We know that at the very top of your moving to-do list is buying moving boxes. After all, what household move doesn’t involve a truck full of cardboard boxes? If you’re curious as to where you can buy boxes for moving online and in-store, we can help. For advice on where to buy boxes – from the best big-box retailers to truck rental companies offering boxes for sale – here’s our list of the top seven places to buy moving boxes right now.
Amazon
Why we recommend Amazon:
The retailer’s wide selection of brands makes it possible to order almost any type of moving box you need, and customer reviews make it easy to select the right one for you. Not only is it possible to order moving boxes from a variety of different companies, but it’s also easy to order other necessary moving supplies in the same shipment. The website offers fast shipping as well. Amazon Prime members even receive free two-day shipping for many of the moving boxes available.What you’ll find:
Simply type in “moving boxes” in the website’s search tool, and you’ll find moving boxes from a wide variety of retailers, including Bankers Box, Cheap! Cheap! Moving Boxes, AmazonBasics, Uboxes, StarBoxes, U-Haul and more. Given all the options, it’s a good thing Amazon makes it possible to filter the moving boxes by brand, price, condition and reviews. Several of the most popular moving boxes available through Amazon include:Home Depot
Why we recommend Home Depot:
Home Depot is one of the most convenient places to buy moving boxes. Not only can you order boxes online and pick them up in-store, but you can also arrange to have a local store personally deliver the boxes to your doorstep. The company’s website lets customers know just how many boxes (if any) are currently in stock in their local store. This makes it easy to locate the boxes you need.What you’ll find:
To locate moving boxes in your area, search “moving boxes” on Home Depot’s website and select a store near you. Home Depot will show you what’s in stock and allow you to schedule a home delivery if desired. Online and in-store, you’ll find a number of standard moving box sizes. In addition, you should be able to find everything from wardrobe boxes to dish packing kits. Several popular moving boxes available at the Home Depot include:(Video) TOP 16 MOVING TIPS FROM PROFESSIONAL MOVER - MOVING TIPS 2022Lowe’s
Why we recommend Lowe’s:
Looking for a simple cardboard box? The retailer’s wide selection of moving boxes makes it possible to find just about any size moving box you need. The website is also easy to use. Customers can filter boxes by price, size, type, brand, material and even color. Lowe’s also offers both in-store pick-up, shipping and personal delivery.See AlsoRegister as a Contractor7 Best Cisco Network Monitoring ToolsData Science : définition, secteurs d'application et compétences requises pour la science des donnéesWhat Is a Competitive Analysis? Definition + Template (2022)What you’ll find:
When we say that Lowe’s has a “wide selection,” we aren’t exaggerating. The online store has over 1,000 moving boxes for sale – not to mention, plenty of moving supplies and home improvement tools. Whatever you need (home improvement-wise) for your new house, you should be able to find at Lowe’s. However, keep in mind that the store doesn’t have as many moving kits (kits with multiple boxes) as Home Depot. Several popular moving boxes available at Lowe’s include:Staples
Why we recommend Staples:
Not sure where to buy shipping boxes? This store has you covered. The company’s free delivery, curbside pick-up, next-day eligible options and a wide variety of moving boxes also make it a top contender for box hunters. The retailer provides plenty of other office equipment and supplies for those who need it. The company’s cardboard boxes come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Moving supplies, such as packing tape and protective wrap, are also available.What you’ll find:
Staples has every type of bankers box and file storage box imaginable. For those moving a business or home office, this retailer is the place to go for boxes and supplies. In addition to bankers boxes, the website carries a number of different size cardboard shipping boxes as well as shipping box combo kits. Several popular moving boxes available at Staples include:Walmart
Why we recommend Walmart:
The big-box retailer is one of the most famous in the country, making it easy to find. The store also carries a wide variety of brands and moving boxes at different price points. Another reason we recommend Walmart is that customers can pick up any and all household items needed for the new house, in addition to boxes. The retailer also offers a number of pick-up and delivery options.What you’ll find:
