Are you moving soon and want to keep your budget as low as possible? You might be wondering, “Where do I find free moving boxes near me?” Sometimes, the most basic things—like moving boxes—can be surprisingly hard to find. When you don’t need them, boxes seem to be everywhere. But when it’s time to move, finding free boxes can feel like a real chore.
Free packing boxes, whether unused or recycled, are incredibly helpful for a stress-free move, but securing them without spending money can be tricky. The good news is, many places offer free moving boxes, so you don’t have to spend a fortune on packing materials.
To help you out, we’ve gathered a comprehensive list of reliable places where you can find free moving boxes. This guide also includes tips on pickup times and how to find the nearest locations offering free boxes near you.
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### Places To Find Free Moving Boxes
#### Marketplace Apps
**1. Craigslist**
Craiglist is a popular online marketplace to check for free moving boxes. Visit the “for sale” section and look under the “free” category. Besides boxes, you can often find other packing supplies such as bubble wrap, packing paper, and tape.
**2. LetGo**
LetGo is a local buy-and-sell marketplace with a dedicated free section where users give away items at no cost. It’s a great platform to find free moving boxes near you.
**3. OfferUp**
OfferUp offers a free section for giveaways as well. Search for free moving boxes on OfferUp to find nearby offers.
**4. Facebook Marketplace**
Facebook Marketplace makes finding free moving boxes easy. Simply go to “Marketplace,” type “Free Moving Boxes,” and browse the listings. You can contact sellers directly through Facebook.
**5. Facebook’s Local Buy-Sell-Trade Groups**
In addition to Marketplace, local Facebook groups where members trade, sell, or give away items can be a valuable resource. Post a request for moving boxes—you’ll likely find someone nearby who has extras.
**6. Nextdoor**
Nextdoor connects neighbors and is perfect for local requests. Post a message asking for free moving boxes or check if anyone nearby is giving some away.
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#### Big-Box Retailers
**7. Walmart**
Walmart receives shipments late at night, usually around 10 p.m. Visit your local store after this time or call ahead to see if they have empty boxes they can give you.
**8. Costco**
Costco recycles cardboard boxes but often saves some for customers who call and request them. You can usually take as many boxes as you need.
**9. Barnes & Noble**
Bookstores like Barnes & Noble have sturdy boxes ideal for moving heavy items such as books. Call ahead to check availability.
**10. Dollar Tree**
Dollar Tree receives deliveries frequently and can have many boxes available. It’s best to call and ask if they can set aside boxes for you.
**11. Rite Aid**
Rite Aid often has shipping boxes available free of charge. Availability is typically first-come, first-served, so call ahead.
**12. Petco**
Petco’s shipping boxes are perfect for moving pet supplies or other belongings. Call in advance and ask if they can hold boxes for pickup.
**13. Walgreens**
Wednesdays are the best days to get boxes at Walgreens right after shipments arrive. Call ahead to reserve boxes.
**14. Target**
Visit Target on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday mornings when shipments arrive for the best box selection.
**15. Office Supply Stores**
Stores like Office Depot receive shipments midweek and often have strong boxes available. Tuesdays between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. are ideal times to look.
**16. PetSmart**
PetSmart usually has boxes available on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Call ahead to confirm.
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#### Community Forums
**17. Freecycle**
Freecycle is an online community where people give away items for free. Join your local group and post a request for moving boxes.
**18. U-Haul’s Take a Box Leave a Box Program**
At many U-Haul locations, customers can drop off and pick up reusable moving boxes for free. This is a great way to find boxes while helping the environment.
**19. U-Haul Box Exchange**
If your local U-Haul doesn’t participate in the Take a Box, Leave a Box program, check their Box Exchange website to find free boxes nearby.
**20. City-Data Forums**
City-Data forums are useful for relocating advice and local recommendations. You can post questions about moving supplies and box availability.
**21. Reddit**
Subreddits focused on moving and local communities can be excellent resources for free boxes and moving tips. Try posting in relevant Reddit groups.
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#### Grocery Stores
**22. Kroger**
Kroger often has sturdy grocery boxes with lids ideal for moving. Visit or call early in the day to check availability.
**23. Fred Meyer**
Fred Meyer stores frequently have boxes leftover from shipments. Ask at customer service.
