The Moving Site is dedicated to making the relocation process simple and affordable and that’s why we created the ultimate guide to find free moving boxes. One of the best ways to save on moving costs is to utilize free moving boxes and supplies.
Where Can I Find Free Moving Boxes?
Free moving boxes are abundant if you know where to look. When you are looking for free moving boxes try these resources:
U-Haul Customer Connect, And Take One, Leave One Bins
U-Haul is a major source for DIY and self service moving transportation. It’s an excellent place to start if you’re looking for free moving boxes. U-Haul Customer Connect is a place where people can post and share moving supplies or services and you can search for free boxes in your area. Additionally, visit the U-Haul stores in your area and ask them to direct you to the take one, leave one box bins. Customers can leave boxes after their move and if you want them they are free!
Community Websites And Marketplaces
Check community websites which often have posts of people giving away free stuff, including moving boxes. Some examples of community websites include Reddit, Nextdoor, or Freecycle. Search for free moving boxes or create a post that you’re in need of some.
Social Media Accounts
Create a post on your social media accounts that you’re in need moving boxes. Get the word out on all the platforms including Facebook, Snapchat, X, TikTok, WhatsApp, etc. Anyone local who has some boxes lying around would be happy to help and to save space in their recycling bin.
Craigslist.org
The Craigslist.org website has a free classifieds listing where you can search for free stuff in your area, including moving boxes. You can also create a post in the, “wanted” section of the classifieds to look for moving boxes.
Marketplace Apps
Check marketplace apps like the Facebook Marketplace, Letgo, or OfferUp for free or low cost moving boxes. Most apps have some sort of free or trade sections that are also worth a try.
Recycling Centers
When people throw away boxes they often take them to recycling centers. If you visit the recycling center in your area the manager might be able to point you to some clean free moving boxes that they have available before they are recycled.
Warehouse Clubs
Warehouse Club stores like Costco and Sam’s Club get thousands of boxes a month and most don’t mind to get rid them. Visit the warehouse club store in your area and inquire at customer service if they have any empty boxes that you can use for moving.
Bookstores
Bookstore boxes are made for carrying books so they are sturdy boxes made for holding a good amount of weight. Check with the manager of your local Barnes and Noble or bookstore and see if they have any free moving boxes, or if they will be getting any in soon.
Grocery or Liquor Stores
Ask customer service or the manager at your local grocery and liquor stores. Produce boxes and wine boxes are famously recycled for moving purposes and are usually pretty easy to find. Check Walmart, Safeway, and other major grocers for free moving boxes.
Retail Stores
Major retail stores get daily shipments and usually don’t mind getting rid of their old boxes from unpacking their inventory. Check with the manager or customer service counter to inquire about availability.
Ask Neighbors, Friends, and Family
Don’t forget to ask your neighbors, friends, and family members if they have any boxes laying around that you can use for moving. You may not get many boxes per person, but boxes from multiple people will add up and any boxes you do get will help save you money on your moving costs.
How Else Can I Save on Moving Boxes?
Aside from free boxes there are other ways that you may be able to save on moving boxes and supplies. Here are some other ideas on how to save:
- Downsize and reduce what you’re moving through donating or selling items. The less you need to pack, the less boxes you need.
- Use your existing empty items such as luggage, bags, pots, pans, baskets and any other empty space in your belongings to pack items that will fit inside.
- Opt for the cheaper option of plastic garbage bags for clothes and linens instead of moving boxes.
- Sell the moving boxes you do happen to get online after your move for cheap. Any money earned is money saved on your moving costs.
How Many Moving Boxes Do I Need?
The number of moving boxes that you will need can vary greatly depending on the size of your residence and the amount of fragile items that you need to pack. While there is no magic calculation to get the exact number of boxes that you will need, there are ways to estimate it. Check out our guide to estimating the number of moving boxes you will need HERE.
Things To Look Out For When Using Free Moving Boxes
Free moving boxes are usually an awesome free resource, but sometimes they could mean more trouble than they are worth. Consider these things to look out for when using free moving boxes.
- Moving boxes that have been stored for a time may have unwanted smells that can easily transfer to your belongings.
- Reused moving boxes may not be as strong after the first use and can be prone to crushing or bottoming out with multiple uses.
- Free used moving boxes can carry pests from infected households or warehouses and can transfer to your items from the boxes.
- Driving around the city to pick up free boxes does cost fuel and time which can still add to your moving costs.
To combat these issues and take advantage of free moving boxes without worry, thoroughly inspect the boxes before you use them. Do they smell funny? Is there any sign of pests, insects, or mildew? Are they extremely used up, damaged or dirty? If you answer yes to any of these, do not use those boxes.
