Are you moving soon, and do you want to keep the budget as low as possible? Then you might wonder: “Where do I find free moving boxes near me?”
Sometimes, the seemingly most basic things are the ones too hard to find—like moving boxes. When you don’t need them, they seem to be everywhere, but finding free ones can be such a chore when you do.
Free packing boxes are helpful, whether unused or recycled, but can be difficult to secure. The good news is that various places offer free moving boxes, so you don’t have to spend a fortune on moving supplies or packaging materials.
So we’ve gathered a list of reliable places to find moving boxes at no cost to enable you to check out the details about pickup times or the nearest locations near you.
Places To Find Free Moving Boxes – Marketplace Apps
Among the popular buy-and-sell online market sites, Craigslist is an excellent resource if you need free moving boxes and are unsure where to turn.
The ‘for sale’ section is a great place to start, where you can look for listings under the ‘free’ category. You can find more on Craigslist than just moving boxes. Try looking for other packing supplies like packing paper, bubble wrap, packing peanuts, packing tape, or tape guns.
LetGo is an online marketplace for people to buy, sell and give away goods in their local area. LetGo has a free section where users can post items they want to give away completely free of charge. Check out sites like Letgo for more options.
OfferUp is another online platform worth checking. This marketplace also has a free section allowing users to give items for free. If you need moving boxes, you can easily browse through the free section on OfferUp and find people in your area offering free moving boxes.
There are also apps like OfferUp for more choices in finding free moving boxes near you.
4. Facebook Marketplace
Finding free moving boxes can be a hassle, but Facebook Marketplace offers an easy way to get the materials you need.
All you have to do is go on Facebook, click “Marketplace,” type in “Free Moving Boxes” or something similar, and you’ll be provided with listings of boxes and the ease to contact the people who listed them.
5. Facebook’s Local Buy-Sell-Trade Groups
Aside from the marketplace, local Facebook groups are also a reliable place to turn to if you want to give away or trade something you no longer need.
Create a post and ask if anyone has moving boxes—chances are, someone who recently moved will have some they can spare.
Nextdoor connects people in a particular neighborhood to one another. It can be utilized for many different things, from finding out what events are happening to asking if anyone has extra cardboard boxes available. It’s definitely worth checking out.
Places To Find Free Moving Boxes – Big-Box Retailers
If you’re looking to get some moving boxes without spending a single penny, check out your local Walmart late at night.
New shipments arrive at Walmart stores in the evening hours, usually around 10 p.m. So you can visit or call ahead after that time and ask whether they’d be willing to give them to you.
Although Costco usually recycles its cardboard boxes to pack groceries, they are willing to set aside some for people who call and request them. They will allow you to take as many boxes as you need—give them a call and see if your local Costco branch has some.
9. Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble is a great place to get free moving boxes. With their large selection of books, no doubt there are sturdy cardboard boxes that can be used for transporting heavy items when you move. As always, calling ahead is preferable.
10. Dollar Tree
Dollar Tree receives merchandise deliveries several days a week, which can mean a huge amount of free boxes for those in the know.
If you’d like to take advantage of this and get your hands on some free boxes, then call ahead and inquire if they would be willing to set aside some for you to pick up.
11. Rite Aid
If you need free moving boxes, head to your local Rite Aid. They will be more than willing to provide the shipping boxes they have.
Just be sure to call and ask them first because the availability is on a first-come, first-serve basis.
If you have a pet, then you’ve undoubtedly heard of Petco. While it’s an amazing place to get anything and everything your fur baby could ever need, you can get your hands on free moving boxes from there.
Call them in advance to ask for boxes or request they keep them on hold so you can collect them later.
The best time to visit your local Walgreens is on Tuesdays when the store receives its biggest merchandise shipments. Visit the store midday and ask a customer service rep about any available free boxes.
Of course, you may call ahead and request that they save some for you, just to be sure you’ll have your boxes prepped and ready when you arrive to pick them up.
Target is another good place to find free moving boxes. Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday mornings are the optimal times to visit the store, as Target usually receives shipments on one of these three days, and you can avoid the weekend rush.
15. Office Supply Stores
Office Depot is also a good place to find quality boxes that will keep your items safe and secure during moving. On Tuesdays, between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m., you can get fantastic deals on strong and stable boxes.
If you want to help the environment by reusing boxes, ask your local PetSmart on Tuesdays and Thursdays when they usually have the most free boxes available.