Customers will find everything from moving boxes and moving kits to wardrobe boxes and mirror boxes. The retailers also sell bubble wrap, packing tape, moving equipment and shipping labels. Customers can filter their moving box options by size, price, brand, customer ratings and more – making it easy to find exactly what they’re looking for. Several popular moving boxes available at Walmart include:(Video) 7 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE HIRING A MOVING COMPANY IN GERMANY 🚚Uboxes.com
Why we recommend Uboxes.com:
The website is often considered a one-stop-shop solution for finding moving boxes and other moving supplies. It describes itself as “one of the leading suppliers of factory direct moving boxes, direct to consumers and businesses.” Customers will find every type of moving box imaginable – not to mention, moving kits and moving supplies as well. Uboxes.com makes it easy to find whatever you need in one place.What you’ll find:
On the website, you’ll find moving boxes divided into several categories: small moving boxes, medium moving boxes, large moving boxes, extra-large moving boxes, wardrobe boxes, kitchen moving boxes, picture/mirror boxes, TV moving boxes, mattress and lamp moving boxes, and office and file moving boxes. In addition, Uboxes.com makes it easy to find a moving kit for every size house – whether it’s a one to two-room kit or a seven to eight-room kit that you need, you’ll find it here. Several popular moving boxes available through Uboxes.com include:U-Haul
Why we recommend U-Haul:
The well-known truck rental company is also a great place to find moving boxes and supplies. We recommend U-Haul to those who are already renting a truck through the company and/or are looking for large moving kits with a variety of different boxes. For instance, the company sells apartment kits and various size household kits – making it easy to pack your entire household with U-Haul boxes. Customers can order boxes online or pick up the boxes for free at a local store.What you’ll find:
U-Haul offers a wide range of moving boxes available for purchase as well as several packing kits, which include a variety of boxes and moving supplies. U-Haul is also a great place to find specialty boxes. The store sells everything from lamp boxes and dish saver kits to TV moving boxes and picture shippers. According to the site, customers who pick up moving boxes in the store (as opposed to shipping them) will receive lower prices on select items. Several popular moving boxes available through U-Haul include:
5 frequently asked questions about buying moving boxes
Should I look for free boxes first?
It depends. If you’re moving on a tight budget, then it’s probably best to at least ask friends and neighbors whether they have any extra boxes lying around. If you’re determined to save as much money as possible, then we recommend looking for free boxes on local community groups, such as Nextdoor.com and Facebook Marketplace. Here are several other places to find free moving boxes near you. However, if you’re looking for boxes that are in tip-top condition, then purchasing boxes is the way to go. Ease and convenience are two other reasons why you should purchase moving boxes. Buying a bundle of boxes online at the click of a button, as opposed to spending countless hours hunting down free boxes, is certainly the more convenient choice.
Where can I find the cheapest boxes?
You should be able to find plenty of cheap moving boxes on Amazon. Other retailers that typically have competitive prices include Walmart, Home Depot and Lowe’s. You may also be able to find good deals on boxes through UsedCardboardBoxes.com, Craigslist and U-Haul Box Exchange.
How do I put a box together?
For directions on how to fold and pack a box correctly, check out our article on How to Fold a Moving Box in 5 Easy Steps.
What other moving supplies will I need?
You’re going to need more than just moving boxes to move your belongings. Other supplies you’ll likely need include packing tape, scissors, moving labels, permanent markers, plastic wrap, bubble cushioning, a tool set, packing paper, dish packing kits and mattress bags –just to name a few. If you intend to move household belongings without the help of movers, you’re also going to need a rental truck, dolly, moving straps, and (of course) helpers to assist with the heavy lifting.
What do I do with my boxes after the move?
There are a number of things you could do with your boxes after the move. If you plan to move again soon, then we recommend folding and saving the boxes that are still in good condition. Otherwise, you’ll need to come up with a plan for getting rid of them. Options include dropping the boxes at a recycling center, giving the boxes away to those who need them via Freecycle, Craigslist, Nextdoor.com or U-Haul Box Exchange, or reselling gently-used boxes (the best way to do this is in bundles, such as 10 boxes for $10).
