Recycling cardboard boxes up to seven times saves money and reduces waste.
Jump to insightSites with local listings, like Craigslist and Freecycle, offer “curb alerts” for free boxes.
Jump to insightSocial media platforms connect you with neighbors who want to get rid of boxes.
Jump to insightStorage facilities often have boxes on Saturdays at the beginning and end of each month.
Jump to insight6 places to check for free or cheap boxes
Many stores sell boxes, but you can save a significant amount of money if you know how to find free boxes that you can reuse. Below are six places to check if you’re trying to save money on packing supplies. Don’t forget: You can often also find unused packing material at many of these locations.
» MAKE A PLAN: How much does it cost to move?
1. Local listings sites
Websites that host local listings, like Craigslist and Freecycle, offer excellent options for finding free or cheap moving boxes. On Craigslist, go to your local “For Sale” section and check under the “Free Stuff” category. You’ll see “curb alerts” posted by neighbors who have just moved and are giving away boxes. These bundles often include bubble wrap and packing paper. Sign up for notifications to be among the first to know when a new alert hits.
Freecycle, a site dedicated to keeping reusable items out of landfills, allows you to join a local group where you can find used boxes.
3. Storage facilities
Some moving and storage places sell boxes and packing supplies, but you can also find them for free. “Storage units often have a lot of boxes that people have left behind after they move out,” Aviv said. “Ask the manager if you can take some of them off their hands.”
The most popular moving days are at the end of the month, which is when most leases start and end. If you visit a storage facility on a Saturday, the day when most people schedule moves, you may be able to catch people unloading boxes that they want to get rid of.
U-Haul Customer Connect is a message board where you can search for giveaways. Plug in your ZIP code and put the keyword “boxes” in the search bar.
» MORE: How much do storage units cost?
4. Stores
“Many businesses receive shipments on a regular basis and have to break down the boxes to recycle them,” Aviv said. “See if they would be willing to give them to you for your move.” He suggests starting with grocery stores, bookstores and electronics stores.
Liquor stores, bookstores and grocery stores are great places to ask for spare boxes.
Liquor stores are a reliable source for heavy-duty boxes, and the dividers used for glass bottles can be repurposed when packing fragile items. Don’t forget to check in with big-box stores too.
A ConsumerAffairs reviewer noted that stores like Lowe’s sometimes offer special heavy-duty boxes complete with sleeves and foam padding, ideal for fragile kitchenware. Just make sure to label these boxes as “fragile” so movers handle them with care. Also, anytime you ask about a store about boxes, ask if they have any unused packing material available.
5. Schools
Schools may not be the first place you’d think of when looking for used cardboard boxes, but schools receive many deliveries — from books to paper supplies to canned goods for the cafeteria. If you know an administrator at your child’s school, ask about recycled boxes. School custodians are also often happy to let you take some boxes off their hands.
6. Recycling centers
Your local recycling center is a reliable source for used cardboard boxes. “Most cities have recycling centers where people can drop off old cardboard boxes,” Aviv said. “They usually have a section where you can take whatever you need.”
Finding free boxes: a quick reference guide
| Source | Details |
|---|---|
| Local listings sites | Craigslist and Freecycle offer curb alerts and group listings for free or cheap boxes. |
| Social groups and apps | Facebook, Nextdoor and Buy Nothing groups connect you with neighbors offering extra boxes. |
| Storage facilities | Check moving storage facilities — especially on busy Saturdays at the end of the month — for boxes people no longer need. |
| Stores | Grocery stores, bookstores, liquor stores and big-box retailers may give away boxes and unused packing material. |
| Schools | Schools receive frequent shipments and sometimes, if you ask an administrator or custodian, they may have recycled boxes available. |
| Recycling centers | Local recycling centers often have sections where you can grab used cardboard boxes. |
» CLEANING UP BEFORE MOVING? How much does junk removal cost?
FAQ
How many times can you recycle a cardboard box?
Cardboard boxes and packaging can be recycled five to seven times, according to the American Forest & Paper Association.
What can I use instead of boxes when moving?
Some companies rent reusable plastic bins for moving. They will drop off the bins at a scheduled date and pick them up when you’re done. Other alternatives might be found right in your own closet, basement or attic. Tote bags, suitcases, buckets and even wastebaskets make good moving receptacles.
What do I do with all my moving boxes when I’m done?
You can use the same local listing sites and social apps you used to find boxes to give them away again. Post a curb alert on Craigslist or in your new neighborhood’s Facebook Buy Nothing group. You can also post on the U-Haul message board to let others know you have free moving boxes available.
» NEED A DUMPSTER? How much is a dumpster rental?
How can I prepare my moving boxes for reuse?
Before reusing, make sure to remove old tape and labels. Flatten the boxes and store them in a dry place to prevent moisture damage.
What should I do if I can’t find free boxes near me?
If free boxes are scarce, check local online marketplaces or community boards. Consider asking local businesses. Some moving companies even have box rentals.
2. Social groups and apps
“With the power of social media, you can reach a lot of people quickly and easily,” Meyr Aviv, founder and CEO of iMoving, told us. “Put up a post on your local Facebook group or Nextdoor app and see if anyone has any boxes they're looking to get rid of. You may be surprised at how many people are happy to help out,” Aviv said.
If you’re not familiar with Facebook’s “Buy Nothing” groups, you might be missing out. Search for your neighborhood’s group, and consider downloading the Buy Nothing Project app. Since you should be paring down to prepare for the move, you may want to search directly for “moving boxes” and avoid the temptation of picking up more stuff from the site.