The Best Places to Buy Cheapest Moving Boxes

Why Moving Boxes Shouldn’t Cost a Fortune

The process of moving is costly. The last thing you want is to spend a small fortune on cardboard, on top of the truck rental, the pizza bribes for your friends, and the sea of bubble wrap you’ll be swimming in. But a lot of people have a tendency to overspend on boxes without thinking through the repercussions.

The good news is that boxes don’t have to cost the earth. While cardboard boxes may not seem like a significant expense, their cost can quickly mount up, particularly when you require 30 to 50 of them for a two-bedroom move. Moving, whether across town or moving across the country, incurs many expenses.

We’ll go over the best places to find inexpensive moving boxes, the benefits and drawbacks of new versus used boxes, and some clever money-saving tips that most movers miss. Let’s do this, so grab your packing tape.

Where to Buy Cheap Moving Boxes (Top Retail Options)

Finding reasonably priced moving boxes doesn’t have to mean sacrificing quality. In actuality, national retailers you may already be familiar with offer some of the best bargains, while others you may not. Whether you’re planning weeks in advance or in a panic the night before moving day, this is where to find affordable boxes that are strong, dependable, and convenient to grab.

Walmart

Walmart is a valuable resource for moving supplies. Their moving boxes range in price from $0.88 for small boxes to $2.00+ for extra-large options. For even greater discounts, they also provide bundles. Additionally, in many places, you can order online and have it delivered the same day or picked up in-store.

Walmart stands out for its convenience and variety, offering everything from wardrobe boxes to specialty boxes for TVs and dishes. Additionally, they keep moving kits stocked with markers, tape, and labels.

The Home Depot

For durability, Home Depot is a great option. Their double-walled, crush-tested boxes are ideal for using in a storage unit or stacking heavy items. Small boxes start at $1.38, while specialty sizes cost $3+.

If you’re moving a three-bedroom house and need dozens of boxes, you can save money by purchasing in bulk because they also offer bulk discounts. Bonus: they offer specialty boxes that prevent your kitchenware from becoming jigsaw puzzles, such as glass dividers and dish saver kits.

Lowe’s

Lowe’s offers dependable and reasonably priced moving boxes, much like Home Depot. They offer extra-durable options that are perfect for long-distance hauls, and their standard medium box starts at $1.38. One special benefit? You can avoid wasting a trip to the store by using their online inventory checker.

If you want to completely avoid cardboard, Lowe’s also sells plastic moving totes, though they are more expensive.

Amazon

Amazon literally delivers when convenience is paramount. If you’re purchasing in bulk, their moving box bundles are frequently the most affordable option per unit. A 20-pack of medium boxes costs less than $40, and many bundles come with packing supplies.

Quality, however, can vary greatly. Always read reviews and stick with reputable brands like Bankers Box or Uboxes because some boxes are thinner or arrive damaged during transit.

Look through the best-rated moving box bundles on Amazon.

The U-Haul

Yes, the massive truck rental company also sells moving supplies, and their prices are surprisingly affordable. The quality of U-Haul’s boxes is consistently high, and they start at just $0.99. Additionally, many locations offer “Take a Box, Leave a Box” programs that allow you to obtain gently used boxes for free.

Additionally, kits are available for particular rooms, such as bedrooms or kitchens, which simplifies packing and preparation.

💡 Main Takeaway: Start with U-Haul or Walmart for the best bargains. You should go to Lowe’s and Home Depot for superior quality. If you check the reviews first, Amazon’s bulk bundles can be a great deal.

The Hidden Gem: Where to Find Free Moving Boxes

Now let’s talk free. If you’re looking to maximize your moving budget (as many of us are), this section is where the magic unfolds. Free moving boxes are everywhere; you just need to know where to look, what to say, and when to go.

Local Grocery, Liquor, and Convenience Stores

The bulk of the inventory that retail stores receive in sturdy boxes is either recycled or crushed. However, you can leave with a carload of boxes that are ready for packing if you time it correctly, which is typically early in the morning or late at night.