Moving soon?
Now that we’ve answered “where to buy moving boxes?” it’s time to start planning your upcoming move. To find a reliable moving company, check Moving.com’s extensive network of movers. Our website makes it easy to find and book the best moving company for the job. All relocation companies in our network are licensed and insured, so you can rest assured that your move will be in good hands. Best of luck and happy moving!
Related Articles:
- Your Guide to Finding the Best Cheap Moving Boxes
- Where to Buy Wardrobe Boxes
- Should I Use Used Boxes for My Next Move?
- The Best Moving Boxes Available at Walmart Right Now
- 12 Essential U-Haul Boxes for Your Next Move
- Home Depot Moving Boxes: Prices, Sizes, and More
- How to Recycle Cardboard Moving Boxes
- How to Fold a Moving Box in 5 Easy Steps
- How to Pack Picture Frames and Mirrors for Moving
FAQs
What can I use instead of a moving box? ›
- Suitcases with Wheels. ...
- Backpacks. ...
- Handbags. ...
- Briefcases. ...
- Dresser Drawers. ...
- Tote Bags. ...
- Pots and Pans. ...
- Trash Bags.
Get free moving boxes from Walmart after 10 p.m.
If you can stay up until 10 p.m., visit your local Walmart to grab some moving boxes! Walmart unloads new shipments late at night, leaving empty boxes up for grabs for anyone willing to arrive late.
- Embrace the power of social media. ...
- Head to Freecycle. ...
- Ask your local supermarket for free cardboard boxes. ...
- Check local discount shops. ...
- Ask your local print shop. ...
- Ask your local school. ...
- Check out fast food restaurants. ...
- Try your local recycling centre.
Medium boxes (18 x 18 x 15 inches, 22 x 16 x 15 inches or 3 cubic feet): The most common moving box, this size is good for office supplies, records, toys, small appliances, decor, photo albums and most household items.
How do you move a house with no boxes? ›Vacuum and Ziploc bags
Put pillows, blankets, jackets and other similar items in vacuum bags and suck the air out of it. It will shrink so it won't waste space in the moving van. Sealable plastic bags are very handy for keeping smaller items safe when moving house, especially when disassembling furniture.
Pack Decor & Books
Items that are in your home purely for aesthetic purposes are good items to pack first when moving. This might include artwork, decor, books, magazines, and the like. These items are easy to pack first because chances are you won't need them during the move or the weeks preceding it.
Large megastores like Walmart, Costco, Staples, OfficeMax, Sams Club, Target, Kmart, Home Depot, Lowes etc do not give boxes away for free. They all have strict corporate policies that forbid employees from giving them away and should be avoided.
Does Home Depot give out free boxes? ›With shipments coming in every day, you should be able to find just about every kind of box at your local Walmart, Costco, Sam's Club, Home Depot, Office Depot, Target, K-Mart and Best Buy – among others. Also consider dollar stores, shoe stores, sporting goods stores and gigantic home supply stores like IKEA.
How do I get free moving boxes from USPS? ›How Can I Get Free USPS Boxes? You can order free boxes and envelopes online at the USPS store. The Postal Service will even deliver the supplies to your door for free. Most boxes will typically come in packs of 10 or 25, so keep that in mind as you complete your order.
How long does it take to get free boxes from USPS? ›Free shipping supplies are shipped free of charge. They are shipped via Parcel Select® service within 2-5 Business Days and should be received within 5-7 Business Days.
Does FedEx give free boxes? ›
FedEx Packaging. Packaging is vital to the swift delivery of your shipment. We have therefore developed our own range of ready-to-use, self-sealing packaging in a choice of shapes and sizes. And they are all available free of charge when you give your shipments to FedEx*.
