Moving can be an expensive endeavor. From hiring professional movers to securing a new place, costs can quickly add up. Amidst all these expenses, purchasing brand new moving boxes might feel like an unnecessary financial burden. After all, these cardboard containers serve a temporary purpose and are often recycled shortly after you unpack in your new home. The good news is, securing moving boxes doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, you might not even need to pay for them at all.
couple stacking boxes to illustrate cheapest way to ship boxes when moving
A couple efficiently stacking moving boxes, highlighting the importance of finding affordable or free options to reduce moving costs.
Finding moving boxes where you are is easier than you think, and discovering sources for free moving boxes can significantly reduce your moving expenses. Think about it: the average local move already costs around $1,250, and long-distance moves can soar to nearly $5,000. Saving money on essential supplies like boxes can make a real difference. Beyond the standard boxes, while specialty boxes are available for items like TVs and mirrors, for the bulk of your household items, free boxes can be a viable and budget-friendly solution. You can potentially pack your entire home without spending a dime on boxes.
How Much Do Moving Boxes Typically Cost?
If you were to buy moving boxes brand new, what could you expect to pay? According to various sources, the price of moving boxes varies depending on size and type. Standard cardboard boxes can range from approximately $1 for a small box to around $4 for an extra-large one. Specialty boxes, designed for specific items like wardrobes or mirrors, come with a higher price tag. Wardrobe boxes, essential for keeping clothes wrinkle-free during a move, can cost anywhere from $8 to $12 each.
Packing supplies beyond just boxes also contribute to moving costs. Packing paper, bubble wrap, and specialized kits for fragile items like glassware and dishes all add to the overall expense. A moving kit designed for a one-bedroom apartment can range from $70 to $90 and might include 15 to 30 boxes, along with other packing essentials. Kits for larger homes, like a two-bedroom house, can cost between $180 and $200 and contain 55 to 60 boxes. For a four-bedroom house, moving kits can range from $300 to $400 and include 85 to 120 boxes.
To give you a clearer picture, here’s a general breakdown of moving box prices per box:
- Small Moving Boxes: $1 to $1.70 each
- Medium Moving Boxes: $2.35 to $2.80 each
- Large Moving Boxes: Around $3 each
- Extra-Large Moving Boxes: Approximately $3.75 each
- Wardrobe Moving Boxes: $8 to $12 each
- Picture Boxes: Around $10 each
These costs can quickly accumulate, especially for larger moves, making the prospect of finding free moving boxes even more appealing.
Estimating How Many Moving Boxes You’ll Need
Before you start your quest for boxes, it’s helpful to estimate how many you’ll actually require. A studio apartment move might necessitate around $100 worth of boxes if purchased new. For a one-bedroom home, this estimate increases to about $125, and a three-bedroom home could require around $180 worth of boxes.
To get a more personalized estimate, consider using a moving box calculator. These online tools take into account factors like the size of your home (number of bedrooms), the number of people in your household, your packing habits (minimalist vs. maximalist), and other relevant details to provide a more accurate box estimate.
Keep in mind that box weight capacity is also crucial. Moving boxes can typically hold between 30 to 150 pounds, depending on their size and construction (single-walled vs. double-walled). Overpacking boxes can lead to breakage, so it’s essential to distribute weight appropriately and not overfill them.
Top 25 Places to Find Free Moving Boxes Near You
Ready to start your search for where to find moving boxes for free? Here’s a comprehensive list of 25 places to explore, ensuring your move is both efficient and budget-friendly:
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U-Haul Customer Connect Box Exchange
U-Haul, a well-known name in moving, offers a Box Exchange feature through their Customer Connect platform. This online forum connects individuals looking for moving supplies with those who have recently moved and have boxes to give away. Simply enter your location and search for terms like “Free Boxes” to find potential donors in your vicinity. It’s a great resource to tap into the moving community and find boxes that are ready for a second use.
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Craigslist
Craigslist is a digital marketplace where you can find almost anything, and moving boxes are no exception. Navigate to the “For Sale” section and then to the “Free” subcategory to discover listings from people giving away items, including moving boxes. Listings are typically chronological, so recent posts are at the top. Start your search here to see if anyone in your local area is offering free boxes. You can also post your own “wanted” ad, letting people know you are looking for free moving boxes.