Places To Find Free Moving Boxes – Community Forums
Freecycle is an excellent website to get free moving boxes. You can join a community of people that live near you and post about things you need or want to give away, and the Freecycle community members will reach out if they can help.
Afterward, you can arrange a pickup time and location. This way, you can easily get free moving boxes near you!
18. U-Haul’s Take a Box Leave a Box Program
U-Haul offers an incredibly convenient drop-off location in its stores and many independent U-Haul dealers, allowing customers to drop off their reusable moving boxes for other customers to take for free. It encourages people to be more conscious about reusing materials.
19. U-Haul Box Exchange
If you don’t find free moving boxes through the Take A Box, Leave A Box program near your location, consider checking out the U-Haul Box Exchange. This convenient program allows users to search for free cardboard boxes available in their area.
The City-Data forums are a beneficial resource for anyone looking to move, as they provide localized insight into the area in which you’re moving.
You can ask people who moved or are planning to move about boxes or other utilities in the locale.
Reddit has a vast array of subreddits for every topic imaginable, so it isn’t surprising that there is a subreddit for moving. You can ask for tips, advice, utilities, and moving boxes from others in the subreddit, and the community will be more than happy to help.
Places To Find Free Moving Boxes – Grocery Stores
Kroger often has boxes available free of charge. These are typically grocery boxes with lids, making them perfect for packing your belongings while moving.
23. Fred Meyer
You can also go to the nearest Fred Meyer and ask for free moving boxes. They might have something for you.
24. Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s is worth a visit if you’re looking for boxes. The best time to get boxes from this store is early morning when their shipments arrive and supplies are restocked: that’s when their boxes are empty.
At Safeway, if you get there early in the morning, you will have the best chance of getting free boxes. The store typically receives its shipment of boxes between 4 and 5 a.m., so arriving at 8 a.m. is ideal for securing your free supply.
26. Whole Foods
Whole Foods is another option if you’re looking to get boxes. The best time to do so is early in the morning. This way, you can ensure you can secure some boxes before they are compacted for recycling.
Albertsons is a well-known food and drug retail store across the U.S. With over 2,200 stores across 34 states, you are sure to find one near you—simply call them and ask if they have boxes lying around and ask whether they’d be willing to give them to you.
WinCo is a huge supermarket chain with 135 locations throughout the United States. As such, it needs constant deliveries to ensure the shelves are stocked so plenty of boxes are lying around. Don’t hesitate to call the shop manager via phone or talk to them in person to ask whether they would be willing to give you any boxes.
Places To Find Free Moving Boxes – Shipping Services
If you’re planning a move to a new home, it’s wise to take advantage of the free boxes available on USPS.com. Packs of 1-5, 10, and 25 cartons are available for free. Simply select the size you want and order them. They’ll be delivered in 5–7 business days.
Places To Find Free Moving Boxes – Restaurants
Like all businesses, McDonald’s receives multiple shipments to ensure they are well stocked. Among these supplies are fry boxes which contain the french fries we all know and love. These are high quality and heavy duty because they must ensure the fries are protected and fresh—making them perfect for moving boxes.
So simply call your nearest branch and request that they keep the boxes instead of disposing of them so you can take them off their hands.
Starbucks receives shipments every other day, beginning on Monday nights. So the best way to ensure you get access to those shipment boxes is to call the morning after delivery.
Places To Find Free Moving Boxes – Auto Parts Stores
32. Auto Zone
This American auto parts retailer company that deals with vehicle spare parts and other accessories is yet another good option for free boxes. Not everyone has access, but if you do, consider calling AutoZone to see if they can give boxes for free.
Checker deals with automotive parts and accessories; surprisingly, they offer free boxes. Simply inquire at the nearby store; they will gladly give you their unneeded boxes.
Like Checker and Auto Zone, you can also find free moving boxes near you at O’Reilly’s. Call ahead or simply drop by an O’Reilly’s branch to ask.
Advance is an auto parts store that may give you spare boxes. They have equipment and supplies that come in resilient boxes to ensure safety. So it’s worth a shot to call them and ask if they have any spare boxes they could give you.
36. Gas Station Convenience Stores
Gas stations are often a great place to find boxes for whatever you need. Just search for gas stations near you and contact them.
37. Liquor Stores
If you’re looking for sturdy and reliable boxes for moving or storing items, your local liquor store is a place worth considering.
