10 Places to Look for Free Moving Boxes

Staying on top of your to-do list can be challenging when preparing for a move. But there’s no need to worry about gathering moving boxes; that task shouldn’t add to your stress. By simply staying observant, you can quickly locate moving boxes of different sizes that are clean and in excellent condition. Moreover, opting for this approach, you must be environmentally conscious.

Here are a few ways to find free boxes.

The Freecycle

Hey, is there a unique network where you can get free stuff? It’s called the Freecycle Network, and it’s a non-profit organization that helps people share things for free. It’s like Craigslist, but just for giving and getting free items. All you have to do is create an account and look for things available in your area. You can easily find moving boxes using the search box at the top, or you can post to let others know you need them. It’s a great way to connect with people nearby who want to give away things for free.

Facebook Marketplace

You can also try checking Facebook Marketplace for free boxes before you move. If you have a Facebook account, you can use the Marketplace section. Many people use the Marketplace to give away things they don’t need anymore, including boxes for packing. Many people rely on Marketplace to get rid of unwanted items, and you can often find packing boxes for free. Since many people are moving in or out, finding boxes on the Marketplace is even easier. Just type “moving boxes” in the search bar and plan a time to meet with the person giving them away.

Craiglist

Remember to check your local Craigslist for free packing boxes in your area. If you need to get more familiar with Craigslist, they have a special section where people give away their moving boxes for free. If you have extra boxes to remove after your move, you can also use Craigslist to help someone who needs them. Craigslist will pay it forward and give them to someone else who may be looking. Just make sure the boxes you choose are intact and not flimsy. 

U-Haul customer Connect

You can also find empty boxes for moving at U-Haul. Just go to your nearest U-Haul store. Check if any customers have recently returned their used U-Haul moving boxes. You can try their new custom connect service if that doesn’t work. It lets you enter your zip code or city to find free moving boxes. One great thing about U-Haul boxes is that they are usually of high quality as long as they are not damaged. 

Local Retail Stores

Many companies now focus on recycling and being environmentally friendly. You can try local retail stores to find used cardboard boxes. Think about computer and office supply stores, pharmacies, and home improvement stores. Shoe stores, liquor stores, food restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, or pet stores. Boxes are used in various industries and are mostly still in good condition. While you can also check behind these stores in the alleys, it’s polite to call and ask permission to take the boxes as a common courtesy.

Recycling Centers

You might find local recycling centers listed if you search for “free moving boxes near me” on Google. People often take their used moving boxes to these centers when they’re done with them, so they can be a helpful place to find boxes. You can call or visit your local recycling center to see if they have any boxes you can use. Even if the boxes are flattened, you can quickly fix them with some packing tape and use them again.

Yard Sale

When tenants move to a new place, they might have a yard sale to sell their belongings, including moving boxes. If you spot signs for a yard sale, it’s a good idea to check them out and see if they have any free moving boxes you can reuse. While there, you might even find some small items or trinkets you’d like to buy before your move. Here’s a helpful tip: try visiting garage sales towards the end of the day, as most items have already been sold. This can increase your chances of finding empty boxes.

Office Buildings

Office buildings receive numerous packages each day. It’s worth contacting these buildings to see if they would give you their empty boxes for free. Once they unload the items, they usually don’t have any more use for the boxes. You can call the front desk or visit the office in person to inquire about the availability of boxes. They might also have information about future shipments, allowing you to know when to visit and collect boxes.

Fast Food Restaurants

Before fast food restaurants can make their food, they get deliveries of products in boxes. These boxes usually contain frozen items, and you can consider reusing them for your move. These boxes are great because they are sturdy and designed to carry heavy things over long distances. Another benefit is that the boxes won’t be greasy or smelly since the items are frozen. Call some local fast-food places in your area and ask if they have any boxes you can use.

Pharmacies

You can find free boxes at local pharmacies like CVS, Walgreens, or your neighborhood pharmacy. These places receive regular shipments of medicine to their stores, which they won’t need again in the future. For instance, you can call your local Walgreens and ask if they can set aside a certain number of boxes from their next shipment for you. Just inform the store beforehand, and you’ll likely be able to get the boxes for free.

 As you can see, there are many ways to find free moving boxes in your area. Once you have collected the boxes you need for your upcoming move, finding a reliable moving company that can assist you is essential. EkoMovers is a professional moving company that focuses on providing excellent customer service with transparent pricing. Whether you need help with just one part of your move or want assistance with everything, our team is here to support you. To learn more about our services or get a free quote, please get in touch with us today.