31 Places to Get Free Boxes for Moving

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Discover ways to get free boxes for your move and start packing up your old home

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IN THIS ARTICLE

1 Craigslist

2 Freecycle

3 Nextdoor

4 U-Haul Box Exchange

5 Facebook Marketplace

6 OfferUp app

7 BuyNothing app

8 Liquor stores

9 Bars

10 Post office

11 Pharmacies

12 Grocery stores

13 Furniture stores

14 Recycling centers

15 Bookstores and libraries

16 Coffee shops

17 Restaurants

18 Hobby shops

19 Auto mechanics

20 Banks

21 Large retail stores

22 Local schools

23 Local offices

24 Local universities

25 Apartments

26 Yard sales

27 Old delivery boxes

28 New neighbors

29 Your workplace

30 Family and friends

31 Social media followers

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Co-authored by Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: May 15, 2024 Fact Checked

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From liquor stores and pharmacies to classified sites and apps, there are tons of places to get free boxes for an upcoming move: the key is knowing where to look. We’ll cover 32 of the best places to get free cardboard boxes, so you can be stocked up when it’s time to start packing.

Where is the best place to get free cardboard boxes?

Liquor stores, grocery stores, pharmacies, retail stores, bookstores, restaurants, and coffee shops are all great places to get free cardboard boxes for your upcoming move. Online resources like Craigslist, Nextdoor, Freecycle, and Facebook Marketplace can also be helpful places to check.

Steps

1

Craigslist

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1. 
   Check the “free” section on Craigslist. Enter “boxes” or a similar search term and see what comes up. Locals sometimes post classifieds aiming to get rid of the leftover cardboard boxes that are taking up space around their homes. If you spot a promising ad, follow the provided instructions on the listing to organize a pick-up.

   • For extra safety, bring someone with you to pick up the boxes. If you head over by yourself, let someone know where you’re going before you head out.
   • If you can’t find any listings, look here for another Craigslist site that’s relatively close to you.
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2

Freecycle

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1. 
   Search “boxes” on Freecycle and see what comes up. Freecycle is a site that allows locals to advertise items they’re giving away for free (or items that they’re on the lookout for). See if anyone is offering free boxes in your area; if not, make a “wanted” post requesting the type of cardboard boxes you’re looking for.

   • If you have a specific type of box in mind, it might be worth making a “wanted” post.

3

Nextdoor

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1. 
   Browse the “For Sale & Free” portion of Nextdoor. Nextdoor is a platform designed to connect local neighborhoods. Check out the “For Sale & Free” page on Nextdoor to see what people are offering in your area, using the search bar to narrow the results down. You can also make a post on the platform requesting any unused/unwanted cardboard boxes from people in the area.
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4

U-Haul Box Exchange

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1. 
   Search your location on U-Haul’s site for free box listings. The U-Haul Box Exchange is a service designed to connect people in need of free moving boxes. Enter your state or zip code to see if anyone in your area has boxes to spare, or make a post requesting some supplies.

   • Not a ton of people use U-Haul Box Exchange, so it might be hard to find someone in your area (unless you live in a major city). It’s still worth a shot to check, though!

5

Facebook Marketplace

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1. 
   Search “free boxes” within your zip code. Head to Facebook Marketplace and type “moving boxes free” or something similar into the search bar and filter your location. Hopefully, some people nearby (or a few towns over) will have some extra boxes on hand that you can pick up.
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6

OfferUp app

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1. 
   Set the max price limit to “$0” and search for “boxes.” OfferUp is a platform that lets users sell their used items, ranging from cars and appliances to clothing and moving boxes. On the app or website, search for “moving boxes” and set the max price limit to $0. Hopefully, some people are offering free cardboard boxes in your area; if not, they may be more reasonably priced than the boxes you’d buy from a large retail store.

   • OfferUp is available on both the App Store and Google Play store.

7

BuyNothing app

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1. 
   Submit an “Ask” post on BuyNothing requesting cardboard boxes. BuyNothing, in its own words, is a “global gift economy network” that allows users to give away and obtain items entirely for free. While you can search the platform for free boxes, it might be easier to make an “Ask” post requesting the specific types of boxes you’re looking for.

