If you’re getting ready to move, you may be wondering, “Where can I find moving boxes near me?” Or even better, “Where can I get free moving boxes?” Buying brand-new boxes can cost a lot and when you already have moving expenses—such as hiring movers or renting a storage unit—finding ways to save money is always smart.
For reference, a local move typically costs about $1,250, while a long-distance move of roughly 1,000 miles can cost around $4,890. With so many expenses involved, spending extra money on moving boxes is something most people want to avoid. On top of that, once the move is done, those boxes usually end up being recycled, which can make the cost feel unnecessary.
Fortunately, you don’t have to spend a lot on moving boxes. Free boxes are often available through local stores, online platforms and community groups, helping you cut down your overall moving costs. Except for a few specialty boxes made for items like TVs or mirrors, you can usually pack most of your home using free boxes.
How Much Do Moving Boxes Cost?
Based on CostHelper.com, basic moving boxes usually cost around $1 for a small box and up to $3.75 for a large box. Specialty boxes, such as wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes or mirror boxes, are priced higher. Other packing materials also add up—packing paper is about $9 per pack, glass-packing kits range from $10 to $15 per box and kitchen kits for packing dishes and glasses can cost around $102.
If you’re thinking about buying a complete moving kit, here’s a general idea of what you might pay:
- A one-bedroom apartment kit usually costs between $69 and $90 and includes about 14 to 29 boxes.
- A two-bedroom home kit typically ranges from $178 to $197 and comes with roughly 55 to 60 boxes.
- A four-bedroom home kit can cost anywhere from $311 to $404 and includes around 86 to 119 boxes.
These kits often include extra items such as packing tape, bubble wrap and markers.
Below is an estimate of what you may pay for different sizes of 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: $10 each
How Many Moving Boxes Do I Need?
As a general estimate, a studio move usually requires about $97 worth of boxes. A one-bedroom home may need around $124 worth of boxes, while a three-bedroom home can require roughly $178 worth.
To get a more accurate number, you can use a packing calculator. It takes into account details like the number of bedrooms, how many people you’re packing for and your overall packing habits.
Don’t forget about weight. Moving boxes can usually handle between 30 and 150 pounds, depending on their size and whether they are single- or double-walled. Avoid overpacking them, since too much weight can cause the boxes to tear or break.
25 Places to Find Free Moving Boxes Near You
Trying to find free moving boxes near you? Here are 25 places where you can often get them at no cost, helping you save money on your move. Good luck finding the boxes you need!
U-Haul Box Exchange
U-Haul has a Customer Connect Box Exchange that allows people to share moving supplies nationwide. You simply enter your location and use a keyword like “Free Boxes” to find someone nearby who is giving boxes away. Most listings come from people who have recently moved and want to get rid of their leftover boxes as soon as possible.
Craigslist
Craigslist is a well-known online platform where you can find many items, including free moving boxes. Check the “Free” section under the “For Sale” category, where local users often post items they want to give away. You can also create your own post to let others know you’re searching for free boxes and packing supplies.
The Freecycle Network
Freecycle is another helpful option for finding free boxes in your area. It’s a non-profit community where people give away items they no longer need. After signing up for free, you can join your local Freecycle group and post a request for free moving boxes.
Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is widely used for buying and selling items but it’s also a good place to find free items. To look for free moving boxes, search for “free boxes” and narrow the results by your location to see what’s available nearby.
Nextdoor.com
Nextdoor.com is a local community platform that can help you find free moving boxes in your neighborhood. Along with local news and services, it has a “Classifieds” section where residents often give away items for free, including boxes. If you don’t see any listings, you can post a request and neighbors may respond with available boxes.
OfferUp
OfferUp is a mobile app where people post items for sale or give them away for free. Simply search for “free boxes” to see nearby listings from people offering boxes at no cost.
Large Retailers
Large stores such as Walmart, Costco, Target and Home Depot receive daily shipments, which means they often have extra boxes. You can also try places like dollar stores, shoe stores and home supply stores, as they may be willing to give boxes away.
Pro Tip
If you stop by while shelves are being restocked, you may be able to pick up boxes right away—just be sure to ask staff for permission first.
Liquor Stores
If there’s a liquor or wine store near you, try asking the manager if they have extra boxes available. These stores receive shipments often and their boxes usually include dividers, which makes them ideal for packing fragile items like wine glasses. Larger liquor stores often have more boxes than they need, so it’s always worth asking.
Bookstores
Both big chain bookstores and small local shops usually have strong, durable boxes that work well for packing smaller items, decorations and books. Since books are heavy, these boxes are made to hold weight. You can also check with college or university bookstores, as they may have extra boxes as well.
Grocery Stores
Grocery stores, both large and small, receive frequent deliveries to keep their shelves stocked, especially for fresh items. Because of this, they usually have plenty of strong boxes that are recycled every day. When you’re shopping, try asking the manager if any boxes are available—they’re often happy to give them away.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies such as Walgreens and CVS get shipments multiple times each week. If you notice stacks of flattened boxes near the back of the store, ask an employee if you can take a few. Calling ahead to ask when their next delivery arrives can also help you get boxes at the right time.
Arts, Crafts & Hobby Stores
Stores such as Hobby Lobby, Michaels, Jo-Ann and similar shops receive frequent deliveries. They usually have boxes in different sizes, making them a good place to look whether you need small or large moving boxes.
