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Sturdy and reliable moving boxes are the unsung heroes of successful moves, safeguarding your prized possessions and daily essentials. But where are the best places to buy them? From online retailers to local businesses and moving companies, this guide explains where to get moving boxes that meet your needs.
Where to Buy Moving Boxes Online
Thanks to the host of online retailers and classified ad sites, you can find the perfect moving boxes without leaving home. Here are a few places to start:
- Amazon: As the go-to online marketplace, Amazon offers an extensive selection of moving boxes in various sizes, materials, and quantities. Choose from its in-house Amazon Basics line or products from Bankers Box, Uboxes, and other brands.
- U-Haul: U-Haul offers a comprehensive range of box sizes, moving kits, and specialty boxes. This includes dish-saving packing kits, wardrobe boxes, TV moving boxes, picture shippers, and more.
- The Home Depot: The Home Depot offers its own line of moving boxes, including various sizes and several specialty options. You can buy boxes individually or save money with a multipack.
- Walmart: Walmart’s online store sells boxes from Bankers Box, UBMove, Uboxes, and Pen+Gear. You may need to look elsewhere for certain specialty boxes.
- Staples: Staples sells a few different box sizes from the Bankers Box SmoothMove product line.
- Office Depot: Office Depot has its own line of corrugated cardboard moving boxes, with sizes ranging from 6-inch cubes to 20-by-20-by-24-inch boxes. It also sells Bankers Box SmoothMove boxes.
- U-Line: Although U-Line caters to businesses, it also offers its moving boxes to individual consumers. Just remember that U-Line imposes a minimum order quantity, which means you cannot purchase a single box.
- Craigslist: As an alternative to traditional online retailers, you can search online marketplaces and classified ad sites for boxes. Craigslist is one well-known example.
Where to Buy Moving Boxes Locally
If you prefer to buy locally or need immediate access to moving boxes, you can shop for cardboard boxes and plastic totes in person. For a hybrid approach, shop online and choose in-store pickup. Here are a few brick-and-mortar options to consider:
- Home improvement stores: Lowe’s and The Home Depot have dedicated sections for packing supplies. This may include several standard moving box sizes as well as packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, and cushioning materials. You can also find moving supplies at smaller, family-owned hardware stores.
- Office supply stores: Staples, Office Depot, and other office supply stores carry a selection of moving and shipping boxes, ranging from small file boxes to extra-large moving boxes.
- Superstores: Target, Walmart, Costco, and other big-box stores typically sell cardboard boxes and packing materials, though their selections may be relatively limited.
- Moving companies: Many local and long-distance moving companies sell boxes and other supplies. U-Haul, for instance, has cardboard moving boxes for sale and plastic moving boxes for rent.
Where to Get Free Moving Boxes
You can get free moving boxes from several sources. We’ve listed some examples below. Remember to inspect any boxes for damage before using them.
- Local retailers and grocery stores: Retailers and grocery stores, especially large chain stores, receive product shipments in heavy-duty cardboard boxes. Approach the store manager or staff and ask if they can spare any empty boxes.
- Liquor stores: The boxes used to transport liquor bottles are particularly sturdy and may be available for free from a local liquor store. Contact stores in your area to see if they have any boxes available.
- Online marketplaces: Check Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and Freecycle for listings from individuals who have recently moved. U-Haul also hosts a Customer Connect board where customers can seek or share moving supplies.
- Community centers and libraries: Local community centers, schools, and libraries may have free boxes available. Even if they don’t, they may be able to point you in the right direction.
- Recycling centers: Recycling centers sometimes have designated areas where they place boxes in good condition. Call ahead to ask if your local recycling center has any moving boxes.
- Friends and family: Let your friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers know that you plan to move and ask them to save empty boxes for you. You can also ask them to save bubble wrap, air pockets, and packing paper to help wrap any fragile items you may have.
Our Recommendation
Finding the right moving boxes is a crucial step in a successful move. Online retailers such as Amazon offer convenience and a wide range of options. Alternatively, you can shop locally at home improvement, office supply, or big-box stores. You can even ask around for free moving boxes from friends, family, local businesses, and online platforms.
Moving Boxes FAQ
What type of moving boxes do I need?
The type of moving boxes you need will depend on what you plan to pack. Here are a few common types to consider:Small moving boxesMedium moving boxesLarge moving boxesHeavy-duty boxesWardrobe boxesPicture/mirror boxesTV moving boxesDish packsFile boxes
Where is the best place to get moving boxes?
The best place to get moving boxes depends on your needs and preferences. Online retailers including Amazon, U-Haul, The Home Depot, and Walmart offer various sizes and materials. Shopping online is convenient and allows you to read customer reviews and compare prices.If you need boxes immediately, head to the nearest home improvement store, office supply store, or superstore. If you have already hired a moving company, ask if they sell moving boxes and packing materials. For free moving boxes, browse online platforms, ask friends and family, and contact local businesses.
How much does it cost to get moving boxes?
The cost of moving boxes can vary depending on the size, material, quantity, and retailer. The least expensive option is standard cardboard boxes, which range from $1–$5 each. Heavy-duty boxes might cost $3–$10 each, while specialty boxes can easily cost $20 or more each.