Moving can be an expensive endeavor. From hiring movers to setting up your new home, costs can quickly add up. One often overlooked expense is moving boxes. Purchasing brand new boxes can put a dent in your budget, especially when you consider that these boxes are often discarded or recycled after just one use. The good news is, finding free moving boxes is entirely possible and can significantly reduce your moving expenses. Discovering Where To Get Free Boxes is a smart way to save money and be environmentally conscious during your move.
Couple stacking boxes to illustrate cheapest way to ship boxes when moving
The Real Cost of Moving Boxes
Before diving into where to get free boxes, it’s important to understand the typical costs associated with buying new ones. While they may seem like simple cardboard, moving boxes can contribute significantly to your moving budget.
Generally, the price of moving boxes varies depending on size and type. Small boxes can start at around $1 each, while extra-large boxes can cost upwards of $3.75. Specialty boxes, such as wardrobe or mirror boxes, are even pricier, ranging from $8 to $15 or more per box. Packing supplies like tape, packing paper, and bubble wrap also add to the overall expense.
Moving kits, which include a bundle of boxes and essential supplies, offer another perspective on cost. A kit designed for a one-bedroom apartment can range from $70 to $90, while a kit for a larger four-bedroom house can easily exceed $300 to $400.
Here’s a breakdown of approximate costs for individual cardboard moving boxes:
- Small Boxes: $1 to $1.70 each
- Medium Boxes: $2.35 to $2.79 each
- Large Boxes: $3 each
- Extra-Large Boxes: $3.75 each
- Wardrobe Boxes: $8 to $12 each
- Picture Boxes: Around $10 each
These costs highlight why knowing where to get free boxes is so valuable for budget-conscious movers.
Estimating Your Box Needs
Before you start your search for where to get free boxes, it’s helpful to estimate how many boxes you’ll actually need. This will prevent you from over-collecting and ensure you have enough to pack everything securely.
The number of boxes needed depends on various factors, including the size of your home, the number of occupants, your packing style (minimalist vs. maximalist), and the volume of your belongings.
As a general guideline:
- Studio Apartment: Approximately $100 worth of boxes.
- One-Bedroom Home: Around $125 worth of boxes.
- Three-Bedroom Home: Roughly $180 worth of boxes.
For a more personalized estimate, consider using online packing calculators. These tools often take into account the number of bedrooms, household size, and packing habits to provide a more accurate box count.
Remember to consider weight limits as well. Boxes can typically hold between 30 to 150 pounds, depending on their size and construction. Avoid overpacking to prevent breakage.
Top 25 Places: Where to Get Free Boxes
Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter: where to get free boxes. Here are 25 excellent places to explore in your quest for free moving boxes:
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U-Haul Customer Connect Box Exchange
U-Haul offers a fantastic online platform called the Box Exchange. This service connects individuals looking for moving boxes with those who have recently moved and want to get rid of their used boxes. Simply enter your location and search for “Free Boxes” to find local listings. This is often a convenient and reliable source to find people giving away boxes after their move.
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Craigslist Free Section
Craigslist is a widely used online marketplace with a dedicated “Free” section. Navigate to your local Craigslist site, find the “For Sale” section, and then click on “free.” Listings are usually chronological, so check regularly. You can often find people giving away moving boxes. You can also post an ad yourself stating that you are looking for free moving boxes.
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The Freecycle Network
The Freecycle Network is a non-profit organization focused on reducing waste by connecting people who have items to give away with those who need them. Sign up for free and join your local Freecycle group. Post a request for moving boxes within the network, and you might be surprised by the responses from people in your community.
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Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is another popular online platform for local buying and selling, and it’s also a great place to search for free items. Type “free boxes” into the search bar and filter by your location. Many people list free moving boxes on Facebook Marketplace, especially after moving.
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Nextdoor
Nextdoor is a social networking service for neighborhoods. It’s a fantastic resource for local information and free items. Join your neighborhood on Nextdoor and check the “Classifieds” section for free giveaways. If you don’t see any listings for moving boxes, post a request. Neighbors often give away moving boxes after they unpack.
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OfferUp
OfferUp is a mobile-first marketplace app, similar to Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. Search for “free boxes” within the app, and you’ll find local listings from people giving away boxes. OfferUp often has a good selection of free items available in your area.
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Big Box Retailers
Large retailers, often referred to as “big-box stores,” receive daily shipments and accumulate a vast number of cardboard boxes. Stores like Walmart, Costco, Sam’s Club, Target, Home Depot, and Best Buy are excellent places to ask about obtaining free boxes. Visit when employees are stocking shelves to potentially get boxes directly. Always ask a manager for permission first.
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Liquor Stores
Liquor stores receive frequent shipments of bottled beverages, resulting in a consistent supply of sturdy cardboard boxes, often with dividers. These boxes are particularly useful for packing glassware and fragile items. Larger liquor stores are more likely to have a surplus of boxes. Don’t hesitate to ask the store manager.
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Bookstores
Bookstores, both large chains and local shops, regularly receive shipments of books, which are heavy and require strong boxes. These boxes are ideal for books, smaller items, and anything that needs extra protection. Check with college and university bookstores as well, especially during move-out periods.
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Grocery Stores
Grocery stores receive daily or weekly deliveries of produce and other goods, leading to a steady stream of cardboard boxes. Both large chains and smaller local grocers are worth checking. Speak with a store manager and let them know you’re moving and could use their extra boxes. They are often happy to give them away.
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Pharmacies
Chain pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS receive regular shipments of goods several times a week. They often have dumpsters full of flattened boxes behind their stores. Call ahead or ask inside about the best time to pick up boxes, ideally coinciding with their shipment days.
