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How to Find Cheap Moving Boxes and Save on Packing
HomeLight
Real Estate
3 days ago
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Moving costs can add up quickly, and packing supplies are another expense to plan for. Fortunately, finding cheap moving boxes doesn’t have to mean sacrificing quality or spending hours searching for deals.

You can often find free boxes through neighborhood groups, online marketplaces, and local businesses. If you’d rather buy new ones, retailers like Walmart, Home Depot, Lowe’s, and U-Haul offer affordable options.

In this guide, we’ll show you where to find low-cost and free moving boxes, how to estimate the number you’ll need, and simple ways to save on packing supplies.

Partner for a Smooth Transition

A real estate agent can’t pack your boxes, but they can make the entire move a lot smoother by helping you time everything, avoid delays, and reduce last-minute stress. Partner with an agent early for a smoother sale and move.

Find a Top Agent

Where to find free moving boxes

Before spending money on new boxes, check whether you can get some for free. People who have recently moved and businesses that receive regular deliveries often have extra cardboard boxes they’re happy to give away. Here are some good places to start.

Online marketplaces and neighborhood groups

Online communities can connect you with people nearby who have boxes they no longer need. Try these platforms:

  • Facebook Marketplace and Buy Nothing groups: Search for free moving boxes or post a request in your local community.
  • Nextdoor: Ask neighbors whether they have leftover boxes from a recent move.
  • Craigslist: Check the free section for cardboard boxes available for pickup.
  • Freecycle: Find people giving away reusable items, including packing supplies.
  • U-Haul Box Exchange: Connect with people offering used moving boxes, sometimes at no cost.

Filter listings by location and confirm availability before arranging pickup. If you’re securing boxes from several places, consider the cost of gas and your time. A nearby free bundle may be a better deal than driving across town for just a few boxes.

Local stores and businesses

Many businesses receive shipments in sturdy cardboard boxes that would otherwise be recycled. Consider asking:

  • Grocery stores and supermarkets: Produce and dry-goods boxes can work well, provided they’re clean and sturdy.
  • Liquor stores: Smaller, reinforced boxes may have dividers that are useful for packing glassware.
  • Bookstores and libraries: Book shipment boxes are often strong enough for heavier belongings.
  • Office supply stores and workplaces: Paper and supply boxes may be suitable for books, documents, and household items.
  • Furniture and appliance stores: Larger boxes can accommodate bulky, lightweight belongings.

Call ahead to ask whether boxes are available and when you can pick them up.

Friends, family, and people who recently moved

Ask friends, relatives, coworkers, and neighbors to save boxes for you. Someone who recently moved might have an entire collection to give away. You can also start saving boxes from your own deliveries several weeks before moving day.

U-Haul also offers a Take a Box, Leave a Box program at participating locations, where customers can pick up gently used boxes for free.


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