What to ask: “Hey! Do you have any extra boxes in the back that are being recycled today?

Be polite, be direct, and offer to take whatever they have off their hands. The boxes used for liquor bottles and canned goods are especially strong.

Pro tip: Call ahead or swing by just before closing. Employees often prep boxes for recycling at night.

Craigslist & Facebook Marketplace

These online classifieds are goldmines for people giving away moving supplies after their own moves. Search “free moving boxes” in your area, and you’ll likely find listings from people who just want the boxes off their hands.

A few etiquette tips:

Be fast. Good listings go quickly.
Bring your own bags or bins.
Say thanks! A little appreciation goes a long way.

Freecycle and Nextdoor

Both platforms cater to hyper-local communities, which makes them ideal for scoring boxes without driving 20 miles. Freecycle (https://www.freecycle.org) is all about giving things away for free, and Nextdoor (https://nextdoor.com) lets neighbors post items up for grabs.

Look under the “Free” section or make a post requesting moving boxes—you’ll be surprised how generous people can be.

Big-Box Store Dumpsters (with caution)

This one is a little unconventional, but it works: on restock days, some people discover great boxes behind stores like Costco, Office Depot, and Best Buy. Reusing only clean, stacked cardboard is the goal; be considerate, check the store’s policies, and never dig through trash.

💡 Key Takeaway: Free boxes are out there—you just need to ask, search online, or get creative. Always inspect boxes for damage, and avoid anything with food residue or signs of pests.

Should You Buy or Reuse Moving Boxes?

With a mystery Craigslist box in one hand and bubble wrap in the other, you stand in your living room wondering if this will make it through the move. We understand that reusing boxes seems economical and environmentally responsible, but is it the best option for your move?

Pros & Cons of Buying New Boxes

Although purchasing new moving boxes may seem like a luxury, the convenience and reliability of doing so frequently make it worthwhile. You know what to expect: boxes that are uniformly clean and free of strange odors or mysterious stains.

Pros of buying new boxes:

Stronger and cleaner: No food residue, no water damage, and no worries about surprise rips.
Standard sizes: Makes stacking easier and reduces space waste in the truck.
Specialty options: Think dish dividers, wardrobe boxes, and picture frame boxes.

Cons:

Cost adds up fast: $1.50 a box might not sound like much, but multiply that by 40–60 boxes.
Less eco-friendly: Unless you’re buying recycled material boxes, new means more production.

👉 According to U-Haul, most movers need between 60 and 90 boxes depending on home size, so this decision can impact your moving budget big time.

Is Reusing Worth the Risk?

If you are strategic, used boxes can definitely work. The two main issues are structural integrity and cleanliness. Banana boxes may look fantastic, but that sugary residue invites roaches. But used electronics boxes? robust gold.

Pros of reused boxes:

They’re free or nearly free.
Lower environmental impact—reduce, reuse, recycle!
Often come from fellow movers who get it.

Cons:

Unknown condition: Weak or damp cardboard may collapse under weight.
Inconsistent sizes: Makes stacking and organizing trickier.
Potential pests or allergens: Especially with food boxes or long-stored cartons.

Here’s a simple checklist for used box approval:

Are the corners intact?
Is the bottom secure (preferably double-taped)?
Is it free from water damage or food smells?

If you answered “yes” to all three, you’re good to go.

Hybrid Strategy: The Smart Middle Ground

Here’s a practical tip: mix new and used. Use repurposed boxes for lighter, non-breakable items (think clothing, bedding, and toys) and purchase new boxes for valuable, heavy, or fragile items (like electronics, glassware, or books).

Reputable initiatives such as U-Haul’s “Take a Box, Leave a Box” campaign or neighborhood-run “free move supply” bins on Facebook are also good places to find used boxes.

💡 Key Takeaway: New boxes offer peace of mind and structure, while reused ones can slash costs. Mix and match based on what you’re packing—and always inspect before use.

