Planning and executing a move takes a lot of time and organization, not to mention emotional stress. With temporary storage, new utility fees, and items for your new home, the costs can really add up!

Finding free moving boxes is a great way to save a little cash. And there are all kinds of places to look, especially if you’re willing to get a little creative.

Now, let’s explore our list of places to get second-hand boxes for moving so you can get packing!

Where to Get Free Moving Boxes

1. Friends and family

   Your immediate network of friends and family may have used packing boxes from a recent move or online shopping. Ask around or put a post on your social accounts.

2. Your workplace
   

   If you work in an office, your manager might have empty boxes from supply deliveries. If there’s a mailroom, it’s worth asking there as well. Even if you don’t work in an office, your company likely gets deliveries of some kind, so ask around!

3. Facebook groups

   There are groups on Facebook dedicated to all sorts of things, including box exchanges specifically for people moving. Just type phrases like “free moving boxes” in the search box and see what pops up.

4. Craigslist

   Pull up your city or area on Craigslist and click the “free” link under the “for sale” section. There are inevitably multiple listings for free moving boxes.

5. The U-Haul Box Exchange

   The U-Haul Box Exchange Program connects folks looking for boxes and other packing supplies to make it easier for everyone! Just put in your zip code and scan the results.

6. Nextdoor

   Nextdoor is a free social networking service for neighborhoods. Sign up and select your location to submit and receive notifications about all kinds of things, from safety tips to posts for free stuff and requests for items — like moving boxes!

   ProMover Tip: While you’re on the site, select your new location so you can start learning about your new neighborhood.

7. Freecycle

   Freecycle is a worldwide network that keeps reusable goods out of landfills by offering them for free. Search by location and then view posts near you.

8. OfferUp

   OfferUp is an app dedicated to people buying and selling locally, similar to Craigslist. The app (which you can view on a desktop computer or download to your mobile device) also has a “free” section.

9. Liquor stores

   Liquor stores get multiple product shipments weekly! Call stores in your area to find out when they get deliveries and either show up that day or ask them to set aside some for you.

10. Grocery stores

    Your local grocery store is another excellent spot to check for boxes because of the frequency of deliveries. Fair warning: Avoid taking ones that held more…ummm potent items, like seafood or produce.

11. Office supply stores

    Office supply stores like OfficeMax and Staples often have sturdy boxes. Ones that shipped printers and other office equipment and printer paper boxes with their removable tops work particularly well.

12. Starbucks

    Another option you might not have considered is your local Starbucks or Caribou Coffee. Cafes tend to get frequent frozen and dry goods shipments, so ask around during your morning coffee run.

13. Large retail stores

    Get free moving boxes from Walmart, Target, Costco, and other retail stores. Keep in mind that they might already be flatted for easy recycling. Not to worry, you can easily tape them back together.

14. Recycling dropoff points

    If you have a recycling dropoff point in your area, this can be a goldmine! Before you head out, though, call ahead or check online for any rules about how and if you can pick up boxes.

How Many Moving Boxes Do I Need?

It depends on a couple of factors. This cheat sheet shows how many boxes you’ll need based on square footage. Gather a combination of moving box sizes - small, medium, and large - that are sturdy, clean, and ready for the job ahead!

The Best Items for Different Moving  Box Sizes

Small boxes: great for heavier items, including books and tools, and fragile items, like collectibles, glasses, and dishes.

Medium boxes: ideal for most household items, including decor and small appliances.

Larger boxes: use these for bulkier items, especially pillows, towels, linens, and comforters. You can use those items to protect fragile items such as vases or dishes.

ProMover Tip: If you need more help planning your move, check out our comprehensive moving checklist!

Other Packing Supplies You’ll Want On Hand

Beyond moving boxes, you’ll also want to gather the following packing supplies to keep everything secure, safe, and organized.

• Sharpies
• Packing tape
• Packing paper and pads
• Cell boxes
• Wardrobe boxes

Call AAA Movers—we offer moving boxes and other packing supplies! Learn more about what we offer and our price ranges.

Leave the Hard Work to Packing Professionals

Don’t feel like packing up all of your belongings? AAA Movers packs your home or business with care, efficiency, and diligence. That way, you can focus on the more important things at hand.

From larger items to more fragile possessions, we can handle it all. Learn more about our packing professionals, then request a free quote from our packing professionals.

Our Top Three Tips for Getting Your Moving Boxes:

• Ask politely.
• Call or email beforehand.
• Arrive early in the day to get there alongside shipments.

Leave the Heavy Lifting to Us

If you still need more or don’t want to do all the legwork, you can get boxes and other packing supplies from AAA Movers! Our Budget Box Program ensures you have everything you need for a successful move.

From decluttering services to storage solutions to help getting from Point A to Point B, we’re here to make moving easier for our customers. After all, we do it every day!

Request a free quote to get started!