Relocating to a new home or apartment is exciting, but it often brings added costs. One of the most overlooked costs is buying boxes for packing. Many people don’t realize that there are plenty of places to find free moving boxes in excellent condition. As trusted residential movers, we help clients cut unnecessary costs while ensuring a smooth, stress-free move. If you want expert support from start to finish, including smart packing tips and reliable transportation, our team is here to help every step of the way.
Why It’s Smart to Look for Free Moving Boxes
Moving costs can pile up quickly, from truck rentals to packing supplies. Buying new moving boxes may seem minor, but the expense can reach $100 or more, depending on the size of your home. Choosing to find free packing boxes helps you save money while also reusing resources, making your move more affordable and eco-friendly. Many businesses discard perfectly usable boxes daily, and all you need to do is ask.
How Much Do Moving Boxes Cost?
If you were to buy all new moving boxes, here’s what you’d typically pay:
- Small boxes (16″ x 12″ x 12″) cost around $1–$2 each
- Medium boxes (18″ x 16″ x 18″) typically cost between $2 and $3.
- Large boxes (24″ x 18″ x 18″) usually range from $3 to $4.
- Specialty boxes, such as wardrobe or dish boxes, may cost $10 or more each.
While each box may not be expensive on its own, the total cost can add up fast. A small move could require 30–50 boxes, making free alternatives well worth the effort.
How Many Moving Boxes Do You Need?
The number of boxes you’ll need depends on the size of your home and how much stuff you own. On average:
- Studio or 1-bedroom: 20–30 boxes
- 2-bedroom: 40–60 boxes
- 3-bedroom: 60–80 boxes
- 4-bedroom or more: 80–100+ boxes
Be sure to use a mix of box sizes. Small boxes work well for heavy items such as books and tools, while larger boxes are ideal for clothing, linens, and other lightweight belongings.
Top 25 Places to Get Free Moving Boxes
You’ll be surprised how many businesses and individuals are happy to give away their used boxes. Here are 25 reliable places to check:
1. Facebook Marketplace
This site is among the top places to find free moving boxes. Simply search for “free moving boxes near me” and filter by date to find current listings. After a move, many people offer their gently used boxes for free. Be quick, free listings get picked up fast!
2. Craigslist (Free Section)
Craigslist’s “Free” section is a goldmine for moving supplies. Look under the “For Sale” category, then click “Free.” You’ll often find people listing moving boxes, bubble wrap, and packing paper. You can even post your own ad asking for donations.
3. Nextdoor App
Nextdoor connects neighbors and local communities. Post a message asking if anyone has extra moving boxes, they often do! Many people are happy to have someone take them off their hands, especially if they’ve just moved.
4. U-Haul Box Exchange
U-Haul offers an online Customer Connect program where movers give away or sell their used boxes. It’s a free tool that connects people who need moving supplies with those who want to get rid of them. It’s a win-win solution that promotes recycling.
5. Grocery Stores
Supermarkets receive dozens of shipments daily. Produce boxes are especially sturdy and clean. Go early in the morning and ask to speak to a manager, they’ll often let you take as many as you want. Chains like Walmart, Kroger, and H-E-B are good places to start.
6. Liquor Stores
Liquor boxes are sturdy and ideal for packing fragile items such as dishes and glassware. They’re built to hold heavy glass bottles, making them ideal for packing up breakables. Visit local stores and ask if they have extra boxes from recent deliveries.
7. Bookstores
Bookstores receive large shipments of heavy books. Their boxes are strong and compact, ideal for packing tools, electronics, or dishes. Check with local shops or major chains like Barnes & Noble. Staff usually have extras ready for recycling.
8. Big Box Retailers
Stores like Target, Costco, Home Depot, and Sam’s Club restock daily and throw out a huge number of boxes. Visit the customer service desk and ask if they can set some aside. Many of these locations also have designated recycling bins you can check.
