Where To Get Moving Boxes: Free, Cheap, & Fast Options
Here’s the quick answer: The cheapest moving boxes are free ones from Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, liquor and grocery stores, and your office. For new boxes, Walmart, Home Depot, and Lowe’s usually charge about $1 to $4 per box. Amazon and Uboxes are best for delivered kits, and U-Haul refunds unused boxes with a receipt.
moveBuddha has reviewed 9,000+ moving companies. Here’s where to find free, cheap, and fast moving boxes, and how many you’ll actually need.
Why moveBuddha:
- On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before booking.
- When you choose a moveBuddha Certified mover, you get up to $1,000 in added move coverage, plus dedicated support throughout your move.
- If something goes wrong, moveBuddha provides dispute mediation with Certified movers to help resolve the issue and protect your move.
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rating
4.9 / 5
- Best overall value
- Veteran owned
- Portion to charity
rating
4.9 / 5
- Certified crews
- Flat-rate pricing
- Family-owned
Where can you buy moving boxes?
You can buy moving boxes at home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s, discount stores like Walmart, U-Haul locations, office and shipping stores, wholesale clubs, and online retailers like Amazon and Uboxes. Big-box stores are usually the cheapest for new boxes, while online sellers are best for delivered kits and specialty sizes.
| Best for | Where to look | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, Freecycle, & local stores | $0 |
| Cheap | Walmart, Home Depot, Lowe’s, & U-Haul | About $1 – $4 per box |
| Convenience | Amazon, Uboxes, & The UPS Store | About $1.50 – $4 per box, or $30 – $120 per kit |
| Eco-friendly | Used box sellers & plastic bin rentals | Varies by city |
Which stores sell moving boxes?
- Home Depot: A wide range, from small boxes to wardrobe and TV boxes, with in-store and online ordering.
- Lowe’s: Similar sizes and kits to Home Depot. See our Lowe’s moving box review.
- Walmart: Basic boxes and kits at low prices, with same-day delivery in many areas.
- U-Haul: A full range of boxes and supplies, plus a buy-back policy on unused boxes and a free Box Exchange for used ones.
- Office Depot, OfficeMax, & The UPS Store: Good for last-minute boxes and specialty sizes, at slightly higher prices.
- Wholesale clubs: Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s may carry boxes and tape in bulk, and often have free boxes near checkout.
- Your moving company: Most full-service movers sell boxes, wardrobe boxes, and dish packs.
Where can you buy moving boxes online?
- Amazon: A huge variety of multipacks and kits, with fast shipping for Prime members.
- Uboxes: Moving box kits and packing bundles, with free shipping on many orders.
- Used box sellers: Sites like UsedCardboardBoxes sell gently used boxes for less.
Buying boxes is just one cost. See what your whole move will cost.
Where can you get free moving boxes?
You can get free moving boxes from neighbors on Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, OfferUp, Craigslist, and Freecycle, and from local businesses like liquor stores, grocery stores, bookstores, and pharmacies. Liquor store boxes are some of the sturdiest free boxes you’ll find, and many come with dividers for glassware. Ask in person, ideally on a delivery day, and inspect every box before you take it.
- Online neighbors: Search “free moving boxes” or post a wanted ad. People often give away boxes right after they move.
- Liquor and grocery stores: Ask staff when they restock, and skip boxes that held produce or meat.
- Pharmacies and bookstores: Small, strong boxes are good for books and heavy items.
- Your office: Copy paper boxes have lids and stack well.
- Schools and community centers: They often have extra boxes from deliveries.
When you ask, keep it simple: “Hi! I’m moving soon and looking for clean, sturdy moving boxes. If you have any to spare, I’d be happy to pick them up. Thank you!” Meet in a public place when you can, and pass the boxes on when you’re done. See more ideas in our free moving boxes guide.
How a Better Moves customer got boxes for free
Free sources can cover a whole move, not just a few boxes. Greg, who shared his July 2023 move with moveBuddha’s Better Moves Project, packed about 60 boxes, and he and his wife found them “for free or very cheap” on Facebook Marketplace and OfferUp. They also got bubble wrap and wrapping material by asking a local crystal and gem shop owner. At $1 to $4 per new box, that’s $60 to $240 they didn’t spend. Start asking neighbors and local shops two or three weeks before your move, since free boxes go fast.
Compare movers who include boxes in their quotes.
How much do moving boxes cost?
