30+ Legit Places to Find Free Moving Boxes Near You (2025 Guide)

While in this guide we’ll focus specifically on finding boxes, it’s part of a larger strategy you can learn about in my ultimate guide to getting free stuff.

In this post, I’ll give you a practical, step-by-step list of the best places to find clean, sturdy boxes near you without paying a dime.

The “Golden Rule” of Finding Free Boxes (Read This First!)

Before you just show up at a store, you need a smart strategy.

The difference between going home empty-handed and scoring a whole car full of free boxes is all about how you approach it.

Here are my three simple, non-negotiable rules for a successful box-hunting trip.

Rule #1: Call Ahead & Be Polite

Here’s the deal: store employees are busy, and a lot of the time, to get free stuff, all you have to do is ask nicely!

Don’t just show up and expect them to drop everything.

Always call the store first and politely ask.

You can say something as simple as, “Hi, I’m moving and was wondering if you might have any empty cardboard boxes you’d be willing to set aside for me?”

Most of the time, they are happy to help you take the boxes off their hands, especially if you’re asking at a local store near you.

This is a perfect strategy for getting moving boxes without paying and even for finding cheap moving supplies near you.

Rule #2: Know the Best Times to Go

Timing is everything.

You’ll have the best luck if you go on a store’s restocking day, usually in the morning right after they’ve unloaded a shipment.

This is when they will have the most empty, clean boxes available, including cardboard boxes for moving.

Tuesdays and Fridays are usually big shipment days for a lot of retail stores.

Again, a quick, polite phone call can help you figure out the perfect time to stop by the store near you and grab the best reusable moving boxes or free cardboard boxes.

Rule #3: Know What to Look For (And What to Avoid)

Not all free boxes are created equal.

You want boxes that are clean, dry, and sturdy enough to handle your move.

You don’t want the bottom of the box to give out in the middle of moving (don’t ask me how I know!), your grandma’s antique china.

Here’s what to look for:

• Good Boxes to Get: Look for boxes that held heavy items. Boxes for liquor, books, and computer paper are incredibly strong and perfect for packing heavy things. The fry boxes from McDonald’s are also surprisingly sturdy!
• Boxes to Avoid: I would stay away from any boxes that held produce, meat, or anything that could be sticky, smelly, or attract bugs. You don’t want to transport your clean clothes or kitchen items in a dirty box. Always give every box a quick inspection before you take it home.

My Top 3 Places to Get Free Boxes Near Me

As you’ll see in a moment, there are a lot of places where you can get free boxes for moving, shipping, storage or for whatever else you need them for.

But depending on where you live and when you need them, some are more reliable than others.

If you’re in a hurry and need moving boxes today, these are my top three recommendations that almost always deliver.

1. Large Supermarkets (Like Walmart or Target)

Here’s the deal…

Big-box stores like Walmart and Target go through a massive number of boxes every single night, making them one of the most reliable sources near you.

My pro tip is to call in the evening, often after 10 p.m., as this is when many of these stores do their major restocking and break down the most empty boxes.

2. Liquor & Wine Stores

If you need to move heavy or fragile items like books and dishes, liquor store boxes are your absolute best friend.

Because they are designed to carry heavy glass bottles, they are incredibly sturdy and often have convenient hand-holds built in.

Call your local liquor store in the morning after they’ve received a big shipment and they are usually happy to set some aside for you.

3. The U-Haul Box Exchange

This is a brilliant program that not enough people know about.

Many U-Haul locations have a “Take a Box, Leave a Box” bin right in their lobby.

People who have just finished their move can drop off their perfectly good, used boxes for the next person.

You can usually find a huge variety of box sizes (including specialty ones) completely free, and all right in your local area.

Where Can I Get Free Cardboard Boxes for Moving

If you’ve got a bit more time and want to gather a wide variety of boxes, here are the best places to look near you.

I’ve broken them down by category to make your search easier.

Major Retail & Big-Box Stores Near You

• Walmart & Target: As I mentioned, these are top-tier spots. Call late at night or early in the morning when they are restocking shelves.
• Barnes & Noble: Books are heavy, so their boxes are incredibly sturdy and perfect for your own book collection.
• Office Supply Stores: Places like Office Depot and Staples get deliveries in strong, solid boxes that are great for all-purpose packing.
• Home Supply & Craft Stores: Stores like Bed Bath & Beyond, Michaels, and Hobby Lobby are great sources for medium-to-large sized, clean boxes.
• Auto Supply Stores: Don’t overlook places like AutoZone. They get large parts shipped in big, durable boxes that are perfect for bulky, lighter items.
• Pet Stores: Chains like PetSmart and Petco receive large shipments of heavy pet food bags, meaning their boxes are strong and reliable.

Your Local Grocery & Liquor Stores

• Your Local Grocery Store: The produce department is always a great bet for boxes. Just ask! The best time is often in the morning after they’ve stocked for the day. McDonald’s fry boxes, which arrive frozen, are another surprisingly clean and strong option.
• Trader Joe’s & Whole Foods: These stores are known for being very helpful. Go in the morning or late evening and ask an employee in the wine or grocery aisle, and they will usually happily give you whatever they have.
• Costco & Sam’s Club: You can always find a huge number of empty boxes near the checkout for customers to use. Just walk in and grab what you need.
• Liquor Stores: As I mentioned, these are the absolute best source for sturdy boxes that can handle heavy, fragile items.
• Fast Food Restaurants (Seriously!): This is one of my favorite insider tricks. Ask a manager at a place like McDonald’s if they have any empty fry boxes. These cardboard boxes are surprisingly clean (the fries arrive frozen), incredibly strong, and the perfect uniform size for packing up a kitchen.

