Moving to a new place can be both exciting and stressful. Between packing, organizing, and planning the big day, there’s one thing most people forget about until the last minute — moving boxes. And let’s be honest, buying a bunch of cardboard boxes can add up quickly. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to spend money on boxes. You can find free moving boxes all around you — if you know where to look. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best places to find free moving boxes near you and give you some helpful tips to make your search easy and successful.
Ask Local Grocery and Retail Stores
Your neighborhood grocery stores, supermarkets, and retail chains get regular shipments almost every day. And these shipments come in sturdy boxes that are often thrown out or recycled. Stores like Walmart, Target, Costco, or local markets usually have tons of boxes they’re happy to give away.
Go early in the morning or in the evening when staff are restocking shelves. Just ask an employee or manager if they have any boxes you can take. Most of the time, they’ll be glad to help.
Check Out Liquor Stores
Liquor stores are one of the best places to score free boxes. The boxes used to ship wine and liquor bottles are usually small, strong, and have dividers — perfect for fragile items like glasses or kitchenware.
Visit small local liquor stores in your area. Be polite and ask if they have any empty boxes you could take. It’s common for them to break boxes down at the end of the day, so don’t hesitate to ask early.
Go to Bookstores
Bookstores, especially larger ones or local second-hand bookshops, receive and ship a lot of heavy boxes. These boxes are designed to hold weight, making them ideal for moving things like books, dishes, or canned goods.
Try calling ahead to ask if they have any extra boxes before showing up. It’ll save you time and effort.
Search on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace
Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace are goldmines for free stuff — including moving boxes. Many people give away their boxes after they’ve moved, and they’re happy to have someone take them off their hands.
Use the “Free” section on Craigslist or search “free moving boxes” on Facebook Marketplace. You can even post your own request. Just make sure to meet in a safe, public place or arrange a porch pickup.
Visit Office Supply or Electronics Stores
Places like Office Depot, Staples, Best Buy, or even your local electronics repair shop often receive large, sturdy boxes for printers, computers, or other equipment. These boxes usually come with foam or padding, which can be reused when packing fragile items.
Avoid boxes that held anything with strong chemicals or cleaning products. Always check the box for stains, smells, or damage before using it.
Try Local Schools or Libraries
Schools and libraries receive regular shipments of books, supplies, and materials — all in good-quality boxes. While not everyone thinks to check these places, they can be great sources for free moving boxes.
Talk to the front desk staff or office manager. Let them know you’re moving and ask politely if they have any spare boxes you could take.
Look Around Apartment Complexes
Apartment buildings often have shared dumpsters or recycling areas where people toss their moving boxes. If someone just moved in, there’s a good chance they left their used boxes behind. These are perfect for reuse.
Be respectful and ask the property manager if it’s okay to look through the recycling bins. Never take anything from someone’s doorstep or personal area without permission.
Check Freecycle or OfferUp
Freecycle.org and OfferUp are websites where people give away things they no longer need — for free. Boxes are commonly posted, especially during peak moving seasons like summer.
Set alerts or check often so you can be one of the first to respond when boxes become available.
Ask Your Friends, Family, or Co-Workers
Sometimes, the easiest way to get free boxes is by asking around. You might be surprised how many people have boxes sitting in their garage or attic from past deliveries or moves.
Post on your personal social media accounts or in local neighborhood groups. Even if someone doesn’t have boxes, they might know someone who does.
Visit Recycling Centers
Your local recycling center might have a designated area for reusable items — including cardboard boxes. While not all recycling centers allow this, some are more relaxed and will let you take items before they’re broken down.
Call ahead and ask if it’s okay to come by and take a few boxes. If it’s allowed, bring a pair of gloves and check each box for damage before taking it home.
Final Thoughts
Getting your hands on free moving boxes doesn’t have to be a hassle. With a little effort, you can save money and even help the environment by reusing boxes instead of buying new ones. From local stores to online communities, there are many places to find exactly what you need — for free.
So before you rush out and buy new moving boxes, take a look around your area. Ask, search, and connect — chances are, the boxes you need are just around the corner waiting for you.
Happy packing and good luck with your move!