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The Freecycle Network
Similar to Craigslist but with a focus on giving and receiving items for free, The Freecycle Network is a non-profit platform dedicated to reducing waste and fostering community sharing. Sign up for free and join your local Freecycle group. Once a member, post a request for moving boxes within the network. Members are often eager to give away usable items rather than discarding them, making it a valuable resource for free moving supplies.
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Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is a widely used platform for buying, selling, and giving away items locally. To find free moving boxes, search “free boxes” within Marketplace. Refine your search by location to pinpoint listings in your immediate area. Facebook’s broad user base increases your chances of finding someone nearby who is looking to get rid of their moving boxes.
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Nextdoor
Nextdoor is a neighborhood-focused social networking service. If you’re looking for where to get moving boxes locally, Nextdoor is a prime place to check. Join your neighborhood hub to access local information, community updates, and classifieds. The “Classifieds” section often features free items, including moving boxes. If you don’t see any listings, post a request detailing what you need. Neighbors who have recently moved might be happy to pass their boxes along.
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OfferUp
OfferUp is a mobile-first marketplace app, similar to Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, where people list items for sale or free. Search for “free boxes” in the app to see local listings. OfferUp’s mobile focus makes it easy to browse and connect with people offering free moving boxes in your area.
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Large Retailers
Big-box stores are a goldmine for potential moving boxes. Retailers like Walmart, Costco, Sam’s Club, Home Depot, Office Depot, Target, K-Mart, and Best Buy receive daily shipments and accumulate a large number of cardboard boxes. Don’t overlook dollar stores, shoe stores, sporting goods stores, and home supply giants like IKEA. Visit during stocking hours to potentially snag boxes right as they are unpacked. Always ask a manager for permission before taking any boxes.
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Liquor Stores
Liquor stores receive frequent shipments of beverages, resulting in a steady supply of sturdy boxes. Liquor store boxes are often partitioned, making them excellent for packing fragile items like glasses and bottles. Larger liquor stores tend to have a surplus of boxes. Inquire with the store manager about taking some boxes off their hands.
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Bookstores
Bookstores, both large chains and independent shops, are another reliable source for boxes. Book boxes are typically robust due to the weight of books, making them ideal for heavier items and general moving needs. College and university bookstores are also worth checking, especially during move-in and move-out periods.
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Grocery Stores
Grocery stores receive daily or weekly deliveries of produce and other goods. This constant flow of inventory means a consistent supply of cardboard boxes. Grocery store boxes are often sturdy and come in various sizes. Speak to a store manager and let them know you are moving and interested in taking some of their empty boxes.
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Pharmacies
Chain pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS receive regular shipments several times a week. You’ve likely seen dumpsters behind these stores filled with flattened boxes. Call ahead or ask in-store about the best time to pick up boxes, ideally coinciding with their shipment schedules.
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Arts, Crafts, and Hobby Stores
Stores like Hobby Lobby, Michaels, Jo-Ann Fabrics, and Utrecht Art Supplies receive frequent shipments of various sized items. This translates to a variety of box sizes available for potential reuse. Whether you need large or small boxes, these stores are worth checking.
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Coffee Shops
Local and chain coffee shops like Starbucks receive regular deliveries of coffee beans, syrups, and food supplies. They often have smaller-sized boxes that are perfect for packing kitchen items or smaller household goods.
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Bars
Similar to liquor stores, bars, especially those with high volume, receive frequent shipments of beverages. Bar boxes, like liquor boxes, can be partitioned and are great for glassware. Inquire about shipment days to time your visit appropriately. Holiday periods like St. Patrick’s Day, New Year’s Eve, and Super Bowl season are particularly good times to check, as bars often stock up heavily.
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Restaurants
Restaurants, particularly fast-food establishments and those with high turnover, receive daily perishable goods shipments. This daily influx of supplies means a regular supply of boxes. While restaurants are a good source, avoid boxes with food stains or odors to prevent transferring smells to your belongings.
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Offices
Your workplace can be a surprising source of moving boxes. Offices receive regular deliveries of paper reams and supplies, often resulting in a surplus of paper boxes with lids and file boxes. Check with your office’s facilities or recycling department for available boxes.
