Where to Get Free Moving Boxes: 21 Best Places

If you’ve had a hard time figuring out where to get free moving boxes, you’re in the right place. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best places to get high-quality moving boxes, including local businesses like grocery stores, online community platforms such as Facebook Marketplace, and your personal network of friends and family. The biggest downside of using free boxes is that you can’t always determine their quality, which can put the safety of your belongings at risk. That’s why it’s important to inspect every box carefully for strength, cleanliness, and damage before using them.

If you want a more reliable alternative to free boxes, consider renting durable plastic moving boxes from Stack Moves. In addition to providing quality packing materials, our expert team is ready to offer personalized advice and guide you through the entire moving process if you have any questions. Don’t wait a minute longer, reserve your high-quality moving boxes in time for your upcoming move.

In this guide, we’re sharing the best places to find free moving boxes and explaining when they might not be the safest or most practical option for your move.

Where to Get Free Moving Boxes: 21 Places You Can Find Them

You may find it surprising the number of places that offer free moving boxes, provided you know where to search. To make your search easier, we’ve organized the top places to get free moving boxes into three main categories: local businesses, online community resources, and your personal network.

A. Personal Network

Your personal network is often the easiest and most reliable place to find free moving boxes because the source is someone you already know and trust. Friends, coworkers, neighbors, or family members who’ve recently moved may have boxes in good condition and are usually happy to give them away. This option also lets you ask questions about box quality and how they were used.

1. Someone Who Just Moved

Maybe you know of a friend or neighbor who recently moved to your area and is trying to figure out what to do with the boxes after moving. If they purchased their boxes from a moving company, you’ll get standard sizes intended specifically for packing up a home. Spare them the trouble of a trip to the recycling center by hauling their boxes away for your own use.

2. Your Workplace

Many workplaces receive frequent shipments of office supplies, equipment, and inventory, often in sturdy cardboard boxes. Ask your employer or facilities team if employees are allowed to take boxes from the loading dock or storage areas. You can also ask coworkers to save delivery boxes in the weeks leading up to your move for a steady supply.

3. Friends & Relatives

Friends and family members may have extra boxes stored away after past moves or recent deliveries. Because these are people you know, it’s easier to ask about box condition, cleanliness, and prior use. This makes it a convenient option for finding usable boxes without the uncertainty of sourcing them from public locations.

B. Local Businesses and Institutions

Local businesses and institutions receive frequent shipments, which means they regularly deal with leftover cardboard boxes. These locations often give boxes away simply to avoid disposal, making them a convenient option if you’re willing to ask. Box quality can vary widely, so it’s important to check for cleanliness, strength, and damage before using them.

4. Your Local Recycling Center

Recycling centers handle all sorts of materials, including cardboard, and may have boxes available if you ask. This can be a convenient option for finding boxes without visiting multiple stores. Some centers have rules, like only giving out clean cardboard, so it’s important to check first.

5. Big Box Stores

Large retailers and department stores often receive shipments in a variety of box sizes, making them a good source for free moving boxes. Stores like Walmart or Target break down boxes immediately after stocking, so inspect each box carefully before taking it. This makes it important to take your time to choose boxes that are in good shape.

6. Your Local Coffee Shop

Your favorite coffee shop could be a great place to find free boxes, especially if it’s closer to home than a box store. Between shipments of equipment, beans, and other supplies, many coffee shops have plenty of empty boxes. The next time you stop in for a latte or a large drip coffee, just ask the barista if they have any boxes you can take off their hands.

7. Grocery Stores

Most local grocery stores restock daily or at least twice weekly, leaving behind a constant supply of empty boxes. Ask the store manager if they have extra you can use. However, sizes and quality can vary, and some boxes may be damaged or wet. Try to check back regularly because it increases your chances of finding boxes that you can actually use.

8. Liquor Stores

A liquor store is even more likely to have extra sturdy boxes since they are designed to transport bottles. While these shops might not receive shipments with the frequency or volume of grocery stores, they tend to save boxes for customers to safely transport their purchases. Some stores may require you to be a customer, but it never hurts to ask.

9. Pharmacies

If you need small- or medium-sized boxes, pharmacies can be a good place to check since they often receive medical supplies in shipments that use boxes of these sizes. The boxes are usually clean and sturdy, making them ideal for packing heavier or delicate items. Many pharmacy staff are happy to give them away rather than throw them out; just ask nicely.

10. Bookstores

Like liquor stores, chain and independent bookstore locations get shipments in sturdy boxes made for supporting heavier loads without collapsing. If you have a lot of books or other heavy items like dishes to pack, bookstores could be a good option for moving boxes.