   • If you end up finding a post offering cardboard boxes for free, drop a comment to let the poster know you’re interested.
   • The BuyNothing app is available for both Apple and Android devices.
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8

Liquor stores

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1. 
   Liquor stores have sturdy boxes that are great for delicate items. Liquor stores are constantly receiving fragile shipments in durable boxes, making them a great spot to search. Check with a store manager or employee to get a better idea of when shipments come in, so you can stop by when they have a lot of boxes on hand.

   • Liquor store boxes often come with cardboard partitions for the bottles they shipped, making them great for packing mugs and glasses.

9

Bars

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1. 
   Bars may have extra boxes that can securely pack your fragile items. Like liquor stores, bars receive shipments in high-quality boxes that are ideal for moving. When the bar isn’t busy, check with an employee or manager to see if you’d be able to take some extra boxes off their hands at some point.
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10

Post office

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1. 
   USPS offers free shipping supplies. While they don’t offer large, moving-style boxes, USPS does offer free priority mail cardboard boxes, often in packs of 10 or 25. If you’re packing up smaller items, this could be a great resource for you.

11

Pharmacies

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1. 
   Figure out when your local pharmacy typically gets their shipments. Drug stores receive a lot of items, making them a great spot to check for free cardboard boxes. Consult an employee or manager to find out when their shipments come in, and if it would be okay for you to grab a few empty boxes when they’re done unloading.
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12

Grocery stores

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1. 
   Grocery stores are a plentiful source of cardboard boxes. Grocery stores understandably receive a lot of regular shipments for their numerous departments and aisles. Meet with a staff member at your local grocery store to confirm a good time to grab some of their leftover boxes once they’re done unloading.

   • Make sure the boxes don’t seem smelly or have any food residue in them.

13

Furniture stores

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1. 
   Furniture stores are sure to have plenty of large boxes on hand. With the large merchandise furniture stores carry, it’s safe to assume that their items are shipped in pretty large boxes. If you need some large cardboard boxes, call or visit your local furniture store to see when they usually get shipments.
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14

Recycling centers

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1. 
   People often drop off unwanted boxes at recycling centers. Does your community have a recycling center? Chances are, your fellow townsfolk may discard their unwanted boxes there. Stop by your local recycling center or drop-off point and see if there are any intact cardboard boxes you can grab.

   • Check your local or state government website to see where your nearest recycling center is, or use the search feature on Waste Management’s site (if you’re serviced by them).

15

Bookstores and libraries

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1. 
   Bookstores and libraries will likely have extra boxes. Both bookstores and libraries receive and use their fair share of boxes for shipping books. Depending on where you live, call your local library and/or bookstore and see if you could grab any boxes they’re no longer using.
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16

Coffee shops

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1. 
   Coffee shops receive frequent shipments and may have boxes to spare. Coffee shops need a lot of supplies to keep their business well-stocked (e.g., coffee filters, coffee beans, sugar, creamer, etc.), so it’s not a stretch to guess that your local coffee shop or coffee chain has some extra boxes on hand. Call them up or stop in to see if/when you could grab any leftover boxes they don’t want.

17

Restaurants

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1. 
   Restaurants have plenty of boxes from their frequent shipments. Restaurants require frequent shipments to keep their establishments well-stocked for customers. When a restaurant is less likely to be busy (e.g., in the morning or mid-afternoon), call or stop by and see if there are any empty boxes available (and more importantly, when you can pick them up).

   • All restaurants are potential hotspots for boxes, including fast-food joints and sit-down places.
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18

Hobby shops

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1. 
   Hobby shops likely have a wide variety of boxes to choose from. Are there any craft stores or hobby shops in your locale? These stores often carry a wide variety of items, which means you could have a lot of different boxes at your fingertips. Stop in or give your store a call to see what’s available.

19

Auto mechanics

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1. 
   Auto shops will likely have larger boxes from their shipments. Chances are, your local auto shop will order tools and parts to keep their business running smoothly. Call or stop by the business and see if they have any boxes ready for recycling that you can pick up.

