Where to Get Free Moving Boxes

Erik Scheetz • June 1, 2021

Moving is expensive, no doubt about that. From hiring professionals (a wise investment by the way!) to buying a new house, moving comes with its fair share of costs. One way to keep those costs down is to use free moving boxes, whether you head to your local grocery store, liquor store or big box store.

Here’s a list of all the places you can snag free boxes for your upcoming move.

1.    Craigslist

Your local Craigslist page should have a “Free” section, where you can find people who are giving away boxes. You’re not limited to browsing other people’s postings, however. You can speed up the process by posting your own requests.

2.    Nextdoor.com

Need boxes or other supplies? Your local online community group may have the answer. Head to Nextdoor.com to find free stuff your neighbors are giving away. While you’re there, you can scan helpful information about your area, from city news to neighborhood updates. Check the “Classifieds” section where you will find goods for sale and free give-aways.

3.    Liquor stores

Wine and liquor stores have a ton of leftover boxes they are eager to give away. They get so many shipments and they end up recycling or throwing them away if no one wants them.

4.    Friends and family

Perhaps the best way to get free boxes is to ask your friends, family and neighbors. Text them, call them or just go knock on doors. If anyone has extra boxes from recent moves or deliveries, offer to take them off their hands. Post on your social media feeds as well.

5.    Large retailers

Large big box retailers and department stores have huge amounts of boxes that their inventory comes in. Those will all go to waste if you don’t take a few!

6.    Bookstores

From small, locally-owned bookstores to large national chains to college book stores, you can get free boxes that at one time contained books, stationery and related items.

7.    Offices

Sometimes you have to look no further than your place of work for free boxes. They may be left over from reams of paper, or from office supplies. But whatever the case, ask your boss if you can take them.

8.    Recycling drop-offs

There are lots of extra boxes at recycling drop-off locations. They may be flattened corrugated cardboard, but you can always tape them back up and put them to good use.

9.    Grocery stores

Grocery stores get daily and weekly shipments on everything from fresh produce to cereal. They may have a stack of boxes at the front of the store that they encourage their shoppers to take.

10. Schools

Elementary, middle and high schools may have leftover boxes as well, from paper reams and school supplies to books and related items. Fall is the best time to check.

11. Facebook Marketplace

Check out listings on Marketplace to find people in your area giving away free boxes. Put in your geographic preference and watch all the listings pour in!

Contact Texas Best Moving and Storage

Call us for a free moving quote today in our San Antonio or Lacoste offices. If you prefer to hire us for your packing needs, we can bring the necessary supplies, including boxes, to get the job done quickly and efficiently.

Get a Free Quote

Share by: