By / OVM TEAM

Where To Get Boxes For Moving? 21 Places To Find It For Free

Moving is an expensive and stressful time. The last thing you want to do is add to that stress by spending more money than you need to on boxes and other moving supplies.

Luckily, you can get free moving boxes in plenty of places. With creativity and effort, you can easily find all the boxes you need for your move – without spending a dime.

In this blog post, we’ll share 20 places where you can get free cardboard moving boxes. These are all great places to start your search for free boxes.

21 Places To Score Free Boxes For Moving

Here is the list of places where finding free moving boxes is as easy as a walk in the park:

1. Craiglist

Our top recommendation for finding free boxes is Craigslist. People are constantly giving away boxes on Craigslist, especially in the “free” section. You can go to their website and type “free boxes near me” in the Craigslist search box.

2. Facebook Groups

Another great place to look for free moving boxes is local Facebook groups. There are often groups dedicated to giving away or selling used moving boxes. You can also try searching for “free boxes” in Facebook’s search bar or Facebook Marketplace and see what comes up.

3. Local Grocery Stores

Grocery stores are great places to get free boxes. They get shipments of produce and other goods every day, so they have many packing boxes that they’re willing to give away for free. Just ask your local grocery store manager if they have any boxes you can take.

4. Local Liquor Store

Liquor stores are usually happy to give away their sturdy cardboard boxes. They tend to be sturdier than other types of cardboard since they have to withstand the weight of bottles. Just seal the bottom of the box well so it can hold your heavier items.

5. Walmart

Walmart is always a safe bet when it comes to finding boxes. They have a large selection of different sizes and shapes and are usually willing to give them away for free. Just make sure you ask at the customer service desk before taking any.

6. Target

Target is another great place to get free moving boxes. They receive a lot of shipments and usually have plenty of empty boxes to give away. Make sure you go to the store early in the day, as free boxes run out quickly.

7. Office Supply Stores

Office supply stores are also great places to get free cardboard boxes. They receive shipments of paper and other supplies regularly, so they have a lot of boxes to give away. Just ask an employee if they have any boxes you can take.

8. U-Haul Customer Connect

U-Haul has a program called U-Haul Box Exchange, where you can find free moving boxes. Just enter your zip code on the U-Haul website, which will show you a list of locations where you can pick up free boxes.

9. Freecycle

Freecycle is an online community where people post free stuff. You can join a local Freecycle group and see if any boxes are available.

10. Local Libraries

Your local library is a great place to get free moving boxes. Libraries tend to have a lot of turnovers, so they are always looking for ways to recycle materials. Give your local library a call and see if they have any boxes you can use for your move.

11. Starbucks

Starbucks or other coffee shops is another great place to get free moving boxes. They receive shipments of coffee beans and other supplies regularly, so they have plenty of cardboard boxes to give away. Just ask an employee if they have any boxes you can take.

12. McDonald’s

Another place you can find free boxes for moving is McDonald’s. The fast-food restaurant often receives shipments of food and other supplies in large cardboard boxes that they are happy to give away for free. Just be sure to call ahead to your local location to see if they have any available.

13. Office Depot or Office Max

If you’re looking for smaller moving boxes, your best bet is to head to an office supply store like Office Depot or Office Max. These stores typically have a variety of sizes and shapes of boxes available for purchase, but they also usually have a few that they’re willing to give away for free.

14. Barnes & Noble

Another retailer that often has free boxes available is Barnes & Noble. The bookstore chain receives shipments of books and other items in large-sturdy boxes that they are happy to give away to customers who are moving.

15. Walgreens

Walgreens always has a good stock of boxes for moving. You can find them near the front of the store, often stacked up near the entrance. They have a variety of sizes, so you should be able to find something that will work for your needs.

16. Local Fast Food Restaurants

Your favourite fast food restaurant can be a great place to get moving boxes. Most fast-food restaurants receive deliveries daily and often have spare boxes that they are happy to give away. Just make sure to call ahead and ask if they have any available.

17. Pet shops

If you have a pet, chances are you’ve got a good relationship with your local pet store. They might be able to help you out with some boxes. Pet food and other pet-related items often come in large cardboard boxes that can be perfect for moving.

18. Pharmacies

Another place that you can always count on to have plenty of cardboard boxes is your local pharmacy. Pharmacies tend to receive a lot of shipments throughout the day, so they often have a surplus of cardboard boxes.

If you stop by your local pharmacy and ask, they may be more than happy to give you some of their extra boxes.

19. Community Centers

Your local community center is a great place to search for free boxes. They often have various events and need to get rid of cardboard boxes after the event is over. If your place has a local recycling center, be sure to check there as well.