11. Office Supply and Copy Shops

Copy shops and office supply stores regularly get shipments of paper, office equipment, and even furniture like chairs. This means that they have boxes of varying sizes that may be more resilient than grocery boxes that hold lightweight produce like leafy greens. Since they’re used for dry goods, they’re also more likely to be clean.

12. Nearby Fast-Food Restaurants

Fast food restaurants constantly receive ingredient packages, so they could be a great place to get free boxes. Chances are there’s at least one near your home, and they probably have boxes to spare. As with grocery stores, the condition of boxes could be hit or miss, but with so much turnover, you can check back regularly.

13. Pet Stores & Veterinary Clinics

Pet stores regularly receive shipments of pet food, toys, and other supplies in sturdy cardboard boxes designed to hold weight without breaking. Similarly, veterinary clinics may also have boxes from deliveries of medical equipment, pet medications, or specialty products. These boxes are often clean, durable, and ideal for packing heavier or oddly shaped items. It’s best to ask the store manager or clinic staff if they have any extras available and check the boxes for damage before taking them.

14. Local Farmers’ Markets

Vendors at farmers’ markets frequently receive fresh produce in boxes built to protect items during transport, making them surprisingly strong and reusable for moving. Asking vendors politely at the end of the market day usually yields extra boxes they would otherwise recycle or discard. Be sure to inspect them for cleanliness and sturdiness, especially if you plan to use them for fragile items.

15. Schools

Aside from grocery and retail stores, you could get moving boxes for free by asking at local schools. Learning institutions may receive large deliveries of equipment, textbooks, supplies, sporting goods, canned goods for the cafeteria, and more. Speak to the office staff about any boxes sitting around that you could take off their hands.

16. Warehouses & Distribution Centers

If you know someone who works at a warehouse or distribution center, they often have access to large quantities of sturdy boxes in various sizes. Asking for spare boxes can yield high-quality options for moving. You might also be wondering whether movers provide boxes. Some moving companies do include boxes and packing supplies as part of their service, but not all do. So it’s a good idea to ask ahead of time whether boxes are included or if you’ll need to source them yourself.

C. Online & Community Resources

Online and community platforms connect you with people in your area who are giving away boxes after a move. These resources make it easy to search locally and respond quickly when boxes become available. Availability and condition can be unpredictable, but with some patience, you can often find free boxes nearby without visiting multiple stores.

17. Freecycle

If you’re not having much luck finding free moving boxes at grocery or discount stores, check out some online community groups like Freecycle. This platform aims to keep items out of landfills by encouraging members to swap and reuse items rather than dispose of them.

If the timing is right, you could find free moving boxes to pick up locally on Freecycle. You might not find as many boxes as you need or all the sizes you prefer, but you’ll get them free and reduce waste in the process.

18. Craigslist

If you can’t find anything from local stores, Craigslist is another great online option for free cardboard moving boxes. What makes Craigslist so convenient is that you can search nearby locations and check the “free stuff” section for the items you need. There’s no guarantee you’ll find free moving boxes, but the search is quick and easy, so you lose very little by simply checking in periodically.

19. Facebook Marketplace

Facebook is one of the best online marketplaces for people selling stuff, but you can also get free items (though you’ll typically need to pick them up yourself). If you want to find free moving boxes, all you have to do is search for them after selecting the “Only show free listings” filter. You’ll quickly discover any boxes being offered in your preferred pickup area.

20. Nextdoor.com

Nextdoor.com is designed to connect local groups of neighbors, who can use it to share timely information. When you create an account, you can post a message to ask about any free boxes that people don’t want anymore, or you can browse the “for sale” section. You might get lucky and locate a neighbor who has just completed a move and wants to get rid of some boxes.

21. U-Haul Box Exchange

As a U-Haul customer, you have the option to purchase moving boxes and other moving supplies like bubble wrap and packing tape. If you’re looking for cardboard boxes for free, the brand also makes it easy for customers to trade boxes.

Some locations have a “take a box, leave a box” area where you can not only find gently used boxes but also leave them for others following your move. The company website also has an exchange page where users can post offerings of heavy-duty boxes and leftover supplies to help others prepare for a move on a budget.

Are Free Cardboard Moving Boxes Worth It?

Free cardboard moving boxes can come with a few drawbacks. From questionable quality to the time investment required to procure them, there are many things you should keep in mind before you make your choice.