38. Garage Sales or Yard Sales
Many individuals take their belongings to garage and yard sales in boxes, where they can be sold. Once customers have purchased the items, the sellers are left with empty boxes. If there are yard sales near you, it won’t hurt to check them out.
Places To Find Free Moving Boxes – Home Supply Stores
39. Bath and Body Works
Bath and Body Works is an excellent option if you want free boxes for moving. All supply stores have a consistent delivery schedule to ensure stable output. That means they have plenty of boxes that you can ask them for, and they are most likely to give them away for free.
If anyone has free boxes, it’s IKEA. Dealing with furniture of all sizes, appliances, decorations, and other stuff, you’re sure to find a box of every size that could fit everything in your house.
Call your nearest branch and ask for available boxes you could take off their hands—it’s that simple.
41. Bed Bath & Beyond
Bed Bath & Beyond stores have a steady supply of boxes in different sizes that can be used for various purposes. Depending on what you’re storing, you might find the right size of boxes here.
42. Recycling Centers
When finding boxes for your next move or a project around the house, consider checking out your local cardboard recycling center and asking if they have any gently used boxes available.
Places To Find Free Moving Boxes – Others
43. Friends and Family
If you’re looking for free boxes, don’t forget your own circle. Chances are, some of your family and friends have cardboard boxes they’re no longer using.
44. Your Workplace
Your workplace can be an excellent source of getting some free moving boxes. Offices need bulk supplies, which come in big boxes that usually go to waste. So don’t hesitate to ask your manager or the procurement department for free boxes.
45. Apartment Complexes
Checking apartment complexes is another wise option when searching for boxes. How? You might be wondering—since people are moving in and out of apartments, there is a good chance that the complex will have moving boxes that you can take off their hands.
Useful Tips On Getting Free Moving Boxes
Free moving boxes can help you save money, but finding them can be tricky. After all, you’re not the only person needing free boxes. That said, calling before visiting a store or supermarket in your area that may have extra boxes is essential.
Some places may focus on collections and donations and provide thicker, sturdier boxes. Check the box quality and only take those in good condition for your belongings. And if all else fails, buying your boxes is always the last viable option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Free Moving Boxes Near Me
How Can I Get a Free Box?
You can get free boxes from many places; you just need to know where to look and the tips for scoring these boxes at no cost. You can check out Craigslist, Kroger, Facebook Marketplaces, and retail stores for free boxes.
Does Walmart Give Free Moving Boxes?
Walmart offers various items, including free moving boxes. After 10 p.m., Walmart unloads its new shipments, making a lot of empty, free boxes available for those who want some.
Can You Get Free Boxes From Lowes?
Unfortunately, you can’t get free boxes from Lowes. They sell moving boxes in different box sizes, from extra small to extra large boxes, and for different purposes, such as wardrobe boxes, file boxes, and bankers boxes, with prices ranging from $1.50 to $25.
What Can I Use Instead of Boxes for Moving?
There are multiple alternatives for moving boxes, such as suitcases, hampers, big backpacks, moving blankets, curtains, table cloths, or, for books, twine or string. You can also use garbage bags or reusable grocery bags.
Conclusion – Free Moving Boxes Near Me
Call ahead to check the boxes’ availability and related policies. Aside from money, doing so would save you time lest they don’t have the type of boxes you need or they have fixed schedules for unpacking products and giving away boxes.
Lastly, after you have finished moving, recycle. You can list your free boxes on bulletin boards or social media or drop them off at recycling centers. This move is not only environmentally friendly but also a way of paying it forward to others who may need it.
- 25 Interesting Places To Find Free Stuff Near Me – Save More Money!
- How To Get Free Internet: 15 Easy Ways To Connect Yourself Online
Founder of Spark Nomad, Radical FIRE, Journalist
Expertise: Personal finance and travel content
Education: Bachelor of Economics at Radboud University, Master in Finance at Radboud University, Minor in Economics at Chapman University.
Over 200 articles, essays, and short stories published across the web.
Experience: Marjolein Dilven is a journalist and founder of Spark Nomad, a travel platform, and Radical FIRE, a personal finance platform. Marjolein has a finance and economics background with a master’s in Finance. She has quit her job to travel the world, documenting her travels on Spark Nomad to help people plan their travels. Marjolein Dilven has written for publications like MSN, Associated Press, CNBC, Town News syndicate, and more.