Where to Find Free Cardboard Boxes for Your Move

Where to Find Free Cardboard Boxes for Your Move

Moving involves many costs, including movers, storage, and moving insurance. Free cardboard boxes can help you reduce the cost of packing, so it is worth knowing where to look.

This guide shares places to find free moving boxes and tips for choosing boxes that are safe to use. Before long-distance movers in NJ arrive, you can gather boxes from several sources.

Choose Free Boxes Carefully

Not every free box is worth taking. Choose boxes that are clean and sturdy. Damaged or wet boxes can lead to damage during the move, so check each box before you use it.

Where to Get Free Cardboard Boxes

Check these places before you buy boxes:

Craigslist

Craigslist is a common place to find people giving away moving boxes. Check listings regularly, since new posts appear often. If someone is not giving boxes away, you may be able to negotiate a price or offer something in exchange.

Facebook Community Groups

Many local Facebook groups let members offer items for free or sell them. You can search for groups in your area and post a request asking whether anyone has free moving boxes.

Stores

Some local stores may be willing to give away boxes. Ask at office supply stores, bookstores, shoe stores, liquor stores, pharmacies, home improvement stores, and grocery stores. Check the condition of each box before taking it, since store boxes vary in strength and cleanliness.

Office Buildings

Office buildings receive many deliveries, and boxes are often discarded after they are unpacked. If you work in a similar building, or you know someone who does, ask whether they have boxes available.

People Who Have Recently Moved

People who have recently moved may want to get rid of boxes they no longer need. Ask people in your neighborhood, or check for garages with leftover moving boxes.

Recycling Centers

Some people take used boxes to recycling centers. Ask whether the center has boxes available, since policies vary. Choose only boxes that are not broken or damaged.

Yard Sales

Yard sales can be a source of empty boxes, since sellers may have boxes they no longer need. Visiting near the end of the day may give you a better chance to find boxes, since more items have sold by then.

Other Places to Check

Liquor Stores

Liquor stores often have sturdy boxes. Ask whether you can take some for packing books, CDs, or DVDs.

Bookstores

Bookstores may have boxes suitable for books. Ask the staff whether they have any available.

Grocery Stores

Ask your local grocery store whether it has produce boxes available. Produce boxes can be useful for packing fragile items, as long as they are clean and in good condition.

Freecycle

Freecycle is a network where members give away items for free. Sign up in your area and post a request for free moving boxes.

Schools

Schools in your area may have used boxes they no longer need. Contact local schools and ask whether they can give you any boxes.

After Your Move: Pass the Boxes On

After you have experienced how much boxes and moving can cost, consider giving your used boxes away when you have finished unpacking. Someone else may need them for their move. If no one needs them, recycle them at a local recycling center.

Happy box hunting!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free moving boxes?

Check online groups, stores, office buildings, recent movers, recycling centers, yard sales, and schools.

How do I know if a free box is safe to use?

Check that the box is clean, dry, and sturdy, with no tears or damage.

Does Ample Moving NJ help with packing supplies?

Ample Moving NJ provides moving services in New Jersey. Contact our team to ask about packing supplies for your move.

Ample Moving NJ Contact Information

Ample Moving NJ
9 Linden Ave, Jersey City, NJ
12017215777