Introduction to Relocation
The process of packing all your stuff for a move can quickly take the experience from exciting to stressful... especially when you realize how many boxes you'll actually need. Having to pay for brand-new moving boxes can add up quickly. The good news? There are plenty of ways to find free moving boxes or get them at a low cost. We're here to help!
Whether you're moving across town or across the country, knowing how many boxes you'll need and where to get them can help keep costs down. You can track down the boxes you need without draining your budget with a bit of planning, some local know-how, and a couple of easy online shortcuts.
Estimating Box Needs
Before you start collecting boxes, figure out roughly how many you'll need. That way, you won't waste time chasing down more on moving day—or worse, buying them at the last minute for a premium price.
A general rule of thumb:
- Small apartments: 20–40 boxes
- Medium homes: 50–80 boxes
- Large homes: 100+ boxes
Think about the items you own. Heavy or fragile things may need smaller, sturdier boxes, while lighter items like bedding can go in bigger ones. You can also use online "moving box calculators" or call a local moving company for a quick estimate. They do this every day and can help you plan.
Where to Get Moving Boxes
If you're wondering where is the best place to get free moving boxes, the answer depends on how quickly you need them and whether you're okay with secondhand options. Here are some go-to places:
- Local businesses — grocery stores, liquor stores, and coffee shops often have sturdy delivery boxes they're happy to give away.
- Schools and libraries — they receive large shipments of books and supplies in heavy-duty boxes.
- Friends and neighbors — post a quick message on social media to see if anyone has boxes left over from their move.
Online Sources for Free Moving Boxes
The internet is one of the easiest places to find free boxes without driving all over town. Start with:
- Facebook Marketplace — search "free moving boxes" and filter by location. You'll often see people giving away used boxes after unpacking. To access Marketplace and community groups, you'll need to log into your Facebook account.
- Craigslist — check the "Free" section for listings in your area, but make sure it's not a scam! You may also have to set up an account to access listings or post your own requests for boxes.
- OfferUp & Nextdoor — both sites have local giveaways where moving supplies pop up frequently. You may need to create an account to access these listings or post your own requests.
Tip: When arranging pickup, you can click on a listing to view more details or message the poster. Pro tip: Check the condition of the boxes before you load them into your car. You'll want to avoid boxes that are damp, weak, or heavily worn.
Local Box Suppliers
If you strike out on free sources, local suppliers can still offer affordable options.
- Home improvement stores like Lowe's, Home Depot, or even Walmart carry boxes in a range of sizes, and many offer bulk-buy discounts.
- Storage facilities sometimes keep moving supplies on hand at reasonable prices.
- Moving companies also may sell boxes and packing material at a fraction of the cost of new ones.
Going this route is worth it if you're wondering is it worth buying boxes for moving—you'll get sturdy, uniform sizes that make packing and stacking easier.
Specialty Stores for Moving Boxes
If you need specific types of moving boxes or want to make sure your packing supplies are up to the task, specialty stores are a great place to start. Stores like Box City, U-Haul, and other local supply shops carry boxes for just about anything you own. From wardrobe boxes for your clothes, dish boxes for your kitchenware, to extra-sturdy boxes for electronics, you'll find exactly what you need.
Shopping at a specialty store means you can pick up all your moving supplies in one trip—boxes, packing paper, bubble wrap, and tape are usually all in stock. The boxes you'll find here are made specifically for moving, so they're built to hold up during transport and stacking. If you're not sure what size or type of box you need, staff can help you choose the right options for your stuff.
Many specialty stores also have online shopping options, so you can buy moving boxes and supplies from the comfort of your home and have them delivered right to your door. If you're looking to save money or reduce waste, check Facebook Marketplace or other online platforms for people selling used boxes or leftover moving supplies. This is a smart way to find high-quality boxes at a lower price, and it's better for the environment, too.
Community Involvement
Sometimes the best way to get free boxes is by tapping into community connections:
- Join local Facebook groups or neighborhood forums.
- Ask around at garage sales—sellers often have leftover boxes at the end of the day.
- Volunteer with local charities or non-profits; they often have an influx of boxes from donations and deliveries.
If you are unable to find free boxes through these community sources, consider purchasing new boxes or renting reusable plastic moving boxes as alternatives.
Facebook Marketplace Listings
Because it's so widely used, Facebook Marketplace deserves its own mention.
- Use search terms like "free boxes" or "used moving boxes."
- Filter your results by distance and "local pick up" so you can grab them up before someone else does.
- If possible, glance at the seller's profile or history to feel confident about the hand-off.
If you find you can't get into a specific Facebook Marketplace or a group, it might be worth reviewing the rules to see how to regain access.
Alternative Options for Packing
Try renting reusable plastic moving boxes or portable storage containers instead of buying traditional cardboard if you're trying to reduce waste during your move. This is a realtively newer option that many people may not realize is available. Reusable plastic moving boxes are tough, stack neatly, and are often made from recycled materials.
Here’s how it works: the rental company drops the plastic boxes at your door, you pack and unpack, and then they swing by to pick them up. No breaking down boxes, no pile of cardboard to deal with—just simple and eco-friendly.
Portable storage containers are another clever alternative. These containers a large enough to hold enough furniture and boxes to furnish a small home and can be dropped off in your driveway, giving you plenty of time to pack at your own pace. When you're ready, the company will pick up the container and deliver it to your new address or store it until you're ready to unpack. This is especially helpful if you need extra time or space during your move.
To find companies that offer reusable moving boxes or storage container rentals, check online or visit the website of local moving companies. Popular options like Leafy Moving Boxes and Boxbee let you choose the number and size of boxes you need, and set your rental period to match your moving schedule.
Before deciding, take a quick look at the company’s website. You should be able to check prices, read reviews, and see exactly what they offer to make sure you’re working with someone reliable.
Choosing one of these alternatives could make your move easier, greener, and maybe even save you a few dollars.
Purchasing Moving Boxes
If you can't find free boxes in time, buying can still be affordable if you know where to look.
- Buy in bulk from office supply stores or big-box retailers.
- Look for recycled or gently used boxes—many suppliers sell them at a discount.
- Watch for seasonal sales, especially during peak moving months.
So, the quick answer to where are moving boxes the cheapest: it's all about timing and knowing where the deals are!
Conclusion & Final Tips
Finding the right boxes doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. From free moving boxes on Facebook Marketplace to low-cost options at local stores, you have plenty of ways to stock up without overspending.
Here's what to remember:
- Start early so you have time to track down the best deals.
- Mix and match sources—free when you can, affordable when you must.
- Always check the condition of any used boxes before trusting them with your valuables.
With a little effort, you can get the boxes you need, keep your budget intact, and make packing one less thing to stress about.