Where Can I Get Free Boxes?

Are you getting ready to move? Or maybe you’ve finally made the decision to declutter the house. Now, you need boxes…lots of boxes. But you really don’t want to spend your hard-earned money, so where can you get boxes for free?

To get free boxes, check with local schools, large retailers, office buildings, apartment complexes, and college dorms. Ask friends, family members, and your workplace to save empty boxes for you. Look for free boxes on online sites like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, Freecycle, and neighborhood community groups. Check local recycling centers or U-Haul Box Exchanges.

There’s no reason to break the bank on moving boxes. Put your wallet away, and try any of the following tips for getting boxes for free.

Depending on where you work, this could be a great way to get free boxes. Perhaps there’s a large delivery coming up soon. Or maybe your workplace receives frequent shipments. Let your coworkers or boss know that you’re looking for boxes.

Ask whoever receives shipments to set some boxes aside for you after they unpack deliveries. Note: If you see a stack of empty boxes hanging out, make sure to ask before taking them. (You never know if someone else has already staked their claim.)

Large retailers and big-box stores are constantly receiving shipments, which means they get tons of boxes. Visit your local Wal-Mart, Costco, Target, liquor stores, pharmacies, and similar establishments and ask them if they have any boxes to spare.

They’ll likely direct you to the rear of the store or wherever they receive their shipments and invite you to take what you need from a specific area. Depending on your timing, they may have already broken down the boxes.

If you’re willing to bring them back to life with some packing tape, scoop them up. Another option is to ask stores when they typically receive new shipments and unpack inventory. Then make a point to visit during those times to snag assembled boxes.

Look online for free boxes via Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and similar sites. Platforms like Nextdoor highlight neighborhood communities and can be a great place to post a request for free boxes. You view and post within your specific neighborhood, so you can find what you’re looking for nearby.

Other sites, like Freecycle, invite you to post or request items for free or propose a trade. Create a post on your platform of choice and turn on notifications to ensure you get timely updates. Always ensure you check user reviews and arrange safe pickup terms when getting items via online sources.

In addition to large retailers and office buildings, schools also receive lots of deliveries, often weekly. If you have kids in school, start there. If not, start with schools that you have some sort of connection to — you went there, worked there, know someone who works there, have a niece there, etc.

Otherwise, call a few nearby schools and ask them if you could possibly get some empty boxes. If they say yes, ask them how and when they prefer for you to get them. Schools usually have various security measures in place, so it’s best to let them know you’re coming.

Using these tips, you’re sure to get the boxes you need without having to buy any. But what if you’re facing a large move or you’re crunched for time?

In certain cases, you could get to the point where you still need a lot of boxes and you’ve exhausted all of your free options. If this happens, you can always purchase various types of boxes at home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s. The boxes are very sturdy, but they can add up quickly.

For example, one extra small box at Home Depot costs about $1.28. A heavy-duty extra-large box costs almost $7. Moving companies also sell boxes and moving kits, sometimes offering specials if you’re using their services. But, before you resort to opening your wallet, think outside the box (pardon the pun).

To avoid spending money on your packing efforts, get a bit creative. If you’re moving, consider loading up clothes and shoes in your suitcases, plastic garbage bags, and backpacks. Transport sheet sets inside the matching pillowcase. Tote items in laundry baskets, hampers, and trash cans.

If you’re decluttering, assess your items for various things like bins, baskets, garbage cans, etc., that you plan to donate. Use these items to hold other things you’re giving away, like dishes, books, etc. Nest small items into larger items.

For clothing, sheets, linens, and other non-breakables, put them in plastic garbage bags. The goal is to reserve your boxes for items that can’t go into bags, soft bins, or any alternative containers.

Spending money on cardboard boxes is often an unnecessary expense. You can easily acquire free boxes from friends and family, local retailers, office buildings, and schools. Visit apartment complexes or college dorms or check out your neighborhood the night before recycling pickup.

Online marketplaces and community groups are also great places to find and ask for free boxes. The earlier you start looking and the more time you have, the more likely you’ll get everything you need for free.