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Recycling Drop-off Points
Recycling centers are a treasure trove for moving boxes. Most cities have drop-off locations that accept flattened corrugated cardboard. If the boxes are in good condition, you can often find a variety of sizes suitable for moving.
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Auto Shops
Auto parts stores, repair shops, and oil change locations receive regular shipments of car parts and supplies. These businesses often use larger, sturdier boxes for heavier items, which can be great for moving.
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Apartment Complexes
Apartment complexes experience frequent resident turnover, making them a potential source for boxes. Check recycling bins on the property (with permission) or inquire at the apartment complex office, as they may have boxes left behind by previous tenants.
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College Dorms
College dormitories see a massive influx and outflow of students at the beginning and end of the academic year. During these times, dorms can be a rich source of both large and small moving boxes as students move in and out.
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Friends and Family
Don’t underestimate the power of your personal network. Ask friends, family, and acquaintances if they have any spare boxes from recent deliveries or moves. A quick text, call, or social media post can often yield results.
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Yard and Garage Sales
Yard and garage sales often involve people decluttering and using boxes for their sale items. Stop by and ask if they are willing to part with some boxes, especially towards the end of the sale.
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Neighbors Who Recently Moved
Keep an eye out for new neighbors or homes in your neighborhood that seem recently occupied. They likely have a stack of unpacked moving boxes they are eager to get rid of. Look for boxes set out for recycling or simply ask around to see who recently moved in.
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Schools
Elementary, middle, and high schools receive shipments of books and school supplies, particularly at the start of the school year. Contact the school office to inquire about available boxes, especially during the fall.
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Libraries
Libraries receive shipments of books in sturdy boxes designed to handle significant weight. These boxes are excellent for packing books, smaller items, clothing, and shoes. Contact your local library to inquire about obtaining some of their discarded boxes.
Alternative Ways to Acquire Moving Boxes
Beyond seeking free options, consider these alternative methods for getting moving boxes:
Save Boxes from Mail Deliveries
Start saving boxes you receive from online orders and mail deliveries. Boxes from Amazon, USPS, and other shipping services can be repurposed for your move. Also, save the packing paper and materials that come inside these boxes for cushioning and wrapping fragile items.
Rent Plastic Moving Boxes
For a more eco-friendly and durable option, consider renting plastic moving boxes. Companies like U-Haul, Rent a Green Box, and BungoBox offer plastic box rentals. While not free, renting can be cost-effective and convenient, especially for local moves. Plastic boxes are sturdy, stackable, and reusable.
Purchase Boxes from Retailers at Competitive Prices
If your free box hunt is unsuccessful or you need specialty boxes, purchasing boxes is still an option. Retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Home Depot, U-Haul, and Staples offer a wide range of moving boxes and supplies at various price points. Compare prices and consider moving kits for bundled deals on boxes and packing materials.
Do’s and Don’ts of Free Moving Box Hunting
To ensure a successful and safe box-hunting experience, keep these do’s and don’ts in mind:
- Do ask permission: Always ask for permission before taking boxes from retailers, offices, or recycling areas. Don’t take boxes without asking, and never rummage through trash without consent.
- Don’t take damaged boxes: Avoid boxes that are torn, water-damaged, or structurally unsound. Weak boxes can compromise the safety of your belongings during the move.
- Do advertise your need: Utilize online platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Nextdoor to post that you are looking for free moving boxes. Let your community know about your needs; you might be surprised by the responses.
- Don’t use dirty or smelly boxes: Refrain from using boxes that are stained, dirty, or have lingering odors, especially those that previously contained food or strong-smelling items. These can transfer unpleasant smells to your belongings.
- Do be cautious when meeting strangers: Exercise caution when picking up boxes from individuals you don’t know. If meeting someone from an online ad, bring a friend, meet in a public, well-lit area, and prioritize your safety.
- Use a moving box calculator: Before you begin collecting boxes, use a moving box calculator to estimate the number of boxes you’ll need. This helps you plan your box hunt and avoid over- or under-collecting.
Ready to Move?
Finding the right moving boxes is a crucial step in the moving process. By exploring these resources for free and cheap moving boxes, you can save money and make your move more affordable. Once you have your boxes secured, Moving.com can assist you in finding and booking reputable movers. Get moving quotes from licensed and insured moving companies in our network to ensure a smooth and reliable relocation. Best wishes for a successful move!
