Updater

By Jenna Weinerman

Published Mar 3, 2015

Updated Jul 12, 2024

Moving soon? Get organized with our free moving checklist.

Name

Email(Required)

Move date

MM slash DD slash YYYY

By clicking submit, you agree to the processing of your personal information by Updater as described in our Privacy Policy and consent to receive marketing communications.

Get started

Getting ready to move and need boxes? Remember all those Amazon boxes you recycled? Wishing you’d kept them? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

Moving can be expensive, especially with the cost of new moving boxes. But fear not! We’ve compiled a list of the top places to find free moving boxes. Whether you’re searching for ‘moving boxes near me,’ ‘free moving boxes,’ or even ‘cheap moving boxes,’ this guide will help you save money and find what you need.

Start with the People You Know Best

Around The House

You might already have more boxes than you realize. Check for boxes from TVs, printers, or gaming consoles. Don’t forget about suitcases and storage bins—they can also be handy for moving.

Ask Your Friends

Reach out to friends and family. Send a text or post on social media. Someone you know might have recently moved or received a large delivery and has boxes to spare.

Ask Your Community

Neighborhood Pages

Neighborhood pages are a great resource. Post a request for free moving boxes and see who responds.

Nextdoor.com

Join Nextdoor.com and check the “classifieds” section. It’s a great place to ask for free items from your community.

Social Media

Post a request on your social media accounts. Facebook Buy Nothing Groups are especially useful for finding free boxes.

Yard Sales

Visit local yard sales. People decluttering their homes often have extra boxes they’d be happy to give away.

Explore Online Resources

Craigslist

Check the “Free Stuff” section on Craigslist. If you don’t find what you need, post in the “Wanted” section.

Freecycle

Join your local Freecycle group. It’s free and a fantastic way to connect with people in your community who might have extra boxes.

Visit Local Businesses

Grocery Stores

Grocery stores receive daily shipments and have plenty of boxes. Ask a store manager if you can take some off their hands.

Liquor Stores

Liquor stores have sturdy boxes with lids and handles, perfect for moving. Just ask an employee if they have any to spare.

Auto Supply Stores

Auto supply stores often have large boxes. They’re great for moving bigger items.

Retail Giants

Stores like Walmart, Costco, and Home Depot receive massive shipments. Ask if you can take some of their extra boxes.

Check Other Local Spaces

Recycling Centers

Recycling centers can be a goldmine for boxes. Call ahead and see if you can pick up some of their discarded boxes.

Apartment Complexes

Apartment buildings often have package centers or recycling rooms. Check with the property manager about taking some boxes.

Libraries

Libraries get regular book shipments in sturdy boxes. These are perfect for moving heavier items.

Special Mentions

Walmart Moving Boxes

Walmart is a great place to buy moving boxes if you can’t find enough free ones. They offer a variety of sizes at affordable prices.

Home Depot Moving Boxes

Home Depot also has a wide selection of moving boxes, from small to extra-large, ideal for all your packing needs.

Moving in NYC?

Finding moving boxes in NYC can be a challenge, but check out local businesses, recycling centers, and neighborhood pages for leads.

Moving doesn’t have to break the bank. By starting with people you know and exploring local resources, you can gather all the free or cheap moving boxes you need. Happy moving!

Watch Our Video

Prefer watching to reading? Check out our video below to see some of our favorite places to snag free boxes.

Jenna Weinerman

Jenna is Updater’s Head of Marketing and a published ReloTech expert. She’s an endless seeker of knowledge, a lover of craft brews, and a huge Philadelphia sports fan. Follow her on Twitter here.