New moving boxes typically cost about $1 to $2 for a small box, $1.50 to $3 for a medium, and $2 to $4 for a large at big-box stores, while wardrobe boxes run about $11 to $25. Kits with 20 to 30 boxes usually cost $25 to $120, depending on the store and what’s included. Prices change often, so check current prices before you buy.
| Box type | Typical price | Free option? |
|---|---|---|
| Small | About $1 – $2 | Common |
| Medium | About $1.50 – $3 | Common |
| Large | About $2 – $4 | Common |
| Wardrobe | About $11 – $25 | Rare |
| Kit (20 – 30 boxes) | About $25 – $120 | No |
Typical prices at major retailers in 2025 and 2026. Prices vary by store, region, and quantity.
Boxes are a small part of your budget. Our calculator uses 1,000+ live price points collected every month to estimate the rest. Estimate your total moving cost.
How many moving boxes do you need?
Plan on about 10 to 15 boxes per room, or roughly 20 to 35 boxes for a small apartment and 50 to 75 or more for a three- or four-bedroom home. Most people underestimate, especially for kitchens, closets, and garages, so buy or collect a few more than you think you’ll need. Many stores, including U-Haul, will take back unused boxes.
- Studio or one-bedroom: About 20 to 35 boxes in mixed sizes.
- Two- or three-bedroom: About 40 to 60 boxes, plus wardrobe boxes and dish packs.
- Four bedrooms or more: About 75 boxes or more, plus specialty boxes for TVs and fragile items.
An underestimated box count can raise a long-distance price. Better Moves customer Hitesh told his mover he’d have about 20 boxes for his August 2022 move from New York City to Denver. He was still packing the day before pickup and ended up with more than 35, and his bill came in about $500 over the original estimate. “I underestimated the number of boxes,” he said. Count boxes as you pack, and send your mover an updated inventory before move day.
Expert tip: moveBuddha founder Ryan Carrigan says inventory changes are one of the most common reasons a long-distance moving price goes up after you book. Count your boxes as you pack, and tell your mover about any increase before move day, not when the truck arrives.
Get a quote based on your home size.
What types & sizes of moving boxes do you need?
Most moves need a mix of small, medium, and large boxes, plus specialty boxes like wardrobe boxes and dish packs. Use small boxes for heavy items and large boxes for light ones, so no box gets too heavy to lift safely. Specialty boxes protect fragile or awkward items like dishes, TVs, and hanging clothes.
| Box type | Typical size (inches) | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 16 x 12 x 12 | Books, tools, & canned goods |
| Medium | 18 x 16 x 16 | Kitchenware, toys, & small appliances |
| Large | 18 x 18 x 24 | Linens, clothes, & pillows |
| Extra-large | 24 x 20 x 24 | Comforters & lampshades |
| Wardrobe | 24 x 24 x 40 – 48 | Hanging clothes & drapes |
| Dish pack | 18 x 18 x 28 | Dishes & glassware with dividers |
| TV or picture box | Varies | TVs, artwork, & mirrors |
| File box | 15 x 12 x 10 | Documents & office supplies |
See our picks for the best moving boxes. Compare movers that supply boxes.
Are moving box kits worth it?
Moving box kits are worth it if you want everything in one order, since they bundle a mix of box sizes with tape, packing paper or bubble wrap, and a marker. Kits often cost less than buying each item separately, especially with free shipping. Home Depot, Lowe’s, U-Haul, Uboxes, and Amazon all sell kits, usually for $30 to $120 based on size.
- Boxes: Usually 10 to 30 in small, medium, and large sizes.
- Tape: Enough rolls to seal every box in the kit.
- Wrapping: Bubble wrap or packing paper for fragile items.
- Extras: Markers, labels, and sometimes a box cutter.
See full-service quotes that include packing.
rating
4.9 / 5
- Best overall value
- Veteran owned
- Portion to charity
rating
4.9 / 5
- Certified crews
- Flat-rate pricing
- Family-owned
How can you get moving boxes fast?
To get moving boxes fast, buy in store at Home Depot, Lowe’s, Walmart, U-Haul, or The UPS Store, or order for same-day or next-day delivery from Amazon, Walmart, or Target in many metro areas. Call ahead to confirm stock, since boxes sell out during summer and at the end of the month, when the most people move.
- Same-day pickup: Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Walmart offer in-store or curbside pickup.
- Fast delivery: Amazon, Walmart, and Target deliver same day or next day in many areas.
- Order minimums: Free shipping often requires a minimum order.
- U-Haul: Order online and pick up in store, or have boxes shipped.
Book movers before peak dates fill up.