9. Office Supply Stores
Staples and Office Depot often have a back room full of shipping boxes from printer paper, electronics, and office supplies. They’re clean, durable, and perfect for packing documents, kitchenware, and other small items.
10. Pharmacies
Pharmacies like CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid receive daily inventory shipments in medium-sized boxes. These boxes are great for packing clothing, shoes, or pantry items. Visit during non-peak hours and politely ask a staff member if any are available.
11. Coffee Shops
Large chains like Starbucks and smaller cafés receive regular shipments in quality boxes. These are great for lightweight items like kitchenware, pantry staples, or home decor. Try stopping by right after they’ve restocked in the morning.
12. Pet Stores
Pet supply stores like PetSmart or Petco get deliveries in strong boxes for food and products. These boxes are well-constructed and easy to stack, making them ideal for heavier items or irregular shapes.
13. Fast Food Chains
Chains like McDonald’s, Subway, and Taco Bell get bulk deliveries several times a week. The boxes used for buns and condiments are clean and strong. Visit during non-peak hours and ask the manager if they have any boxes available.
14. Recycling Centers
Recycling facilities often receive gently used cardboard boxes that haven’t been broken down yet. Call ahead to ask if they allow the public to take boxes before they’re processed. Some centers have designated areas for reuse.
15. Apartment Complexes
Check with the management office at large apartment communities. Residents often leave boxes near dumpsters or recycling bins after moving in. Some complexes even have bulletin boards where residents post free items.
16. Storage Units
People moving in or out of storage units frequently discard their packing boxes. Visit storage facilities and ask the front desk if they’ve seen any empty boxes you could use. They may also let you check around the facility.
17. Schools and Universities
Schools often get regular shipments of supplies and materials in strong, reusable boxes. Contact the school office or campus mail center and ask if you can take some boxes off their hands—they’ll often be glad to help.
18. Hotels
Hotels regularly receive deliveries of linens, toiletries, and kitchen essentials. Ask the concierge or front desk manager if you can pick up any boxes from their loading area. They often have more than they can recycle.
19. Hospitals and Clinics
Hospitals and medical centers get daily shipments in clean, well-packed boxes. While you may need to go through the administrative office for approval, many smaller clinics are happy to let you take unused boxes.
20. Auto Parts Stores
Auto stores like AutoZone or O’Reilly Auto Parts receive car parts in thick, heavy-duty boxes. These boxes are built to carry weight and work well for packing tools, garage items, or even small appliances.
21. Community Centers
Local non-profits and event venues often get deliveries in bulk boxes and need to discard them. Contact your local community center and ask if they have extras after hosting events or fundraisers.
22. Banks and Credit Unions
Financial institutions receive large volumes of paper and office supplies. These come in durable boxes, ideal for packing books or kitchenware. Visit your local branch and ask to speak with the manager.
23. Retail Strip Malls
Walk into multiple stores in a shopping plaza and ask each one. Many of them restock weekly and throw away strong boxes that could be reused. Be polite and offer to come back during off-hours to pick them up.
24. Moving Truck Rental Locations
Companies like U-Haul, Budget, and Penske often have leftover boxes from previous customers. Some even have “take a box, leave a box” bins. Ask the representative if there are any gently used boxes you can take.
25. Libraries
Libraries receive frequent deliveries of books and supplies in compact, strong boxes. They’re perfect for packing heavy or delicate items. Visit your local library and ask if they have any extras in the back.
Moving Soon? Book AFA Movers for a Smarter, Easier Move
Before you start packing, inspect each box to ensure it’s clean, dry, and sturdy. Reinforce the bottoms and corners with strong tape, and clearly label everything to stay organized. These small steps make a big difference, but nothing beats the guidance of professionals. At AFA Movers, we don’t just handle the heavy lifting. We share the best moving hacks, packing tips, and time-saving strategies to make your move efficient and stress-free. Ready to move smarter, not harder? Book AFA Movers today and let us take care of the details.