How do you ask for moving boxes? ›If you drive to work, ask your office manager or the folks at the loading dock if they have any clean boxes you can have. If they don't, tell them your move date and ask them to set some aside for you to pick up another day.
Is buying moving boxes worth it? ›Why should you bother purchasing new packing containers then? The answer is simple enough – second-hand packing supplies can't provide as good protection to your items as brand new packing materials. And the safety of your belongings may be worth the extra cost of buying quality moving boxes.
How heavy should boxes be for movers? ›The rule of thumb is that each box should not weigh more than 50 pounds. Even if you've hired movers, remember that you may have to move the boxes yourself, from one room to another, so make sure you're able to lift them. Some boxes, such as a wardrobe moving boxes or electronic boxes, may naturally be heavier.
How many boxes do I need for a move? ›How many boxes do I need to move based on the amount of rooms? As a general rule of thumb, you're going to want about 10 small, 8 medium, and 5 large packing boxes per room. This is just an estimate, of course, since rooms can vary in size and content fairly drastically.
How do you pack a house fast? ›- Purge, purge, purge. ...
- Pack an “essentials” box or bag. ...
- Skip the sorting. ...
- Recruit a few friends to help you pack. ...
- Keep clothes in your dressers. ...
- Use linens for padding. ...
- Hire professional movers.
Cornstarch Packages
It has plastic-like properties which makes it suitable instead of going with plastics. Because it has to be molded into whatever form is needed, from bottles to loose fillings, cornstarch packaging makes a better and just as useful packaging as plastics.
Move into your new home on a Thursday, considered by some to be the luckiest day. That is, unless everyone else is moving on a Thursday, which will make getting a van pretty difficult.
How do you declutter before moving? ›- Give Yourself Time. Don't wait until the day before the movers arrive to decide what to pack and what to get rid of. ...
- Use Extras. ...
- Start a Necessities Box. ...
- Leave the Mementos for Last.
- Use Three Boxes.
- Employ the Practicality Test. ...
- Check Expiration Dates. ...
- Donate or Sell.
When all costs are averaged out, the price of shopping at Lowe's vs. Home Depot is essentially the same. Lowe's and Home Depot stores engage in competitive pricing, so it is common to find similar popular items priced within pennies of each other.
Are UPS boxes free? ›
UPS packaging is provided free of charge to UPS account holders for selected air and UPS Worldwide Express® services. Other packaging supplies are sold at The UPS Store® and UPS Customer Centre locations.
What is the best way to move clothes? ›Keep clothing on hangers when possible. Keep folded clothes in dresser drawers. Remember to line suitcases and cardboard boxes with packing paper to protect the clothes. Use plastic storage containers to pack clothing items you won't be using soon.
Can you return used moving boxes to Home Depot? ›If you end up buying more than you need, Home Depot has an uncomplicated return policy. Just bring your receipt and unused boxes to any store for a full refund. Every cardboard box from Home Depot is constructed from 100% recycled materials and can be recycled once you've finished moving.
Does USPS sell boxes? ›You can purchase boxes and tubes of various sizes at most Post Offices. Select Priority Mail Express and Priority Mail boxes are available free at the Post Office for items sent using either of these services.
What size boxes does UPS have? ›Our standard box sizes include:
6 x 6 x 6. 6 x 6 x 48. 8 x 8 x 8. 10 x 10 x 10.
As we mentioned above, combining your own custom packaging with the right USPS service is often more cost-effective than using flat-rate boxes. One such option is taking advantage of cubic pricing. Priority Mail cubic pricing is a more efficient USPS service for shipping small packages that weigh up to 20 pounds.
Are boxes at post office free? ›The USPS will keep you well-stocked with boxes, stickers, forms and more for free. These pre-printed envelopes, Tyvek® mailers and boxes can be used to send items through Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express, and they're eco-friendly.