1. Quality concerns: Free boxes can vary widely in quality. Some may be worn, dirty, or previously damaged, which can compromise their ability to protect your belongings. Always inspect boxes before using them to avoid surprises during your move.
2. Time: Collecting free boxes can be time-consuming. You may need to visit multiple stores and markets or contact people repeatedly to gather enough boxes. This can add stress and take time away from actual packing.
3. Transportation issues: Large or oddly shaped boxes may be difficult to transport. You might need extra trips or a larger vehicle to bring them home.
4. Pest contamination risks: Used boxes can carry insects or rodents if they weren’t stored properly. Bringing these boxes into your home could lead to infestations. Check for any signs of pests before taking them.
5. Mold/mildew risks: Boxes exposed to moisture can grow mold or mildew. This can damage your belongings and create health risks. Only use boxes that are clean and completely dry.
6. Structural integrity issues: Boxes that have been used multiple times may be weak or bent. They might collapse under heavy items, putting fragile or valuable belongings at risk. Test the strength before packing heavier items.
7. Hidden costs: While the boxes themselves are free, there may be hidden costs such as gas, time spent collecting them, or replacement materials if boxes fail. Consider these when calculating the true value.
8. Movers refusing damaged boxes: Some professional movers may refuse to handle boxes that are damaged or weak. This can force you to repack or purchase new boxes at the last minute.
9. Environmental waste: While reusing boxes can reduce waste, low-quality or damaged boxes may need to be discarded quickly. This can create more waste than expected.
10. Injuries from boxes breaking: Boxes that fail during lifting or carrying can cause injuries. Broken boxes may spill contents or make lifting awkward, increasing the risk of strain or cuts.

When Not to Use Free Moving Boxes

While free moving boxes can save money, they aren’t always the safest choice for every situation. Avoid using free boxes for moving expensive items, as worn or low-quality cardboard may not provide the protection your valuables need. Similarly, electronics should never be packed in used boxes, as this increases the risk of damage during transit.

Free boxes are also risky for fragile kitchenware like glass, ceramics, or fine dishes. Weak or warped boxes can collapse under weight, and even small cracks can lead to broken items. For long-distance moves, the repeated handling and stacking of boxes makes durability crucial, so relying on used cardboard could result in torn or crushed boxes by the time you arrive.

Avoid them in rainy or winter climates, since moisture can weaken cardboard and compromise structural integrity. In these cases, investing in sturdy, clean moving boxes ensures your belongings stay safe and dry from start to finish.

Why Renting Boxes Can Be Smarter Than Searching Where to Get Free Moving Boxes

An easy alternative to sourcing for free moving boxes is to buy cheap moving boxes from retailers like Home Depot or Lowe’s. Not only are they widely available, but they also help you avoid common issues associated with using free boxes, such as inconsistent quality.

Even with these benefits, renting your moving boxes can be safer, more convenient, and often more cost-effective than buying disposable cardboard. Plastic moving boxes offer far better protection, as they can safely hold heavy items, shield fragile or valuable belongings, and stack neatly without collapsing.

Many rental companies include delivery and pickup in their packages, making the process easier and saving you time and effort. Additionally, movers looking to cut moving costs often prefer renting because it’s a less expensive way to secure high-quality boxes. Not to mention, these reusable boxes reduce waste, making your move more sustainable while keeping your belongings safe from start to finish.

Free vs Cheap Cardboard Boxes vs Rented Plastic Bins Comparison

Need Durable Moving Boxes at an Affordable Price?

Free moving boxes can be a cost-effective way to source packing materials, especially if you’re on a tight budget. However, they also carry safety and hygiene risks, which could lead to damaged or lost belongings and even injuries.

A stress-free, more reliable way to find boxes is to rent moving boxes. Renting not only provides better protection for your items, but it’s also more convenient and sustainable, eliminating the need for extra tape, padding, or trips to collect boxes. Many rental services make the process seamless, allowing you to schedule delivery and pickup in just a few minutes. Contact us today to schedule your moving boxes and make your next move safer and easier.

FAQs

Still got questions about how to choose the right option for your move? Take a look at our frequently asked questions for some quick, helpful answers. If you don’t see your question here, don’t hesitate to give us a call, and one of our expert team members will be happy to help.

When Is the Best Time to Ask for Boxes?

To increase your chances of getting free boxes, ask at the end of the day or right after a store receives a shipment. Weekdays usually work better than weekends, and being polite to the manager or staff goes a long way.

Is It Ok to Use Free Moving Boxes?

Yes, it is. Just don’t pack heavy, fragile, or valuable items in boxes you haven’t checked. Always make sure they’re clean, sturdy, and not damaged before you start filling them.

What Stores Give Away Free Moving Boxes?

Local businesses such as grocery stores, liquor stores, coffee shops, pharmacies, bookstores, and office supply stores often have extras lying around that they’re willing to give out. try to stop by around delivery or restocking times and ask politely to boost your chances.

How Many Moving Boxes Do You Need?

It depends on your home and what you’re packing. The easiest way to get an accurate estimate is by using our moving box calculator, which factors in your home size and helps you avoid over- or under-ordering boxes.