Specialty Boxes That Might Be Worth the Splurge

You’ve prepared your standard boxes, but take a moment before clicking “checkout.” There are some things in your house that require much more care and protection than the typical cardboard cube. Specialty moving boxes can help with that. Yes, they are more expensive, but they often save you money and your sanity.

Wardrobe Boxes

These tall, upright boxes come with a metal bar so you can hang clothes directly from your closet—no folding, no wrinkles, no regrets.

Why they’re worth it:

Keep suits, dresses, and blouses wrinkle-free
Save time on packing and unpacking
Double as temporary closets during a move

You’ll find them at U-Haul or Home Depot for around $12–$14 each, which might sound steep—until you consider the cost of dry cleaning and ironing everything post-move.

Dish & Glass Divider Kits

Packing your kitchen is like playing Tetris—with high stakes. Dish packs and glassware kits use foam sleeves and corrugated dividers to prevent breakage.

When they’re essential:

You’re packing delicate plates, mugs, wine glasses, or anything ceramic
You want to avoid hours of wrapping things in newspaper

The Bankers Box Kitchen Moving Kit is a top-rated option and fits up to 48 pieces of dishware.

TV & Mirror Boxes

Big flat surfaces = big risk. These boxes are specifically designed to protect screens and glass, with foam corners and adjustable flaps to accommodate multiple sizes.

Who should use them:

Anyone moving TVs over 32”
Households with large wall mirrors, artwork, or framed prints

Sure, wrapping a TV in a blanket might work…until it doesn’t. A broken screen could cost hundreds—so spending $20–$30 on a TV box from Lowe’s is actually a no-brainer.

Lamp Boxes, Picture Boxes, and File Boxes

These specialty boxes get less attention but solve real problems:

Lamp boxes are tall and skinny to protect lamp bases and shades
Picture/mirror boxes come with reinforced corners
File boxes are great for important documents and folders (bonus: reusable for storage!)

These range from $5 to $15, depending on size and padding.

Do You Need All of These?

Not necessarily—but for anything fragile, oddly shaped, or sentimental, specialty boxes offer unmatched peace of mind. If you’re moving a one-bedroom apartment, you might just need:

1 wardrobe box
1 dish kit
1 mirror/TV box

Larger homes or families may want 2–3 of each depending on volume.

💡 Key Takeaway: Specialty boxes may seem bougie, but they’re often cheaper than replacing broken items. Use them strategically to protect high-risk valuables and simplify the packing process.

Smart Strategies to Save Even More on Boxes

You have located some free cardboard, researched the top sellers, and perhaps even treated yourself to a few specialty boxes. Are you still craving savings? Good, because we haven’t finished yet. Here are some cutting-edge tactics that astute movers employ to maximize their budget and facilitate their move.

Use What You Already Have (A.K.A. Box Hack Everything)

Before you run to Walmart or start shaking down the neighbor’s recycling bin, look around your own home. Most likely, you already have an abundance of packing containers in your possession.

Things that can double as moving boxes:

Suitcases with wheels: Perfect for books and heavy stuff.
Backpacks & duffel bags: Great for clothing or personal items.
Laundry baskets & bins: Stack pillows, blankets, or toys.
Reusable grocery bags: Wrap fragile items and kitchenware.

And don’t overlook those endless Amazon boxes—they’ve got a second life calling.

Split a Bundle with a Friend or Neighbor

Buying in bulk usually means lower per-box costs, but what if you don’t need 60 boxes? Partner up. Find a friend, coworker, or neighbor also planning a move—or who just moved and still has leftover supplies.

Post in community groups like:

Facebook Neighborhood Groups
Nextdoor App
Reddit Threads (r/Frugal or r/Moving)

Splitting a bulk pack from Amazon or Uboxes can cut your moving box costs in half.