What are the sizes of the free USPS boxes? ›- Priority Mail Box 1092 – 13.688 x 12 x 2.875″
- Priority Mail Box 1095 – 15 x 12 x 3.125″
- Priority Mail Box 1096L – 9.438 x 6.438 x 2.188″
- Priority Mail Box 1097 – 13.375 x 11.625 x 2.5″
- Priority Mail Box 4 – 7.25 x 7.25 x 6.5″
- Priority Mail Box 7 – 12.25 x 12 x 8.5″
Yes, you can reuse Amazon boxes for your next shipping, whether through the post or courier companies! You have to make sure that you cover the previous labels so that the parcel does not end up delivered to another destination.
Where can I pick up USPS flat rate boxes? ›You can pick up flat rate boxes in-person from any post office. Authorized USPS shippers may also have the boxes available. You can also order the boxes from the USPS website. So long as you create an account and have a physical address that can receive packages, USPS will deliver boxes to you for free.
Can I use USPS boxes to move? ›
The packaging is Postal Service property and, therefore, should only be used to send Express and Priority mail packages. However, some customers use the boxes, envelopes, and labels for other purposes and in some cases, customers use the packaging to mail items using the Postal Service's competitors.
What size boxes are available at FedEx? ›| Dimensions | Price for box only | Price for fragile packaging2 |
|---|---|---|
| 12" x 12" x 18" box | $3.75 | $16.49 |
| 13" x 9" x 11" box | $2.75 | $15.49 |
| 16" x 16" x 16" box | $4.00 | $19.49 |
| 14" x 14" x 14" box | $3.75 | $16.49 |
If we compare UPS and FedEx domestic services, UPS is cheaper than FedEx. UPS is recognized as the best option for domestic package shipments as it offers cheaper shipping rates, while FedEx ranks as the most expensive carrier.
How can I get free FedEx supplies? ›Free FedEx Express packaging available online
If you're shipping using FedEx Express, packaging is complimentary. We'll ship it to you for free when you order it online. And don't forget you can get flat-rate shipping with FedEx Express packaging.
Save some cash and get packing boxes from your local supermarket. Most supermarkets will happily give them to you for free. Choose boxes used for transporting fruit or alcohol, as long as there haven't been any spillages, as these tend to be the strongest.
How do you ask for boxes at a store? ›Check the nearest office supply store.
Ask to speak to a manager, and see if they have any free boxes they don't use. Ask if they specifically have printer or copy paper boxes. Due to their large size, those will help you carry your heavy household belongings, from kitchenware to books.
You can get free moving boxes at grocery stores, furniture stores, bookstores, and liquor stores. You can also check with nearby recycling centers and online classifieds (like Craigslist).
Is it better to move with boxes or totes? ›“Plastic totes keep out water, smoke, critters of any kind – it's an issue that a lot of people deal with – and it's a lot harder for those thing to get into a box with a lid,” said Shaner. But if you're moving during dry days or in a temperate climate, then cardboard boxes are the best option.
Are moving bags better than boxes? ›Moving bags can be easier to carry as they come with straps or handles. Moving bags can often allow for more to be packed in one as they are bigger. Plastic bin bags can also work out cheaper than using moving boxes. Moving bags such as plastic bin bags are easily accessible at most local stores.
Are heavy duty moving boxes worth it? ›Storing valuable items: Heavy-duty boxes are the best boxes for long-term storage of valuable items, including small appliances, electronics, kitchenware, book and vinyl collections, and more.
What should you not bring to movers? ›
- Gasoline.
- Oxygen bottles.
- Lighter fluid.
- Matches.
- Propane cylinders.
- Nail polish remover.
- Paints and paint thinners.
- Fireworks.
- Household cleaners. ...
- Lighter fluid. ...
- Fertilizer and Weed Killer. ...
- Perishables (moving the kitchen) ...
- Ammunition. ...
- Car Batteries. ...
- Moving Documents. ...
- Cash, Wills, Deeds, Jewelry, and Other Valuables.
It is important to know that most moving companies will require that your belongings are packaged safely, within a box. As with most moving questions that you may have, always check with your moving company to see what their requirements are.