Coffee Shops
Local coffee shops—both large chains like Starbucks and small neighborhood cafés—get regular shipments of coffee, food and supplies. These deliveries often come in small to medium boxes which work well for moving.
Bars
Like liquor stores, bars are a good place to look for free moving boxes, especially ones with dividers that are great for packing glassware. Ask staff when deliveries arrive so you can pick up boxes before they’re thrown away. Since bars have limited storage space, they usually get rid of boxes quickly. If you’re moving around a holiday, your chances may be even better, as bars often stock up for events like St. Patrick’s Day or the Super Bowl.
Restaurants
Restaurants and fast-food places receive regular supply deliveries, so they often have extra boxes available. When picking them up, make sure the boxes are clean and free from food spills to avoid unwanted odors on your belongings.
Offices
Your workplace can be a great place to find free moving boxes. Offices often receive paper deliveries in strong boxes that usually come with lids. In larger offices, you can also check the recycling area, where unused boxes are often available.
Recycling Drop-Off Points
Recycling drop-off locations can be an excellent source of free boxes. Many cities have sites where flattened cardboard is collected. If the boxes are still in good shape, you may be able to find plenty that work well for moving.
Auto Shops
Auto parts stores, repair shops and oil change centers receive regular shipments of parts and supplies. By stopping in and asking, you may be able to pick up some larger boxes from these locations.
Apartment Complexes
Apartment buildings are often a good place to find free moving boxes since people are always moving in and out. You can ask for permission to check the recycling area or speak with the leasing office to see if they have any extra boxes available.
College Dorms
At the beginning or end of the school year, college dorms see a lot of students moving in and out. During these times, it’s common to find both large and small boxes that students no longer need.
Friends and Family
One of the simplest ways to find free moving boxes is by asking friends and family. Give them a call, send a text or stop by to see if they have extra boxes from recent moves or deliveries. You can also share a post on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter or Instagram to let others know you’re looking for moving supplies.
Yard & Garage Sales
Yard and garage sales often have extra boxes on hand. Ask the seller if they’re willing to give some away. Stopping by near the end of the sale can improve your chances of getting boxes.
Neighbors Who Recently Moved
Walk around your neighborhood and keep an eye out for people who have recently moved. You may see boxes placed out for recycling—just make sure to ask before taking them. You can also ask neighbors directly, as many are happy to give away boxes they no longer need.
Schools
Local schools, including elementary, middle and high schools, often have extra boxes available. Try calling the front office to ask if they have any. The beginning of the school year is an ideal time since schools receive many book and supply deliveries in the fall.
Libraries
Libraries get frequent shipments of books and their boxes are usually sturdy enough to handle heavy items. These boxes work well for packing books, small belongings, clothes and shoes.
Other Ways to Get Boxes
Save Boxes From Your Mail
Start keeping boxes from your deliveries, such as Amazon packages or USPS Priority Mail. Instead of throwing them out, save the boxes and the packing materials inside to use for your move.
Rent Plastic Moving Boxes
If you don’t want to use cardboard boxes, you can rent plastic moving boxes from companies like BluBox-It, U-Haul or Bungo Box. These boxes are strong, reusable and made for moving. Many of these companies also offer rentals for items like moving blankets and equipment.
Buy What You Still Need from Affordable Retailers
Finding free moving supplies can take some time and certain items—like specialty boxes—aren’t always easy to get for free. If you’re unable to find everything you need, consider buying from budget-friendly retailers:
- Amazon: Offers a wide selection of moving supplies and Prime members can get free shipping.
- Walmart: Carries a variety of moving supplies, including different types of boxes.
- Home Depot: A good choice for standard boxes, specialty boxes, dish-packing kits and other packing materials.
- Staples: A convenient local option for purchasing different moving supplies.
If you don’t mind buying your supplies, these stores can cover everything you need for your move.
The Do’s & Don’ts of Finding Moving Boxes
Do Ask for Permission before Taking Boxes
Always get permission before taking boxes from stores or offices. Never take boxes without asking, as it’s not only impolite but may also be against the rules. Calling ahead to check if boxes are available can save you time and an unnecessary trip.
Don’t Take Damaged Boxes
Stay away from boxes that are torn, broken or falling apart. Moving can be hard on your belongings, so strong boxes are essential. Damaged boxes won’t offer enough support to keep your items protected.
Do Advertise that you Need Free Boxes
If you’re having trouble finding free boxes, try posting on platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Nextdoor.com. Let people in your area know you’re looking for moving boxes—many may have extras from recent moves that they haven’t listed yet.
Don’t Use Dirty or Smelly Boxes
Avoid boxes that are dirty, damp or have strong odors. Boxes that once held food or other messy items can pass smells or stains onto your belongings, so it’s best not to use them.
Do be Cautious When Accepting Boxes from Strangers
If you’re getting boxes from someone you don’t know, such as through an online listing, take safety precautions. Bring a friend along and meet in a public, well-lit location to stay safe.
Use a Box Calculator to Estimate How Many Boxes you Need
Before you start collecting boxes, it helps to have a rough idea of how many you’ll need. Online tools like a moving calculator can help by asking for details such as the number of bedrooms, your lifestyle and how many people live in your home. This gives you a clearer estimate of how many boxes your move will require.
Moving soon?
A1A Moving & Storage is here to help. We’re a trusted moving company in Miami and you can get started by requesting a quote from us. Fully licensed and insured, A1A Movers makes sure your move is handled with care.
Best of luck and happy moving!