Once the excitement of closing on a new house or locking down a great apartment wears off, reality sets in: Time to pack. Few tasks feel more overwhelming than boxing up your belongings in an organized fashion only to begin unpacking them a few days later. That’s where cardboard boxes come in. There isn’t anything quite as easy to fill, label, and transport as these moving staples. The downside is, they don’t come cheap–especially if you’re packing up an entire house. Rather than blowing your moving budget on boxes, try hitting up a few places around town for free boxes instead.
I’ve moved a few times myself, and let me tell you, the cost of boxes can sneak up on you. A single medium-sized moving box can run $2-$3 at a hardware store, and if you need dozens, that adds up fast. Instead of shelling out cash, I’ve learned to get creative and hunt for freebies. Here’s the deal: businesses are often happy to offload their extra boxes, and a little effort can save you a ton. Plus, reusing boxes is a small win for the environment—did you know that cardboard recycling saves about 24% of the energy needed to make new boxes? It’s a practical way to keep your move budget-friendly and eco-conscious.
Your local grocery store
Start here. Most grocery stores break down and recycle their boxes after they unload them, so give the manager a call to see if you can swing by and pick up the extras. Give them as much notice as possible: The manager may be able to time your request around the delivery schedule, which means more box inventory to choose from.
Grocery stores are a goldmine for sturdy boxes, especially for heavier items like kitchenware or books. I’ve found that smaller, local markets are often more flexible than big chains when it comes to handing out boxes. A quick tip: aim for early mornings when stock is being unpacked—around 6 or 7 a.m.—since that’s when you’re likely to find the freshest batch. Also, look for banana boxes; they’re super durable with built-in handles, perfect for moving. One thing to watch out for, though: check for food residue or stains to avoid any unwanted mess in your new place. A study from the EPA shows grocery stores generate thousands of tons of cardboard waste yearly, so you’re doing them a favor by taking some off their hands.
Liquor stores and bookstores
Both receive their products in large, durable boxes that are perfect for packing.
These spots are my go-to for high-quality boxes. Liquor stores get shipments in thick, reinforced boxes designed to hold heavy glass bottles, so they’re ideal for fragile or bulky items. Bookstores, on the other hand, have boxes built to carry stacks of heavy books, which means they can handle just about anything you throw in them. I once scored a bunch of boxes from a local bookstore that were just the right size for my vinyl record collection. Call ahead to check their stock, and don’t be shy about asking for the sturdier ones—most employees are happy to help if you’re polite. Fun fact: the average liquor store goes through hundreds of boxes a month, so your odds of snagging some are pretty good.
Coffee shops
Your local Starbucks has also been known to have extras from their shipments and may share the wealth with you if you ask the staff.
Coffee shops like Starbucks are a bit of a hidden gem for boxes. They get frequent deliveries of cups, syrups, and beans in medium-sized boxes that are great for lighter items like clothes or linens. I’ve had luck just popping in during a slow hour—say, mid-afternoon—and chatting with the baristas. They’re usually cool about setting aside a few boxes if you ask nicely. One thing I’ve noticed: these boxes sometimes have a faint coffee smell, which isn’t a dealbreaker but might not be ideal for delicate fabrics. If you’re near a smaller, independent café, give them a try too; they might have fewer boxes but be more willing to help. Reusing these boxes keeps them out of landfills, where millions of tons of cardboard end up annually, according to waste management stats.
Online classifieds
Before you throw in the towel, scroll through websites with public, peer-to-peer listings. You may get lucky.
- Craigslist
- Freecycle
- U-Haul Box Exchange
Websites like these are a lifesaver when local stores come up short. I’ve found Craigslist to be hit-or-miss, but Freecycle is great for connecting with folks who just want their boxes gone—think neighbors who recently moved. The U-Haul Box Exchange is a bit more structured; people post boxes they don’t need, and you can arrange a pickup. A pro tip: set up alerts for new listings to beat others to the punch. One downside is you might need to drive a bit to pick them up, so factor in gas costs. Still, it’s a small price to pay when you’re getting boxes for free. Data from Freecycle’s network suggests thousands of items, including boxes, are rehomed monthly, so there’s plenty out there if you’re patient.
One or more of these methods is bound to scare up some freebies for you, making your moving day not only easier, but cheaper as well. Happy packing!
With a bit of legwork, you can cut your moving costs significantly. I’ve saved upwards of $100 on boxes alone by hitting up these spots during past moves. Another perk? You’re reducing waste by giving these boxes a second life. If you’re strategic—say, combining a grocery store run with a quick stop at a liquor store—you can gather enough boxes in a single afternoon. Just make sure to inspect them for damage and reinforce weaker ones with extra tape. Moving’s stressful enough, so saving some cash and helping the planet feels like a win-win. Now go get those boxes and make your move a breeze!