Will Walmart give you free boxes? ›Get free moving boxes from Walmart after 10 p.m.
If you can stay up until 10 p.m., visit your local Walmart to grab some moving boxes! Walmart unloads new shipments late at night, leaving empty boxes up for grabs for anyone willing to arrive late.
- Embrace the power of social media. ...
- Head to Freecycle. ...
- Ask your local supermarket for free cardboard boxes. ...
- Check local discount shops. ...
- Ask your local print shop. ...
- Ask your local school. ...
- Check out fast food restaurants. ...
- Try your local recycling centre.
For a 3-4 bedroom house, we recommend 40 medium boxes, 30 large boxes and 3 porta-robes. For a 5-6 bedroom house, we recommend 60 medium boxes, 45 large boxes and 4 porta-robes.
Is there an alternative to cardboard boxes? ›Cornstarch Packages
It has plastic-like properties which makes it suitable instead of going with plastics. Because it has to be molded into whatever form is needed, from bottles to loose fillings, cornstarch packaging makes a better and just as useful packaging as plastics.
In short, the answer to your question is, “It depends, but more often than not, yes.” Generally, if it will fit in a box, then it is a good idea to put said items in one.
Can I use plastic totes for moving? ›You thought plastic totes may seem like a good idea for packing and moving, they're actually not. They're not designed to withstand the weight of other packed totes and boxes when they're stacked floor to ceiling. Since their edges don't meet, and they don't hold their shape integrity like traditional moving boxes.
What material is better than cardboard? ›In summary, plastic is actually more efficient to manufacture than cardboard and produces less waste during the process.
What is corrugated bubble wrap? ›
Its an effective alternative which provides quality cushioning for your goods as well as strengthening your eco-friendly pack room operation. This paper is 100% recycled and manufactured from recycled and biodegradable materials. FEATURE. - Enviornmentally freindly alternative to bubble wrap.
What is cornstarch packaging? ›In a nutshell, cornstarch packaging is a biodegradable packaging material that can replace polystyrene (Styrofoam) and plastic. Available in both transparent and opaque material, it can be used in a variety of ways. Currently, the most popular way to utilize cornstarch packaging is for take away food.
Does USPS have free boxes? ›How Can I Get Free USPS Boxes? You can order free boxes and envelopes online at the USPS store. The Postal Service will even deliver the supplies to your door for free. Most boxes will typically come in packs of 10 or 25, so keep that in mind as you complete your order.
Can you pick up free boxes at the post office? ›To get your free USPS shipping supplies, you can order them online through Stamps.com or pick them up from Post Offices nationwide. The post office will allow you to order up to 500 of its shipping boxes or labels free of charge.
What items can you not send through the mail? ›...
You can't send these items in the U.S. mail:
- Air Bags.
- Ammunition.
- Explosives.
- Gasoline.
- Marijuana (medical or otherwise); hemp/CBD is allowed, but restricted.
- Purge, purge, purge. ...
- Pack an “essentials” box or bag. ...
- Skip the sorting. ...
- Recruit a few friends to help you pack. ...
- Keep clothes in your dressers. ...
- Use linens for padding. ...
- Hire professional movers.
Don't forget to pick up packing tape, packing paper, and a marker to label the boxes. Boxes weighing more than 50 pounds. Too heavy of a box can compromise the integrity and stability of the box when carrying it and can cause injury to the movers attempting to lift it. Use small boxes for books, files, or canned goods.
Will movers take things not in boxes? ›It is important to know that most moving companies will require that your belongings are packaged safely, within a box. As with most moving questions that you may have, always check with your moving company to see what their requirements are.
Is it better to use bins or boxes for moving? ›For short and easy moves, our experts recommend tried-and-true cardboard moving boxes. They're easy to find, cheap to buy and can be easily recycled. “We tend to use cardboard boxes more than plastics bins, when moving a client,” said Jamie Shaner of Home Solutions of WNY, Inc.
How do I pack miscellaneous items to move? ›How to Pack Miscellaneous Items - YouTube