We are moving soon and the question of where to get free moving boxes always becomes a number one concern as you need moving boxes in order to pack up your home or apartment.
Four years ago, my husband went to U-Haul to buy moving boxes, and I tried to hide my shock that he was spending money on cardboard moving boxes especially when I knew that we could find free moving boxes!
But, since we packed quickly, and for a move across the country, the uniform moving boxes were nice as well as the boxes and other professional moving supplies that were specially designed for things like our dishes.
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We have kept these cheap cardboard U-Haul boxes through a few more moves. We gave a few away, but stored the collapsed moving boxes under our queen bed for years now, as we move often. Because we paid for them, and know we’ll move again, we don’t want to give them away just yet!
But, many people (and stores) are not so attached to their cardboard moving boxes (thank goodness)! The following is a list of places where you can find free moving boxes.
Photo Credit: sunshinecity and everystockphoto.
Where to Get Free Moving Boxes
If you want to get free moving boxes from a store or place of business, it is recommended that you call ahead instead of just dumpster dive or loiter. You can go in store and ask for a manager who can better tell you when shipments come in and if they are willing to hold some larger cardboard boxes for you. Many are very accommodating.
One of the downsides of accumulating free moving boxes from a variety of sources is the variety of box sizes you’ll receive, which can make stacking boxes in your moving truck, trunk, or car a little more tricky. But, some of these random sized boxes may be perfect for certain objects in your home which won’t fit in more standard-sized cardboard boxes.
- Freecyle.org
- Craigslist.org
- U-Haul Box Exchange
- Facebook Community Groups
- Friends
- Family Members
- Department Stores like Walmart or Target
- Liquor Stores
- Fast Food Restaurants (frozen goods, like McDonald’s fries, come in plastic bags inside the boxes so they’re clean, and a great size)
- Grocery Stores
- Office Supply Stores
- Bookstores
- Banks or Offices (usually boxes with lids, like for reams of paper)
- Electronic Stores
- Near (or in) dumpsters in apartment complexes
- College Dorms
- Dollar Stores
How to Save Even More on Moving Costs and Have the Best Move Ever
Moving is expensive (especially if moving 1000+ miles away like we’ll be doing soon!) and free boxes can help cut down moving costs. See my post for my Top 5 Tips for Saving Money on Moving Costs.
If you want a less stressful, more organized move, subscribe below for three handy moving printables! They’ll help you find the perfect apartment, streamline the moving process, and get your full rental deposit back.
And if you need help staying organized, I highly suggest The Dating Diva’s Moving Organization Kit!
Also, be sure to check out Top Moving Tips and Tricks, and Tips for Apartment Hunting – Finding the Perfect New Apartment!
And if you are moving far away with your young kids in tow, read my post Simple Tips for Taking Road Trips with Kids.
Plus, here are 50+ Deep Cleaning Tips and Tricks in case your new home (or current home) needs a little cleaning TLC.
Where have you gotten free moving boxes from before? Where is your favorite place to get moving boxes from?
Local Movers says
moving is a bit more expansive when movers doing the packing. it’s part of their service they can offer.
LInda says
I know BoxGiver is also a good resource for free moving boxes. I got a bunch of boxes on there when I moved states. Hope this helps!
Moving Tip says
It’s a great tip, if you are planing to move soon, adopt the idea of this article and save money!