Online & Community-Based Options

• Craigslist: This is a classic. I have a whole guide on how to find goodies in the Free” section on your local Craigslist. You will almost always find someone who has just finished moving and is desperate to get rid of their entire collection of boxes.
• Facebook Marketplace: The “Free Stuff” section on Facebook Marketplace has become one of the best and fastest ways to find people in your neighborhood giving away their used moving boxes.
• Freecycle & Nextdoor: These community-based networks are designed for neighbors helping neighbors. Post that you are “in search of” moving boxes, and you’ll likely get a response within hours from someone nearby.
• U-Haul Box Exchange: In addition to their in-store bins, U-Haul runs an online message board where you can search your city to find other people giving away their used boxes and moving supplies.

Other Overlooked “Hidden Gems” in Your Area

• Your Workplace: The mailroom or supply closet at your own job is an often-overlooked goldmine. Just ask your office manager if they can set aside any empty shipment boxes for you.
• Local Schools: Schools receive a huge number of deliveries, from textbooks to cafeteria supplies. Give the main office a call and ask if they have any boxes you could take off their hands.
• Starbucks & Coffee Shops: Starbucks gets multiple shipments a week, meaning they have a constant supply of empty, clean boxes in a variety of useful sizes.

Saeed’s Pro Tip: The One Box Everyone Forgets (That’s Worth Paying For)

Okay, this entire guide is about finding free moving boxes, but I want to share one “insider” tip that will save you hours of work and a ton of headaches.

It is always worth spending a few dollars to buy a couple of wardrobe boxes!

And I’ll tell you why…

Wardrobe boxes are a type of specialty moving box that comes with a built-in metal bar.

You can take your clothes directly from your closet (still on their hangers) and hang them right inside the box.

You don’t need to do any folding or deal with wrinkles or mess.

When you get to your new home, you just move the hangers from the box to your new closet.

While you won’t find these for free, I promise you that spending $30-$40 on two or three of these is the single best time-saving “hack” in the entire moving process.

It turns a full day of packing and unpacking clothes into about fifteen minutes of work.

Common Problems with Free Boxes (And How to Solve Them)

Getting free boxes is fantastic, but they don’t always come in perfect condition.

I’ve run into every issue you can imagine over the years.

The good news is that with a little creativity, you can solve just about any problem without having to spend any money.

Problem: The Boxes Are a Little Dirty, Wet, or Damaged

Don’t panic!

Unless a box is completely falling apart, you can probably still use it.

Wipe down any dusty boxes with a cloth. If you find a box that’s a bit damp, let it air dry completely before using it for anything that can’t handle moisture, or just line it with a garbage bag for extra protection. For any boxes that feel a little flimsy, just use extra packing tape to reinforce the bottom and corners.

A little tape can turn a weak box into a sturdy moving box.

Problem: I Have a Weird Mix of Small and Large Boxes

This is actually a good thing!

The key to efficient packing is using the right size box for the right items.

Here’s my simple rule:

• Use your small, heavy-duty boxes (like the ones from the liquor store) for heavy items like books, kitchen gadgets, and canned goods. This keeps them easy to carry and prevents the bottom from breaking.
• Use your large and extra-large boxes for lightweight, bulky stuff like pillows, blankets, towels, and clothing.

Getting this right makes stacking the moving truck (and unpacking) so much easier.

Problem: I Ran Out of Boxes Mid-Pack!

This happens to everyone.

The best way to handle this is to have a backup plan.

Keep a running list on your phone of the best places near you (your local grocery store, the U-Haul exchange, or a big-box retailer).

It also pays to keep an eye on the “Free Stuff” sections on Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace, as people are giving away their used moving boxes every single day.

Problem: These Random Box Sizes Are Hard to Stack

I call this “moving Tetris,” and it’s a real challenge.

The rule is simple: always build a base with your heaviest, sturdiest boxes on the bottom.

Then, you can stack the lighter, larger, or oddly shaped boxes on top.

This creates a stable foundation and prevents your lighter stuff from getting crushed.

FAQ: Your Questions About Getting Free Moving Boxes

Here are the straight answers to the most common questions people ask when they’re trying to find free boxes for packing and moving.

Final Thoughts: Your Hassle-Free Move Starts Now

As you can see, there’s no reason to waste money buying cardboard boxes.

With a little bit of planning and a few polite phone calls to places near you, you can find plenty of clean, sturdy boxes that are perfect for your move.

It’s one of the easiest ways to save a significant amount of money during what is already an expensive time.

It’s one of the easiest ways to save money when moving which is already an expensive time.

I used to work at Walmart years ago, and even then, we’d happily give away empty boxes to anyone who asked.

And that’s the real secret here…most of the time, all you have to do is ask!

So pick a few places from this list, make a few calls, and start your hunt. You’ll be well on your way to getting all the free moving boxes you need for a cheaper, less stressful move.