   • Auto shops may have some pretty big boxes, depending on the repairs they’re working on.
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20

Banks

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1. 
   Banks may have leftover boxes from shipments. Banks use a lot of print advertising, which is typically shipped in sturdy boxes. Visit your local bank and see if they have any extra boxes they’re looking to recycle and ask if you can grab them.

21

Large retail stores

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1. 
   Big-box stores are sure to have leftover boxes from shipments. Do you live near a big department store, shopping mall, or strip mall? Stop by or call one of these big-box stores and see if they have any leftover cardboard boxes on hand. Some managers might be fine with you collecting some extra, unwanted boxes, especially on days the store receives a shipment.

   • Stores like Walmart, Target, Costco, and The Home Depot could be great starting points.
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22

Local schools

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1. 
   Check with local schools before school is in session. Check your local school district website to see when classes start up for kids and teens in your area. Chances are, local schools will get new supplies before the new semester officially starts, making that a great time to inquire about leftover cardboard boxes.

23

Local offices

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1. 
   Some office buildings receive lots of packages and shipments. Are there any local offices or businesses in your area? Give them a call and see when they normally get shipments in (like boxes of paper), and ask if you can take any of these leftover boxes off their hands.
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24

Local universities

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1. 
   New students may have leftover boxes after they’ve moved in. Check in with the housing office at your local colleges and universities and see if you can grab any leftover boxes they may have from students recently moving in. Confirm when your local college semesters start (August and January are good ballpark guesses), and plan to get in touch around then.

25

Apartments

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1. 
   New neighbors may have extra moving boxes after they’re settled in. If you live at or near an apartment complex, check with the leasing office and see if you can pick up some extra boxes discarded by new tenants. Moving companies are typically hired in the summer months (especially on the weekends), so keep a close eye during this period for leftover/unwanted boxes.
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26

Yard sales

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1. 
   People cleaning out their homes likely have extra boxes on hand. People often hold yard sales to get rid of clutter, which may involve using cardboard boxes to collect and sort their old items. If you see a sign for a yard sale nearby, stop by and ask the organizers if they have any extra boxes on hand that they don’t want.

27

Old delivery boxes

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1. 
   Hang onto any old Amazon, UPS, or other delivery boxes. While they aren’t always big, old delivery boxes can still be a valuable resource for your moving or packing needs. The next time you make an online purchase, hang onto the box rather than flattening it out and recycling it.
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28

New neighbors

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1. 
   People who have recently moved will have plenty of leftover boxes. Have you noticed some moving vans in your neighborhood recently? Touch base with your new neighbor and see if they have any extra cardboard boxes they’re looking to get rid of as they unpack.

   • Always ask before taking any cardboard boxes, even if they’ve left them on the curb for recycling.

29

Your workplace

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1. 
   Check in with your manager if there are any unwanted boxes. Depending on where you work, you might have some potential boxes at your disposal. When they aren’t busy, ask your boss or manager if there are any cardboard boxes up for grabs.
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30

Family and friends

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1. 
   See if your friends and loved ones have any boxes they don’t need. Maybe your friend just received a large Amazon package, or your parents have some leftover banker boxes that they aren’t using. They’d probably be happy to give you their old boxes and clear up some space in their own home.

31

Social media followers

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1. 
   Hit up your network and see if anyone local has extra boxes. Feel free to mention your general area, but don’t go into detail beyond that. If anyone replies to your query, send a DM to discuss specific details about the pick-up.

   • “Does anyone in the Detroit area have some boxes they don’t need? I’m moving soon and am in desperate need of some.”
   • “Hey Atlanta peeps! If any locals have extra boxes they don’t want, shoot me a DM. I’d be happy to take them off your hands!”
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Tips

• Be sure to get permission before grabbing any boxes you find in public, even if they look discarded. It’s always better to be polite!
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• Always inspect your cardboard boxes before packing your things with them. Don’t be afraid to pass on any boxes that seem especially smelly, dirty, or damaged.
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• If you’re having trouble finding cardboard boxes and only need a small amount, consider buying some from a big-name retailer, like Walmart or Amazon. It can also help to stock up on supplies like bubble wrap, packing paper, and packing tape.
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