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Moving can easily get overwhelming, and there’s one thing I’ve learned from multiple moves- you should never pay for boxes! And if you are wondering where to get “free moving boxes near me”, you are in for a surprise.
Free moving boxes are fairly easy to find. I’ve discovered plenty of places to get free boxes—and trust me, it’s one less thing you’ll need to worry about or spend money on when moving!
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Why You Should Know: Where to Get Free Boxes?
Buying new boxes is an added moving cost that can be avoided easily.
Here’s why:
- Easy Availability: Packing boxes are everywhere—you just need to know where to look.
- Good Quality: free boxes are often sturdier than those flimsy store-bought ones
- Variety: Not all items can easily fit into standard-sized boxes. That’s why, when you source free boxes, you get a range of sizes, perfect for packing anything from books, and fragile decoratives to kitchen appliances.
💡Opting for used, free boxes is an eco-friendly choice. You’re recycling and reducing waste, which helps protect the environment.
What is the Cost of Moving Boxes?
When budgeting for your move, it’s important to understand the costs of moving boxes and supplies. Here’s a simplified estimate of what you can expect:
Cardboard Moving Box Type |
Cost per Box |
| Small Box | $1.00 to $1.70 |
| Medium Box | $2.35 to $2.79 |
| Large Box | $3.00 |
| Extra-large Box | $3.75 |
| Wardrobe Box | $8.00 to $12.00 |
| Picture Box | $10.00 |
| Sturdy Set-up box | $ 4 to $ 5 |
25 Local Spots to Find Free Cardboard Moving Boxes
Now, let’s get to the part you’re most interested in—where to get free moving boxes.
25 nearby places to source packing boxes without spending a penny:
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Apartment Complexes
Start Close to Home
If you live in an apartment complex, check around the recycling areas. I’ve found so many boxes left out by neighbors who’ve just moved in.
A little tip: if you’re not sure, ask the building management if they have any leads on recent move-ins.
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Grocery Stores
This is the second-best spot, and for good reason.
Grocery stores get daily deliveries and are practically swimming in cardboard boxes of all shapes and sizes.
The best time to try is early morning or late evening—right after deliveries.
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Liquor Stores – Perfect for Fragile Items
The boxes liquor stores get are surprisingly sturdy, and because they’re meant to carry glass bottles, they’re perfect for fragile items like dishes or glassware.
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Nextdoor App
The Nextdoor App is a neighborhood-focused platform where people often share resources and supplies, including free moving boxes.
Post an inquiry on the app asking if anyone has boxes available—people are often happy to give them away. If you prefer online shopping, this is one of the best options: to find free packing boxes.
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Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is another excellent online platform where people regularly offer free moving supplies, including packing boxes.
Look for gently used boxes that are still in good condition.
Free Tip: Set an alert for “free moving boxes” in your local area to grab them before anyone else does.
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Craigslist
Craigslist’s “Free” section under “for sale” listings is often filled with people giving away boxes after they’ve finished their own move. I’ve found everything from large wardrobe boxes to smaller ones for knick-knacks.
Be quick though—good listings go fast.
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Big-Box Retailers
Stores like Walmart and Target often have extra boxes. They are perfect for packing bulkier items like linens or even small furniture. Just ask the staff nicely, and don’t be shy about asking them to save boxes for you.
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OfferUp
OfferUp is a mobile marketplace where people buy, sell, and give away items. It recently merged with another similar app, Letgo, to make it easier to find local deals.
Simply type “free boxes” into the search bar, and you’ll find a list of people in your area who are offering them.
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Pharmacies
Pharmacies like CVS or Walgreens are often overlooked, but they receive a lot of inventory in small to medium-sized boxes. I’ve found these great for toiletries and bathroom supplies.
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U-Haul Box Exchange
This is a goldmine! U-Haul has a box exchange where you can either give away or trade boxes. It’s great because you know the boxes are in good condition, and you’re helping out fellow movers.
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Office Supply Stores
Places like Staples, Office Depot, and OfficeMax regularly receive deliveries in durable and medium to large boxes.
Ask for cardboard boxes that come with electronic appliances and heavy office supplies. They’re typically very strong and will protect your delicate and prone to damage items during move from external harm and dents.
Mid-week is a great time to visit, as shipments often come in between Monday and Wednesday.
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Bookstores
Cardboard boxes from bookstores are excellent for packing. These boxes are durable enough to hold heavy items, like your book collection, or even small appliances.