20. Shoe Stores

If you need small to medium-sized cardboard boxes, your local shoe store is a great place to look. Shoes are often shipped in small or medium-sized cardboard boxes; after the shoes have been unpacked, the stores are left with a surplus of boxes.

21. Friends and Neigbours

Lastly, don’t forget to ask your friends and neighbours if they have any boxes you can use. They may have bought some stuff recently and have spare boxes lying around.

You could also try searching for garage sales in your area. People selling items often have a surplus of cardboard boxes they are happy to give away.

How Many Boxes Do A You Need For A Move?

Now that you know where to get moving boxes, you might wonder how many you need. The number of boxes you need for a move will depend on the size of your home and how much stuff you have.

On average, for a 1-bedroom house, you need 10 large and 15 medium boxes. For a 2-bedroom house, you need 15 large boxes and 25 medium boxes. For a 3-bedroom house, you need 30 large boxes and 40 medium boxes.

If you’re unsure how many boxes you need, it’s always better to overestimate and have a few extra boxes on hand, just in case.

What can I use instead of boxes for moving?

If you’re looking for an alternative to cardboard boxes, you can consider a few other options such as:

Plastic totes

Plastic totes are a great alternative to cardboard boxes. They’re durable, stackable, and easy to move around. You can often find them at your local home improvement store or online.

Duffel bags

Duffel bags are a good option for smaller items or items you want to keep together in one bag. They’re easy to carry and can be packed tightly so that everything stays in one place.

Luggage

Luggage is another option for moving smaller items. If you have a spare piece of luggage lying around, you can use it to pack up your things.

Trash bags

Trash bags can be a good option for smaller items or for items that you don’t mind getting a little dirty. Just double-bag everything so that nothing falls out during the move.

How much do cardboard boxes usually cost?

If you’re buying cardboard boxes, they usually cost between $0.50 and $2.00 per box. The price will depend on the size and type of box that you’re looking for. You can often find cheaper boxes at your local home improvement store or online. If you’re willing to buy used boxes, you can often find them for free on websites like Craigslist or Freecycle.

Moving can be a stressful time, but with a little planning and preparation, it doesn’t have to be. By knowing where to get boxes for moving and how many you need, you can make the process a lot easier. So, start packing up your things and get ready for your move.

What is the cheapest way to move?

The cheapest way to move is to do it yourself. However, if you’re not confident in your ability to move all your belongings safely, you can always hire a professional moving company like Ottawa Valley Movers. We offer competitive rates and will work with you to create a custom moving plan that fits your budget.

Ottawa Valley Movers

If you don’t want to worry about finding and packing your own boxes, we at Ottawa Valley Movers can do it all for you. We are a full-service moving company that can pack, move, and unpack your belongings for you.

We offer a wide range of moving services, such as residential, commercial, delivery, and even piano moving services. We have a team of experienced and professional movers who will take care of your belongings and ensure they are safely transported to your new home or office.

If you’re interested in our services, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We would be happy to help you with all your moving needs. For a free quote on our packing and moving services, please call us at 613-798-1116.

We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Conclusion

There you have it! Those are some of the best places to look for free moving boxes. With a little creativity and effort, you should be able to find all the boxes you need for your move. Just remember to start early and give yourself plenty of time to find boxes.

And if you find yourself short on time or just don’t want to deal with the hassle of finding and packing boxes, you can always hire a professional moving company like Ottawa Valley Movers to do it all for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long before moving should you start packing?

It’s generally a good idea to start packing at least three to four weeks before your move. This will give you plenty of time to pack everything up without feeling too overwhelmed.

Does Walmart give free boxes?

Yes, Walmart does give out free boxes. However, they only give ten boxes per customer and are only available while supplies last.

What is the best way to move heavy furniture?

The best way to move heavy furniture is to use a furniture dolly. This will make moving heavy pieces of furniture much easier without damaging your floors or injuring yourself. If you don’t have a furniture dolly or are afraid you might damage your furniture, you can always hire a professional moving company to do the heavy lifting.

Do supermarkets let you have boxes?

Yes, most supermarkets will let you take their boxes for free. However, they usually only have a limited number of boxes, so it’s best to call ahead and see if they have any available before you go.

Does Costco give free cardboard?

Yes, Costco does give out free cardboard. However, they only give a limited number of boxes per customer, and they’re only available while supplies last. You can also find free cardboard at most hardware stores or home improvement stores.

Where do I find big boxes?

You can find big boxes at most hardware stores, home improvement stores, or even some supermarkets. If you’re having trouble finding them, you can always ask a store employee for help. Other places you might find big boxes include storage facilities, office supply stores, or even online retailers.