So, you’re moving. Maybe you’re heading to a new dorm, a first apartment, or across the country for a fresh start. Either way, there’s one thing you’ll need a lot of: boxes.
And not just any boxes: sturdy, affordable (ideally free) boxes that won’t collapse under the weight of your textbooks or cookware collection.
We’re here to tell you that you don’t have to spend a fortune on moving supplies. In fact, with a little digging and some asking around, you can probably gather everything you need for next to nothing.
Below are 11 easy places to check when you’re wondering where to get cheap moving boxes. We also included a tip to help lighten the load before you even start packing.
11 Places to Get Cheap (or Free) Moving Boxes
Grocery Stores
Your local grocery store gets daily deliveries. That means: lots of boxes. Just head to customer service and ask if they have any extras. Early mornings are usually your best bet before the boxes hit the recycling bin.
Our tip: Produce boxes are especially sturdy…and come with lids!
Liquor Stores
Are liquor stores a weird suggestion? Maybe. But those wine and spirits boxes are built to protect glass. That means these heavy-duty boxes are also perfect for packing your books or kitchen stuff. They won’t break easily, no matter what you’re trying to move.
Most liquor stores are happy to let you take a few if you ask.
Walmart, Target, Costco (aka Big Box Stores)
These stores restock often and break down tons of boxes daily. Costco is known for its large quantities of products (which come in big boxes). But Walmart, Target, and many other large stores carry big boxes in the back as well.
Ask someone in the back or near the loading area if they have any boxes you can take. Be polite and they’ll usually help out.
Craigslist & Facebook Marketplace
Check the “Free” section of craigslist, facebook marketplace or similar sites (even ebay). You’d be surprised how many people post moving boxes right after their own move. It’s kind of like a free moving box recycling program that saves you time and money.
After you are done moving, you can then pass the favor on by relisting them for free on the same website (but you don’t have to).
U-Haul Box Exchange
Yes, U-Haul sells boxes. But they also help people find free ones. Use their “Customer Connect” tool to find people giving away used moving boxes in your area. It’s easy, and very often, completely free.
Office Supply Stores
Places like Staples and Office Depot receive frequent shipments of printers, paper, and office supplies. Translation: lots of boxes. If you live close to one of these stores, stop by and ask if they have any clean extras you can take off their hands.
Pharmacies and Drugstores
CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid aren’t just for snacks and prescriptions. Their back rooms are often filled with shipping boxes from weekly deliveries. Ask a manager if you can grab a few before they hit the trash. Often, they’ll be happy to get rid of them.
Local Libraries or Bookstores
Book boxes are gold: they’re usually compact, strong, and designed to hold heavy stuff. If you’re lucky, your local library or indie bookstore might have some to spare. Again, if you ask nicely, they might supply you with some sturdy book boxes (that will probably even smell like fresh books).
And speaking of books…
Declutter and Get Paid Before You Pack
If we’re being 100% honest, you probably don’t need to take every book you own with you. Especially that one you’ve “been meaning to read” since 2017.
But before you haul your whole shelf across the city (or country), visit BookScouter.com. It’s a free tool that shows you which of your books still have buyback value…and where you can get the best price.
Here, you can sell what you don’t need, make a little extra cash, and enjoy having less to pack. It’s a win-win.
If you need help getting started, check out our articles (packed with information) on:
Your Workplace or Campus
If you work at an office or go to school, you may be sitting on a goldmine of free moving boxes without realizing it. It would be a shame to pass on that opportunity and travel far (or spend money) to pick up boxes from somewhere else. They might be right there within reach.
Check in with the mailroom, shipping department, or campus facilities. These are all great places where to get cheap moving boxes. Lots of incoming supplies = lots of empty boxes.
Apartment Complexes and Move-In Days
Moving season is like a box goldmine in apartment buildings and on college campuses. If you live near a big complex or student housing, keep an eye out for boxes piled near recycling bins or ask the front desk if anyone’s left extras behind.
Our tip: Move-in day is also move-out day for someone else. That means plenty of boxes up for grabs (with no shipping fees required).
Before You Start Taping…
As you can see, finding cheap (or free) moving boxes is totally doable. You just have to know where to get cheap moving boxes. Now that you know where to look, you just have to be willing to ask.
And if you use this move as a chance to declutter, you’ll save space, make money, and probably feel better about the whole process.
Happy packing! And don’t forget: the lighter the load, the easier the move.