Should you buy or rent moving boxes?
Buy moving boxes if you’re on a budget or moving far, since rental bins usually have to be dropped off and picked up in the same area. Rent plastic bins if you’re moving locally in a city where a rental company operates and you want to skip assembly and recycling. Rental bins stack well and don’t crush, which makes them good for apartments with elevators.
| Factor | Buying | Renting |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Cheapest for most moves, especially if free | Competitive for local city moves |
| Convenience | Use right away & keep for storage | Delivered & picked up, no cleanup |
| Eco-friendly | Can be reused, donated, or recycled | Reused many times |
| Best for | Long-distance & DIY moves | Local apartment moves |
Bin rental services like Bungobox and Rentacrate operate in select cities. See our guide to eco-friendly moving for more ways to cut waste. Compare local movers.
“I underestimated the number of boxes.” Hitesh, Better Moves Project, New York City to Denver
What other packing supplies do you need?
Besides boxes, you’ll need packing tape, packing paper or bubble wrap, markers, and dividers for glassware, plus moving blankets, stretch wrap, and a dolly for furniture. Buy more tape than you think you need, and reinforce the bottom of every heavy box.
- Packing tape: Seal and reinforce every box.
- Packing paper and bubble wrap: Wrap fragile items and fill empty space.
- Dividers: Keep glasses and dishes from knocking together.
- Markers and labels: Write the room and contents on every box.
- Moving blankets and stretch wrap: Protect furniture from scratches.
- Dolly or hand truck: Rent or buy one at U-Haul, Home Depot, or Lowe’s.
Learn more about packing materials and moving blankets. Get quotes that include packing supplies.
FAQ
Where can I get the cheapest moving boxes?
Free sources like Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, Freecycle, and local liquor or grocery stores are cheapest. For new boxes, Walmart, Home Depot, and Lowe’s usually have the lowest prices.
How many moving boxes do I need?
Plan on about 10 to 15 boxes per room. Kitchens, closets, and garages usually need more, so collect a few extra.
Can I return unused moving boxes?
Many retailers accept returns of unused boxes with a receipt, and U-Haul buys back unused boxes. Policies vary by location, so check before you buy.
What can I use instead of moving boxes?
Suitcases, laundry baskets, plastic bins, and duffel bags work well for clothes and linens. Don’t overload soft bags with heavy items that need structure.
Are used moving boxes safe?
Yes, if they’re clean, dry, and sturdy. Skip boxes that held food or chemicals, and toss any with crushed corners, tears, or water damage.
What’s the best way to get moving boxes?
Start with free local sources, then fill the gaps with new boxes from a big-box store or a delivered kit. Count your boxes as you pack, add specialty boxes for wardrobes and dishes, and tell your mover if your count goes up. See what your move should cost and compare quotes from vetted movers.
How we chose the best moving companies
The moveBuddha team has spent nearly 10 years evaluating moving companies using a rigorous review system to identify the best moving companies. Our thorough methodology evaluates each moving company's services, cost, customer service, and reputation:
Moving services (35%):
We verify operating authority, insurance, and service scope against FMCSA/SAFER and state databases. We confirm availability via standardized mystery-shopping calls (packing tiers, storage type, specialty handling, delivery windows, valuation), and then review contracts alongside complaint and claims patterns over time.
Customer feedback (28%):
We run structured post-move surveys through our Better Moves Project with verifiable documentation. We emphasize on-time performance, care of goods, and estimates’ accuracy, and we investigate outliers before they influence scores.
Online reviews (7%):
We aggregate ratings across multiple third-party sites to reduce platform bias, analyze overall trends and company response behavior, and discount obvious spam/fake signals such as sudden bursts, duplicate language, and low-history profiles.
State availability (12%):
We confirm USDOT numbers, broker vs. carrier status, and any required state permits, then score a state-by-state service matrix that accounts for coverage gaps, seasonal limits, and lane strength. We award additional credit for documented cross-border or specialty lanes.
Additional services (12%):
We verify whether add-ons are performed in-house or subcontracted, look for crew training/certifications for high-value or oversized items, count only documented offerings (tariffs, photos, written service descriptions) confirmed via mystery shopping, and reward robust pre-move planning (virtual surveys, itemized crating).
Quotes/Payment options (6%):
We test standardized move profiles to assess estimate type (binding, not-to-exceed, non-binding), line-item transparency, and disclosed surcharges, require clear written policies for deposits, refunds, and cancellations, and award points for secure, flexible payment methods and customer portals.
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