Find a new purpose for used cardboard boxes by using them for your next move
You can find free or inexpensive moving boxes from online marketplaces, bookstores, grocery stores, liquor stores, schools, and retail stores near you.
Boxes from bookstores work well for moving because they're sturdy and clean, and stores receive frequent shipments you can request to pick up.
Inspect used boxes for stains, smells, and pests before taking them home to ensure your belongings stay clean and protected during your move.
Hiring a local moving company helps you move all your boxes and belongings safely, so you can start settling into your new home right away.
The first step in the packing-to-move process is figuring out how you’re going to transport everything from your socks to your appliances to your new home. The straightforward answer is moving boxes, but finding free or inexpensive cardboard boxes is not so simple.
If you’re stuck on where to find moving boxes, we’ve got you covered. Let’s take a look at the top spots to snag used moving boxes.
Nowadays, you can use online marketplaces to find just about anything. When you use websites like Craigslist.com or Facebook Marketplace to search for new or used items, you’ll receive results for sale in your area.
Start your search by narrowing the distance you’re willing to travel to pick up the moving boxes. Then, filter your results to match your price range. Since moving boxes can be a hassle to store after they’ve served their purpose, you can usually find people who are willing to give them away for free.
Have you ever considered how many boxes it takes to ship books to your local bookstore? Since local and chain bookstores alike receive frequent shipments of books, they typically have plenty to recycle at the end of each week. Contact bookstores in your area to ask whether you can pick up or purchase the number of moving boxes that you need. Plus, these boxes tend to be sturdy and clean, which is perfect for moving purposes.
If you’re hoping to avoid buying new moving boxes, you can attempt to take home boxes from your local grocery store or bodega. Like bookstores, these retailers receive daily or weekly shipments in cardboard boxes and likely don’t use them after the food hits the shelves.
Ahead of your big move, talk with a grocery store manager or customer representative about reusing some of the store’s cardboard boxes. Pro tip: Ensure that the boxes are in good condition to avoid getting food smudges on your belongings.
While some liquor stores reuse cardboard boxes to help customers transport large orders, your local liquor store may be willing to part with a few. When making your request for cardboard boxes to the store’s manager, ask for boxes with lids to avoid packing spills or messes. To make your favor even easier to accept, offer to pick up the boxes before recycling day to help the store cut down on clutter.
In preparation for moving day, talk with your friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues to find someone with spare moving boxes. Start by contacting people who have recently moved or work somewhere with a connection to unused cardboard boxes. Remember to only make the request to contacts who live in your area to avoid traveling long distances to pick up the moving boxes.
Between shipments of books, paper, and various other supplies, schools go through a ton of cardboard boxes. Start by contacting the administrative office or janitorial staff at a local elementary, middle, or high school to find out whether they have extra boxes that you could use for your move. Keep in mind that you may have to schedule your pickup during school hours.
Big-box retailers are usually true to their name. Stores like Walmart, Target, Home Depot, and Office Depot receive cardboard boxes of all shapes and sizes and may be willing to give you a few used boxes from their recycling pile. If your local store can’t provide used, free boxes, you can usually buy moving boxes from the same location.
If you’ve found a local recycling drop-off spot, then you’ve hit the jackpot. Most drop-off locations accept flattened cardboard, and if you call ahead, you may be able to snag a few boxes. Don’t forget to inspect the recycled boxes for stains, pests, and smells before taking them home to use for packing.
Once you're ready for your big move, a local moving company can help you move all of your boxes. Once the truck’s unloaded, you can start settling into your new home.
I recently moved to another state and chose United Trust Van Lines after comparing several companies. Their team was punctual, professional, and extremely careful with my belongings. I was especially impressed with how they handled my home office setup and fragile items. Everything arrived on...
United Trust Van Lines, LLCShowed up on time and cleaned carpets well, but didn?t move furniture.
Voda Cleaning & Restoration of ColumbusA reliable team for moves across state. My switch to a new place needed careful lifting through tight hallways. The movers checked the doorway first, then carried heavier pieces with slow, controlled movements. Their patience helped prevent damage, and I?d choose them again.
**Would rate a 0 if i could** NEVER USE THIS COMPANY!!!!! They shattered my tv console and dresser, lost a mirror, and never finished the move. The broken furniture cost me over $600 to replace. They left me with 6+ hours of personal labor moving my 1BR apartment, when I was quoted a FULL...
All My Sons Moving & StorageI could not have moved without the help of Jen Stover! I was in my house for nearly 20 years, so the thought of clearing it out while working full time was overwhelming. Jen takes great joy in sorting and organizing while asking the hard questions with patience and compassion. Jen is...
Go and Stow Home OrganizingCouldn't have been a worse experience. 3 of my belongings were lost and 5 belongings were damaged. My furniture was clearly dragged across the ground. The movers couldn't move the furniture I paid extra heavy weight fees for so I had to help them move my own furniture. The manager gave me...
US Interstate and RailExcellent experience for me! They helped me a lot with my move. very reasonable price. Good communication with the office manager is excellent.
Goodview Moving and StorageI was concerned about my possessions safety throughout the move but Bridge View Van Lines took all necessary security measures to make sure everything arrived in mint shape I am really appreciative of their effort and commitment They made my long distance move seem simple
Bridgeview Van LinesThis moving company is the best in Columbus, Ohio! They rescued me when my movers didnâ t show up. Do not ever use Plane Movers! They never showed up for my move, claiming that I never signed the contract. They didnâ t call me to follow up, communication was awful. The people that work for...
All My Sons Moving & StorageOzie and Tyquese were great and worked fast. It was a good move
All My Sons Moving & StorageFrom average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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