**24. Trader Joe’s**
Trader Joe’s shipments arrive early in the morning, so this is the best time to collect empty boxes.
**25. Safeway**
Safeway typically receives shipments between 4 a.m. and 5 a.m. Arriving around 8 a.m. gives you a good chance to get boxes.
**26. Whole Foods**
Whole Foods also processes shipments early in the morning. Visit soon after opening to get boxes before they are recycled.
**27. Albertsons**
Albertsons has thousands of locations, making it easy to find boxes. Call your local store to ask about free boxes.
**28. WinCo**
As a large supermarket chain with many deliveries, WinCo stores usually have boxes available. Inquire at your nearby store.
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#### Shipping Services
**29. USPS**
The United States Postal Service offers free boxes of various sizes on USPS.com. You can order online and have them delivered to your home within 5–7 business days.
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#### Restaurants
**30. McDonald’s**
McDonald’s receives frequent shipments and has heavy-duty fry boxes perfect for moving small items. Call your local branch to arrange pickup.
**31. Starbucks**
Starbucks has shipments every other day, mostly Monday night. Contact them the morning after to request boxes.
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#### Auto Parts Stores
**32. AutoZone**
AutoZone has sturdy boxes used for vehicle parts. Call your local store to ask about free boxes.
**33. Checker**
Checker stores dealing in auto parts might have free boxes laying around. Ask your nearby location.
**34. O’Reilly’s**
O’Reilly’s often has boxes from parts deliveries. It’s worth a quick call or visit.
**35. Advance Auto Parts**
Advance supplies durable boxes. Contact your local branch to see if you can get some.
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#### Other Useful Places
**36. Gas Stations**
Gas stations receive regular shipments and can be a surprisingly good source of free boxes.
**37. Liquor Stores**
Liquor stores have sturdy boxes that are ideal for fragile items. They may give them away upon request.
**38. Garage Sales/Yard Sales**
People often reuse boxes at sales and end up with empties once items are sold. Check local garage sales for leftover boxes.
**39. Bath & Body Works**
Retailers like Bath & Body Works have frequent deliveries and plenty of boxes. Call ahead to inquire.
**40. IKEA**
IKEA handles all kinds of furniture and home goods; their boxes come in many sizes. They often give away boxes if you ask.
**41. Bed Bath & Beyond**
Bed Bath & Beyond stores have different box sizes suitable for moving. Stop by or call to check if they have extras.
**42. Recycling Centers**
Local recycling centers sometimes have gently used boxes available for free. It’s worth a visit when searching for free boxes.
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#### Friends, Family & Workplace
**43. Friends and Family**
Ask your circle of friends and family if they have any spare boxes from their own moves.
**44. Your Workplace**
Offices often have leftover boxes from shipments. Check with your manager or procurement department to collect them.
**45. Apartment Complexes**
Apartment complexes frequently have boxes from residences of people moving in and out. Contact the complex manager to ask if they have boxes available.
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### Useful Tips for Getting Free Moving Boxes
– **Call ahead:** Don’t just show up. Call stores or businesses to confirm box availability and ask about the best times to pick them up.
– **Check for quality:** Only take boxes that are sturdy and in good condition. Avoid damaged or waterlogged boxes.
– **Be timely:** Visit stores shortly after their shipments arrive for the best box selection.
– **Recycle:** After your move, consider giving your boxes away or recycling them to help others and the environment.
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### Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
**How Can I Get a Free Box?**
You can find free boxes by checking online marketplaces like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and LetGo, as well as calling local retailers and grocery stores.
**Does Walmart Give Free Moving Boxes?**
Yes. After 10 p.m., Walmart receives shipments and often has many empty boxes available for free.
**Can You Get Free Boxes From Lowe’s?**
No, Lowe’s sells moving boxes but does not give them away for free.
**What Can I Use Instead of Boxes for Moving?**
Alternative packing options include suitcases, laundry hampers, backpacks, moving blankets, curtains, garbage bags, and reusable grocery bags.
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### Conclusion
Finding free moving boxes near you is possible with a bit of effort and planning. Always call ahead to confirm availability and store policies. Securing free boxes not only saves money but also reduces waste, helping the environment. After your move, pay it forward by donating or recycling your boxes so others can benefit.
Happy moving!
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https://radicalfire.com/free-moving-boxes-near-me/