your need for boxes on a community bulletin board.
Banks
Banks frequently receive shipments of paper and promotional materials in strong, reusable boxes. Visit your local branch and speak to a manager about the possibility of collecting empty boxes.
Libraries and Bookstores
Libraries and bookstores typically receive shipments in sturdy, uniform boxes that are excellent for stacking. Reach out to the staff and inquire about the availability of boxes from recent shipments.
College Dorms
College dorms are a hub of moving activity at the beginning and end of each semester. Students often discard good boxes, and handing them off to you may be more convenient than recycling or otherwise disposing of them. Call the housing office at a nearby campus and ask if they have any suggestions for where to find free boxes.
Pharmacies and Corner Stores
Pharmacies such as Walgreens and local corner stores receive regular shipments of goods in sturdy, medium-sized boxes. These boxes are often available for free once the products have been unpacked and stocked. Ask a store employee if any are available or when might be a good time to pick some up.
Coffee Shops
National chains, such as Starbucks, and local cafes and coffee shops often receive supplies in strong, medium-sized boxes. These may be particularly useful for packing kitchen items. Ask a barista about taking boxes home during your next coffee run.
Find Free Moving Boxes Online
Online marketplaces and community forums can help you connect with people who are looking to give away empty boxes. From the U-Haul Box Exchange to Nextdoor, you’ll find several opportunities to snag free moving supplies with just a few clicks.
U-Haul Box Exchange
The U-Haul Customer Connect program includes a box exchange. You can search by location or keyword, such as “free boxes,” to see if anyone is giving away boxes or moving supplies in your area. If you have trouble with the search feature, you can click “View posts by location” to see a list of every location with posts. Use the built-in response form to reply to any posts that interest you.
Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is a platform through which users can post items for sale or for free, such as moving boxes. Type “moving boxes” into the search bar and filter by location to find listings near you. Message the seller directly to find out if their boxes are still available and arrange pickup.
Buy Nothing Project
The Buy Nothing Project has a free app designed to help neighbors facilitate free exchanges. The app lets you offer goods or request goods that you need, including boxes. Buy Nothing also maintains a list of local, private Facebook groups that serve the same function.
OfferUp
OfferUp is a mobile app and website that people can use to sell or give away items, including moving supplies. Type “free moving boxes” into the search bar to find relevant posts and reach out to the seller to arrange a pickup.
Craigslist
Craigslist has a “Free” section in which many users offer free boxes. You can find it under the “For Sale” heading on the homepage for your area. You can also search for moving boxes and click the “free stuff” link in the sidebar to filter the results. When you find a relevant post, open it and click “Reply” to contact the seller. You can also post an ad asking for free moving boxes in the “Wanted” section.
The Freecycle Network
Freecycle is a nonprofit community platform through which people offer items they don’t need, including boxes. Sign up to join your local Freecycle community, then browse the listings or post your own request for free moving boxes.
Nextdoor.com
Nextdoor is a neighborhood-focused social network through which community members can communicate, share recommendations, and offer items. Once you sign up or log in, navigate to the “For Sale and Free” section and search for moving boxes. If you find a relevant listing, use the built-in messaging feature to contact the poster.
How Much Can I Save With Free Boxes?
Buying new cardboard boxes for a move can get expensive, especially if you need wardrobe boxes, dish-saver kits, and other specialty boxes. Finding free cardboard boxes can help offset the cost of other packing materials and make room in your budget for specialty boxes.
How Much Do Moving Boxes Cost?
The cost of moving boxes varies depending on their size and quality. You can expect to spend anywhere from $1–$40 per box. Some companies, such as Uline, sell bundles rather than individual boxes or have discounted rates for higher quantities.
| Box Size | Cost Per Box |
|---|---|
| Small box | $1–$2 |
| Medium box | $2–$3 |
| Large box | $2.50–$4 |
| Extra-large box | $3.50–$5 |
| Wardrobe box | $8–$20 |
| TV box | $20–$40 |
How Many Boxes Will I Need?
The number of boxes you need largely depends on the size of your living space and how densely it’s furnished. Both U-Haul and The Home Depot offer online calculators to help you determine how many boxes you need. We used the calculators to provide some general estimates, excluding wardrobe, TV, and other specialty boxes, based on home size:
| Home Size | Number of Boxes Needed |
|---|---|
| Studio apartment | 6–10 small, 10–12 medium, 1–2 large, 0–2 extra large |
| Two-bedroom house | 10–20 small, 19–27 medium, 4 large, 1–4 extra large |
| Three-bedroom house | 13–26 small, 30–35 medium, 6–7 large, 2–6 extra large |
| Four-bedroom house with garage | 17–43 small, 39–55 medium, 9–13 large, 4–8 extra large |
What type of boxes will you need for your move? This video from The Home Depot offers some tips.
What To Do If You Can’t Find Free Boxes
There are other ways to save money if you can’t find free boxes in local community groups or classified ads and no local businesses have empty boxes available.
- Research creative packing tips.
- Reuse Amazon delivery boxes.
- Pack non-fragile items in laundry baskets, suitcases, and trash bags instead of packing boxes.
- Purchase gently used boxes from moving companies.
- Rent reusable plastic boxes for your move.
- Ask your mover about deals that include boxes and other packing materials as part of their services.
- Ask friends and family to save boxes for you.
- Scour the internet for coupon codes and discounts.
Our Conclusion
Sourcing free boxes for your move will help you save money on your move, and it’s a more sustainable choice than buying all-new boxes. Whether you tap into local businesses or explore online communities such as Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace, there are numerous opportunities to find free boxes.
FAQ About Finding Free Moving Boxes
Are cardboard boxes at The Home Depot free?
The cardboard boxes that The Home Depot stocks in its storage and organization department are not free. You may be able to get free cardboard boxes by calling ahead and asking if the store has any empty shipping boxes.
Does Costco give out free boxes?
Yes, Costco may give out free boxes, just like other big box stores. We recommend calling ahead to the produce section, food court, or bakery. You can also stop by the customer service desk to ask.
Is there a charity that provides free boxes?
Several charities may be able to provide free boxes, particularly those that offer relocation assistance programs. Freecycle is a nonprofit that allows users to post and source free boxes, among other items.
Can you get free moving boxes from USPS?
USPS offers free shipping boxes. However, most are not a useful size for moving.
Find Top Movers Near You
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