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Schools and Universities
Educational institutions receive bulk shipments of supplies and may have spare boxes. They are best for scoring medium to large boxes, ideal for heavier or bulkier items. Contact the administration office or stationary supply room for availability.
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Home Improvement Stores
Home Depot and Lowe’s often have leftover boxes from their shipments of home improvement items. Ask for large, thick cardboard boxes for packing tools, gardening supplies, personal gadgets, or home electronics.
Pro Tip: Check with the customer service desk—many stores are willing to give away their boxes.
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Recycling Centers
Local recycling centers are a great place to check to source free moving boxes that have been discarded but are still in good, usable condition. Specifically ask for sturdy, undamaged boxes that can be reused.
Visit earlier in the day when new boxes are more likely to be available.
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Fast Food Chains
Fast food chains like McDonald’s, Taco Bell, and Burger King receive shipments regularly and have many boxes in good shape and size to spare.
Ask for: Boxes that hold food items like frozen goods or packaged ingredients. These boxes are usually smaller but strong, so they’re ideal for packing smaller household items.
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Pet Stores
Stores like Petco and PetSmart receive shipments of pet supplies in durable boxes, perfect for moving heavy or awkwardly shaped items.
Ask the store manager or staff for larger boxes; used to ship pet food, toys, and other supplies.
You can also ask the staff if they’re willing to set aside boxes for you after they unpack fresh deliveries.
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Dollar Stores
Dollar stores like Dollar Tree and Dollar General receive daily shipments of small items packed in medium-sized boxes. You can use them to pack smaller household items or miscellaneous items.
These stores often get shipments overnight, so visit first thing in the morning.
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Warehouse Stores
Warehouse stores like Costco and Sam’s Club have large boxes from bulk shipments they receive daily.
They are best for large and bulkier items. Do check the recycling or loading area for discarded boxes.
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Thrift Stores
Goodwill or Salvation Army stores receive donations in a variety of box sizes that they often discard.
Ask the store manager or staff- if they have any spare boxes from donation deliveries.
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Your Workplace
Offices get a lot of supplies shipped regularly in small to large-size boxes. Ask the facilities team at your workplace to set aside some boxes for you. Trust us, you’ll end up with a stack of thick packing boxes—free and easy.
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Freecycle
Freecycle is a vast non-profit community network; it promotes free giveaways of items instead of throwing them out. Freecycle has plenty of people offering free moving boxes.
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Starbucks
Did you know Starbucks gets daily shipments?
Step in for coffee and walk out with a couple of perfectly sized boxes for your kitchen items. It never hurts to ask!
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Friends and Family
Don’t overlook your own network! I’ve reached out to friends who’ve recently moved, and they were happy to offload their boxes to me. A simple group text can yield more boxes than you expect.
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Farmers Markets
It sounds strange, but after a long day, vendors often have boxes left from unloading produce. You may get some really sturdy boxes from vendors at your local farmers market in bulk!
Top FAQs About Finding Free Moving Boxes
1. “Where to get free moving boxes near me?”
The best way to find free moving boxes near you is by visiting local grocery stores, and liquor stores, or checking out online platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. You can also ask your friends, family, or neighbors who may have recently moved.
2. “Can I use free packing boxes to safely move fragile items?”
Yes, free boxes can be just as sturdy as purchased ones. However, it’s important to select strong, undamaged boxes for packing fragile items. Liquor store boxes, for example, are often reinforced and ideal for protecting glassware or breakables.
3. “How many packing boxes will I need?”
This depends on the size of your home, how much you have to pack, family size, and how much clutter or storage you have. Homes with more items or storage spaces will require more boxes. It’s always better to collect a few extra just in case.
4. “Do moving companies give free boxes?”
While some moving companies may offer free boxes as part of their services, this is not always the case. If you’re working with a full-service moving company, it’s worth inquiring whether they can supply you with boxes. Otherwise, you might get charged, so it’s often more economical to source free ones elsewhere.
Wrapping Up
Finding free moving boxes in reliable condition can be a fun scavenger hunt once you know where to look. From grocery stores to office supply shops, there are plenty of opportunities to score free packing boxes and save money while moving.
💡Don’t be afraid to ask—most people are happy to get rid of them, and you’ll be doing both your wallet and the planet a favor by reusing instead of buying new ones.
Good luck with your move, and remember, it’s these little wins that can make the whole process feel just a bit smoother!