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Arts and Crafts Stores
Stores like Hobby Lobby, Michaels, and Jo-Ann Fabrics receive shipments of craft supplies in various box sizes. Whether you need large or small boxes, arts and crafts stores can be a good source. They often have a variety of box sizes available.
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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 boxes, which can be perfect for kitchen items or smaller household goods. Ask your local coffee shop about their box availability.
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Bars
Similar to liquor stores, bars receive frequent shipments of beverages and often have partitioned boxes, great for glasses. Inquire about their delivery days to get boxes before they are discarded. Bars, especially smaller ones, tend to get rid of boxes quickly due to limited storage space. Holidays known for drinking, like St. Patrick’s Day or New Year’s Eve, can be particularly fruitful times to ask.
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Restaurants
Restaurants, especially fast-food establishments, receive daily deliveries of perishable goods, resulting in a constant flow of cardboard boxes. Restaurants are a reliable source for free moving boxes. Be sure to avoid boxes with food stains or odors.
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Offices
Your workplace can be a surprisingly good source for moving boxes. Offices receive regular deliveries of paper, files, and office supplies. Paper boxes, in particular, are sturdy and often come with lids. Check with your office’s recycling room or supply area.
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Recycling Drop-off Centers
Recycling drop-off points are essentially moving box goldmines. Many cities have designated locations for recycling corrugated cardboard. If the boxes are in usable condition, you can often find a wide selection of moving boxes at these centers.
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Auto Shops
Auto parts stores, repair shops, and oil change locations receive shipments of auto parts and supplies in sturdy boxes. Inquire at local auto shops about obtaining some of their discarded boxes. They may have larger, durable boxes available.
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Apartment Complexes
Apartment complexes have a high turnover of residents, meaning people are frequently moving in and out. This makes them a potential source for free moving boxes. Check recycling bins on the property (with permission) or ask at the apartment office.
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College Dorms
College dormitories experience mass move-ins and move-outs at the beginning and end of school years. During these times, you can often find a surplus of moving boxes as students relocate. College dorms can be a good source, especially around semester breaks.
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Friends and Family
One of the easiest ways to find free boxes is to simply ask your social network. Reach out to friends, family, and acquaintances. Someone you know may have recently moved or received large deliveries and have boxes to spare. Use social media to spread the word that you are looking for moving boxes.
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Yard and Garage Sales
Yard and garage sales often involve people decluttering and getting rid of items, and they frequently have boxes on hand. Stop by local sales and ask if they are willing to part with some of their boxes. Towards the end of a sale, they may be even more inclined to give them away.
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Neighbors Who Recently Moved
Keep an eye out for new neighbors moving in. They will likely have a pile of flattened boxes they are eager to get rid of. Check curbside recycling bins (with permission) or simply ask around to see if anyone has recently moved and has boxes to give away.
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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 school front offices and inquire about any available boxes. The beginning of the school year is often the best time to check.
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Libraries
Libraries receive books in sturdy boxes designed to handle heavy weight. These boxes are excellent for packing books, smaller items, and even clothing. Libraries are another great place to inquire about free boxes.
Alternative Box Options
Beyond finding free boxes, consider these alternative options if your search for where to get free boxes comes up short or you need specific types of boxes:
Save Boxes from Mail Deliveries
Start saving boxes from your online orders and mail deliveries. Boxes from Amazon, USPS, and other retailers can be reused for moving. Also, keep the packing paper and materials that come inside these boxes.
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. Renting is a convenient option if you prefer uniform, sturdy boxes and want to avoid disposal after your move.
Purchase Boxes When Necessary
If free and recycled options aren’t sufficient, or you require specialty boxes, purchase what you need from retailers. Amazon, Walmart, Home Depot, Staples, and U-Haul all sell moving boxes and supplies. Purchasing ensures you get the sizes and types of boxes you need, especially for fragile or valuable items.
Moving Box Hunting: Dos and Don’ts
To maximize your success in finding where to get free boxes and ensure a smooth box-acquiring process, keep these dos and don’ts in mind:
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Do Ask Permission First: Always ask for permission before taking boxes from stores, offices, or recycling bins. Never take boxes without asking, as it can be considered dishonest or even illegal. Call ahead to inquire about box availability and permission to take them.
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Don’t Take Damaged Boxes: Avoid boxes that are torn, crushed, water-damaged, or in poor condition. Weak boxes can break during your move and damage your belongings. Only use boxes that are sturdy and in good shape.
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Do Advertise Your Need: Let your community know you are looking for free moving boxes. Post on social media, community forums, and local online groups. You might be surprised how many people are willing to give away their used boxes.
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Don’t Use Dirty or Smelly Boxes: Refrain from using boxes that are dirty, stained, or have lingering odors, especially food smells. These boxes can transfer smells and stains to your belongings. Avoid boxes that have been in trash areas or show signs of contamination.
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Do Be Cautious with Strangers: Exercise caution when picking up boxes from strangers you meet online. Bring a friend with you and meet in a well-lit public place if possible. Prioritize your safety when arranging box pickups.
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Use a Box Calculator: Before you start collecting boxes, use a moving box calculator to estimate the number of boxes you’ll need. This will help you avoid collecting too many or too few boxes.
Ready to Move?
Finding where to get free boxes is a crucial step in planning a cost-effective move. By utilizing these tips and resources, you can significantly reduce your moving expenses and make your relocation more budget-friendly.
Once you’ve secured your boxes, Moving.com is here to assist with the rest of your move. Find and book reputable moving companies by getting a moving quote today. Our network includes licensed and insured movers to ensure a reliable and stress-free moving experience. Happy moving!
