where to get boxes for moving
You can get moving boxes from a mix of free community sources and paid retailers, and which you choose depends on your budget, timing, and how “clean” and sturdy you want the boxes to be.
Quick Scoop: Best Places First
If you want to keep it simple, start with this order:
- Ask at local supermarkets, big-box stores, and pharmacies for their leftover shipping boxes (often free and surprisingly sturdy).
- Check online community boards (Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, Freecycle, local buy‑nothing groups) for people giving away moving boxes after their own moves.
- If you’d rather just pay and be done, go to Home Depot, Canadian Tire, IKEA, U‑Haul, or The UPS Store for standardized moving boxes and kits.
Think of it as: free first, then convenient.
Free Places to Get Moving Boxes
These options are good if you have a little time and want to save money.
- Big-box and retail stores
Ask customer service at places like Walmart, Costco, Target, Home Depot, Office Depot, or similar big-box retailers if they have spare boxes from shipments. Staff often keep them in the back and are happy to let you take some before they go to recycling.
- Grocery and discount stores
Supermarkets and discount chains receive daily deliveries and have many sturdy boxes (banana boxes are especially popular for moving). You may not get ten at once, but if you’re patient over a few days, you can collect a good stack.
- Pharmacies and convenience stores
Reddit users recommend asking places like CVS and Walgreens to set boxes aside from their deliveries so you can pick them up before they are flattened.
- Coffee shops and small businesses
Coffee shops (chains and independents) get frequent shipments and often have smaller boxes that are perfect for fragile items or books. Boutique shops, auto parts stores, and craft stores are similar: lots of regular deliveries, lots of boxes.
- Apartment complexes and recycling areas
Apartment buildings often have a constant flow of people moving in and out, so you may find broken-down moving boxes near recycling areas or can ask the building office if any residents just moved and want to get rid of boxes.
- Online community platforms
- Facebook Marketplace and local Facebook groups: people frequently list “free moving boxes – come pick up.”
* Craigslist and Freecycle: common places to find free boxes after others’ moves.
* Local forums and classifieds (like eBay Kleinanzeigen in Germany) often have free or cheap used moving boxes.
These free options are ideal for a typical apartment move if you’re okay with mixed sizes and logos on the boxes.
Where to Buy Moving Boxes (When You Want New Ones)
If you’d rather buy standardized, clean boxes and be done quickly, these are your go‑to options.
- Hardware and home-improvement stores
Chains like Home Depot and similar stores stock standard moving boxes in small, medium, and large sizes, plus specialty boxes for dishes and glassware. They are often cheap per box and consistently sized, which makes stacking easier.
- General retailers and furniture stores
Stores like IKEA sell their own moving boxes that some users prefer for price and sturdiness. Big retailers often carry bubble wrap, packing paper, and tape right next to the boxes.
- Moving companies and truck rental companies
U‑Haul sells individual boxes, moving kits, wardrobe boxes, and dish packs, and sometimes offers box-exchange programs where people give away used boxes. Moving companies may also sell professional-grade boxes and packing materials, sometimes bundled with their services.
- Shipping and packing stores
The UPS Store locations carry a variety of moving box sizes (standard, large, wardrobe, TV, electronics) plus tape, bubble wrap, and other packing supplies. Staff can help you choose the right sizes and count for your move.
- Online marketplaces
Amazon and similar platforms list bulk packs of moving boxes and entire “moving kits” delivered to your door. This works well if you don’t want to haul flat boxes home yourself.
Quick Table: Free vs Paid Box Sources
| Source | Cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supermarkets & big-box stores | [1][5]Free | Sturdy shipping boxes, steady supply, eco-friendly reuse | Random sizes, may need several visits, must ask staff |
| Pharmacies & small retailers | [7]Free | Easy to ask at the counter, regular deliveries | Limited quantity, not always available on the day |
| Online community (Facebook, Craigslist, Freecycle) | [5][7][1]Free or very cheap | Get full “sets” of used moving boxes, quick pickup after others move | Pickup logistics, condition varies |
| Home improvement stores (e.g., Home Depot) | [7][1]Paid | Standard sizes, reliable quality, easy to stack | Costs add up for large moves |
| Furniture & big retailers (e.g., IKEA) | [5]Paid | Well‑liked box designs, good value, often sturdy | Need to go in person or pay delivery |
| U‑Haul & moving companies | [2][1]Paid (sometimes free exchange) | Made for moving, specialty sizes, possible box exchange | More expensive than free/used sources |
| The UPS Store & shipping shops | [3][9]Paid | Wide variety, expert packing advice, one- stop shop | Usually pricier per box than hardware stores |
Extra Tips While You’re Box-Hunting
Borrowing a few tricks from moving pros and forum veterans can make the whole process much less stressful.
- Mix box sizes thoughtfully
Use small boxes for books and heavy items, medium for most household goods, and large only for bulky but light things like bedding. This keeps boxes liftable and protects your back.
- Label clearly on multiple sides
Movers and future‑you will thank you if you label each box with its destination room and a few key contents on the sides, not just the top.
- Have a “first night” box
Pack essentials (toiletries, a couple of plates and cups, basic tools, medication, chargers) in one clearly marked box like “OPEN FIRST” so your first night isn’t spent digging through everything.
- Don’t overpack fragile boxes
Avoid stuffing boxes with fragile items until they bulge; too much internal pressure breaks things more easily. Use crumpled paper, towels, or clothing as padding.
SEO Bits (for your post)
- Main focus keyword: where to get boxes for moving (naturally sprinkled through headings and early paragraphs).
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- Meta description example (under 160 characters):
“Wondering where to get boxes for moving? From free grocery store boxes to pro-grade supplies at UPS and U‑Haul, here’s where to find what you need fast.”
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.
TL;DR: Start with free boxes from local stores and online community posts, then fill gaps with paid moving kits from hardware stores, U‑Haul, or The UPS Store if you need specific sizes or cleaner boxes.