Moving? Need boxes? Don’t buy them — you can get everything you need for free if you know where to look!
Moving stinks. It just does. And did you know a three bedroom home needs 80+ boxes? At $2-$4 each that is up to $320 just on cardboard before you have packed a single thing. Hard pass. Here are 15 places to get every box you need for free before your next move.
15 Places to Get Free Moving Boxes
1. Big Box Retailers
Walmart, Target, Home Depot — they all get massive shipments constantly and most are happy to give away the boxes. Just ask the store manager or anyone in the back. Go early in the morning right after a delivery for the best selection.
2. Liquor Stores
This is actually my favorite tip. Liquor stores get regular bottle shipments and those boxes are PERFECT for moving. Divided compartments make them ideal for glasses, vases, and anything fragile. Sturdy, free, and most stores are happy to get rid of them.
3. Grocery Stores
Supermarkets get deliveries multiple times a week and always have empty boxes in the back. Ask at the customer service desk or find someone in the produce section — banana boxes are especially good for moving because they are the perfect size and incredibly sturdy.
4. Facebook Marketplace and Local Groups
This is one of the best places to find free moving boxes. People who just moved always want to get rid of boxes fast. Post in your local Facebook group asking if anyone has boxes — you will have more than you need within a day. Also check the Free section of Facebook Marketplace regularly.
5. Nextdoor App
Nextdoor is basically Facebook for your neighborhood and it is one of the fastest ways to find free moving boxes. Post a request and neighbors who just moved will respond within hours. Hyper local and incredibly fast.
6. Craigslist Free Section
People list free moving boxes on Craigslist constantly — especially in the free section. Search “moving boxes” and you will almost always find someone nearby trying to get rid of a whole stack. First come first served so move fast when you see a good listing.
7. Freecycle
Freecycle is an online community dedicated entirely to giving and getting free stuff. Search your local group for boxes or post a request — someone in your area almost certainly has a stack they want gone.
8. U-Haul Box Exchange
U-Haul has a Box Exchange program where people list their used moving boxes for free or cheap. Check their website before you buy anything — gently used moving boxes are just as good as new ones and people practically give them away just to clear space.
9. Friends and Family
Always ask before you do anything else. If anyone you know has moved recently they probably still have a pile of boxes sitting in their garage. One Facebook post asking your friends and you might have everything you need in an hour.
10. Recycling Centers
Your local recycling center almost always has stacks of cardboard boxes. Drop by and ask — most are happy to let you take what you need before it gets processed. Go on a weekday morning for the best selection.
11. Office Supply Stores
Staples and Office Depot receive regular shipments and often have boxes available. Ask at the shipping counter — they may not advertise it but they almost always have extras they are happy to give away.
12. Used Bookstores
Bookstores get shipments of books regularly and those boxes are great for — you guessed it — books. Heavy and compact. Stop in and ask if they have any empties after a delivery day.
13. Apartment Complex Management Offices
People move in and out of apartments constantly. Check with your management office — they often collect boxes left by previous tenants or have received recent appliance deliveries with great boxes. Worth a five minute conversation.
14. Local Businesses
Any business that receives regular shipments — clothing boutiques, pet stores, hardware stores — has boxes to spare. Just walk in and ask. Most will say yes immediately just to save themselves the trouble of breaking them down.
15. Storage Facilities
Storage unit renters often leave boxes behind or have extras they want to get rid of. Check with the facility office — some actually collect them and make them available for free.
Tips for Getting the Best Free Boxes
- Go early in the morning — stores restock overnight and boxes pile up before opening. Get there early before they break them down for recycling
- Start collecting early — give yourself 2-3 weeks before your move to gather boxes. Don’t wait until moving week
- Inspect every box — check for moisture, stains, smells, and weak corners before you use them. A box that falls apart mid-move is worse than no box at all
- Ask for specific sizes — liquor store boxes for fragile items, banana boxes for heavy things, large retail boxes for bedding and pillows
- Be ready to pick up fast — free boxes on Facebook and Craigslist go quickly. When you see a good listing respond immediately
Once your move is done don’t throw those boxes away — pass them on! List them on Facebook or Craigslist and let someone else move for free too. And if you have kids those boxes are about to become the best toys in the house. Check out my Fun Uses for Boxes post for ideas!
Free Moving Boxes — Frequently Asked Questions
Free Moving Boxes — Your Questions Answered
Where is the best place to get free moving boxes?
Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, and Craigslist are the fastest options — people who just moved want to get rid of boxes immediately. For in-person options liquor stores and grocery stores are the most reliable because they get shipments constantly.
What kind of free boxes are best for moving?
Liquor store boxes are the best for fragile items — they have dividers and are very sturdy. Banana boxes from grocery stores are great for heavy items. Large retail boxes from places like Walmart or Target are good for lighter bulky items like bedding and pillows.
How many boxes do I need to move?
A studio apartment needs around 10-20 boxes. A one bedroom needs 20-30. A two bedroom needs 30-50. A three bedroom home needs 80+ boxes. Start collecting early and gather more than you think you need — you will always use them.
Is U-Haul Box Exchange really free?
Yes — people list boxes they want to give away for free after their move. Check the U-Haul website and search for listings in your area. Quality varies so inspect carefully before you commit to picking them up.
What should I avoid when using free boxes?
Avoid boxes with moisture damage, stains, strong smells, or weak corners. Always test the bottom of the box before packing anything heavy — press in the center and if it bows reinforce with packing tape or skip that box entirely.
Looking for more ways to save money? Check out my Money Hacks section for practical tips that save real money every day!