Try Local Moving Companies or Storage Facilities

Particularly at the end of the month when they are clearing out returns, some small moving companies sell (or give away) extra boxes at a discount. In a similar vein, self-storage facilities frequently provide bundled kits that are less expensive than retail prices, and if you’re renting a unit, they may also include a few freebies.

Sign Up for Loyalty Programs and Coupons

Big-box retailers love repeat customers. Signing up for free programs at places like Lowe’s, Home Depot, or U-Haul can unlock promo codes, special discounts, or birthday deals.

Some examples:

Home Depot Pro Xtra members get bulk pricing discounts
Lowe’s MVPs Pro Rewards often include exclusive online deals
Amazon Prime members often get faster shipping and lower bundle rates

Consider Renting Plastic Moving Bins Instead

Cardboard isn’t your only option. In many cities, you can rent durable plastic bins from services like:

Bin-It
Frogbox
Redi-Box
Greenway Bins

Why it works:

No box assembly required
Stack perfectly (no tipping)
Waterproof and reusable
Usually includes delivery and pickup

Prices vary by city, but you can expect around $50–$100/week for 20–30 bins, which is often cheaper than buying 50 new cardboard boxes.

👉 See Frogbox pricing by location

Don’t Forget the Packing Extras

Boxes are just the beginning. Save on tape, labels, and padding by:

Using socks and towels instead of bubble wrap
Labeling with free printer paper and masking tape
Saving old newspapers or junk mail for padding

You can also buy all-in-one moving kits that bundle boxes, tape, and wrap at a discount.

💡 Key Takeaway: Don’t just buy boxes—hack your move. Reuse what you own, split costs with friends, tap into community freebies, and even consider renting bins. Smart strategy = serious savings.

Quick Summary: Cheapest Places to Get Moving Boxes

Are you still unsure of where to start? Let’s conclude by providing a concise overview of your top options for affordable (or free) moving boxes, arranged based on your specific needs and the urgency of your move.

If You’re Buying New:

Walmart – Best for lowest prices and availability Boxes from $0.88; easy in-store pickup
Home Depot – Best for heavy-duty and specialty boxes Reinforced boxes, dish kits, TV boxes
Lowe’s – Similar to Home Depot with bulk savings Good for medium and large moving kits
Amazon – Best for bulk bundles and quick delivery Buy 20–50 boxes at once; check seller reviews
U-Haul – Consistent quality + Take a Box, Leave a Box In-store or online; solid all-around value

If you want free boxes:

Grocery Stores, Liquor Shops, Pharmacies: Ask politely; best on delivery/restock days
Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace: “Free moving boxes” search = jackpot
Nextdoor & Freecycle: Hyper-local and highly underrated
U-Haul Exchange Program: Take a gently-used box from a local location
Behind big-box stores (use discretion): Check for clean, intact, unused shipping boxes

If You Want to Save Even More:

Reuse suitcases, laundry baskets, backpacks
Split a bundle with a neighbor or friend
Rent plastic bins from local services
Use socks, towels, and newspapers instead of bubble wrap
Sign up for loyalty programs for discounts and coupons

💡 Key Takeaway: Whether you’re buying new or scavenging for freebies, there’s a low-cost solution for every moving situation. Prioritize by quality, quantity, and timing—and pack smart from day one.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many moving boxes do I need for a 1-bedroom apartment? Most people need 20–30 boxes, including a mix of small, medium, and large. Add 2–3 specialty boxes for kitchen or wardrobe items.
Can I trust used moving boxes I find online or on the curb? Only if they’re clean, dry, and structurally sound. Avoid anything with moisture stains, food residue, or funky smells.
Is it cheaper to rent plastic bins or buy cardboard boxes? It depends on the move duration and size. For local moves under 7 days, rentals can be cheaper and more convenient.
What’s the best day of the week to ask stores for free boxes? Most stores restock Monday through Thursday. Early morning or late evening visits give you the best shot.
Should I tape the bottom of my boxes once or twice? Always double-tape the bottom with a cross or “H” pattern to prevent box blowouts during lifting and stacking.