While moving is usually an exciting time, the costs can easily rack up. The last thing you want to do when moving is spend a small fortune on moving boxes. Luckily, there are plenty of places you can get moving boxes cheaply, or even for free. Moving to a new city or just across town, finding free boxes is a good way to cut your moving costs without sacrificing the quality of your packing materials.

In this article, we will be looking at some of the ways you can get moving boxes that won't break the bank. You'll also learn where to find the boxes from online resources to local stores, and where to get them for free, or at least at a great discount. If you plan a bit and use a little creativity, you'll have all the boxes you need without going over budget.

Where to Find Cheap or Free Moving Boxes for Your Next Move?

Here are some of the best places to look for moving boxes without breaking the bank.

Online Marketplaces and Social Media

The easiest and most convenient way to get moving boxes for cheap or free is to look online via marketplaces and social media. If you're working on a budget, websites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and Freecycle are places where people are giving away or selling used moving boxes. When people have moved recently they're usually desperate to get rid of their boxes, and many are happy to give them away free if they know they can find someone who will put them to good use.

And on Facebook, especially, joining local community groups or buy and sell groups can be particularly useful. There are many people who will post a request for free moving boxes and you may get responses from people who are moving out, or simply cleaning out their homes. Like Freecycle, you may request specific items (like moving boxes) and often have local listings of people with things they want to give away or sell for free.

Being quick to respond is the key to success with online marketplaces. Since so many people post moving boxes as a temporary offer, the faster you act, the better your chances of getting a stash of free or cheap boxes. New posts come in at any time, so keep checking the listings regularly.

Local Retail Stores and Supermarkets

Free moving boxes can be a goldmine at local retail stores, especially supermarkets. Products that come in sturdy durable boxes are repeated frequently by grocery stores, large retail chains. Many of these stores have staff that break down boxes after unloading goods and are willing to give them away for free to people who ask.

Particularly, supermarkets are a great source of boxes because they usually offer a variety and size. Boxes that are used for canned goods or non perishable items are strong enough to hold heavy items and are perfect to pack. Smaller, sturdy boxes also make great finds they can be used to hold glassware and other fragile items.

The trick is to go to these stores early in the day, if you can, just after they've received new shipments. For boxes, be polite, and tell them you're looking for moving boxes. Some stores will allow you to take boxes, but others won't. Some will even help you, if you get them at the right time. If they don't have boxes that you can set aside for you, or if they can check back regularly, don't hesitate to ask.

Office Buildings and Schools

Another often-overlooked source for moving boxes is office buildings and schools. These places constantly receive shipments of supplies, equipment, and materials in boxes that can be repurposed for your move. Office buildings may have extra boxes from equipment upgrades, file storage, or inventory shipments, while schools often discard boxes from textbooks, art supplies, or seasonal materials.

When it comes to office buildings, you might have to be more proactive about asking. Consider contacting local businesses, especially those undergoing renovations or major spring cleaning. Schools, on the other hand, are great places to inquire around the beginning or end of the semester when theyre likely to have surplus boxes left over from deliveries.

In these cases, it's best to contact the facilities or office managers directly. A polite email or a phone call explaining your situation may lead to a positive outcome. You might also find a good collection of free boxes after large corporate events, conferences, or end-of-year cleanups.

Friends, Family, and Neighbors

When in doubt, ask your social circle. Friends, family, and neighbors who have recently moved or who are about to move may have extra boxes theyre happy to give away. Social connections can often be the easiest and most reliable way to secure free moving boxes, especially if theyve just moved and still have their old boxes laying around.

Dont be afraid to reach out to neighbors, either. If you live in an apartment complex, you might find that others in your building are either about to move or have just completed a move themselves. Some apartment complexes even have community boards where people can post items they want to give away or sell. Similarly, reaching out to friends of friends or posting a message on your social media accounts can help spread the word that you're in need of boxes.

In addition, during the spring or summer months, many people declutter or clean their homes, often resulting in extra moving boxes. Be sure to keep an eye out for signs that someone is giving away boxes, especially around busy moving seasons.

Conclusion

Getting moving boxes for cheap or free doesnt have to be a difficult or stressful task. By thinking creatively and tapping into the resources around you, you can gather all the boxes you need without breaking the bank. Online platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Freecycle, and Craigslist are excellent places to start, but dont overlook local retail stores, office buildings, schools, and even your social circle for potential box sources.