Moving can get expensive fast, and packing supplies are often an overlooked cost. The good news is that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get sturdy, reliable moving boxes. With a little planning, you can find affordable—or even free—boxes while still protecting your belongings.
Below are the best places to buy cheap moving boxes, plus a simple way to estimate how many boxes you’ll actually need.
Best Places to Find Cheap (or Free) Moving Boxes
1. Local Grocery & Retail Stores
Many grocery stores, liquor stores, bookstores, and big-box retailers receive frequent shipments and often have sturdy boxes they’re willing to give away. Ask a manager which days they restock and if you can pick boxes up afterward.
Best for: Small to medium boxes, book boxes, pantry items
2. Online Marketplaces & Community Groups
Websites like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, Nextdoor, and local Buy Nothing groups are great places to find free or very inexpensive moving boxes from people who just finished moving.
Best for: Mixed box sizes, quick pickup, free options
3. Home Improvement Stores
Stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s sell affordable moving boxes individually or in bundles. While not free, they’re consistent in size and strength, which makes packing and stacking easier.
Best for: Uniform boxes, fragile items, heavier loads
4. Storage & Moving Supply Stores
Moving supply retailers and self-storage facilities often sell box bundles at discounted rates. These boxes are designed specifically for moving and usually offer better durability.
Best for: Dish packs, wardrobe boxes, specialty boxes
5. Friends, Family & Local Businesses
Ask around. Friends, coworkers, or local offices may have boxes they’re happy to get rid of. Office supply stores also sometimes discard clean paper boxes that are excellent for packing.
Best for: Medium, reinforced boxes
How Many Moving Boxes Do You Actually Need?
A common mistake is overbuying boxes. In reality, not everything you own needs to go into a box.
Many items—like dressers, desks, cabinets, and other solid furniture—hold belongings that stay inside the furniture or are placed on top during the move. Because of this, box counts are often lower than people expect.
Simple Rule of Thumb
Plan for approximately 10 moving boxes per 100 cubic feet (CF) of personal items.
Example:
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100 cubic feet of personal items → ~10 boxes
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500 cubic feet of personal items → ~50 boxes
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1,000 cubic feet of personal items → ~100 boxes
This estimate assumes:
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Some items are packed inside furniture
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Larger items are not boxed
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Boxes are used primarily for loose, fragile, and smaller items
If you’re packing everything yourself and prefer nothing inside furniture, you may need slightly more boxes.
Pro Packing Tip
Use smaller boxes for heavy items (books, tools, dishes) and larger boxes for lighter items (linens, clothing, pillows). This keeps boxes manageable and reduces the risk of damage.
Final Advice
Buying cheap moving boxes doesn’t mean sacrificing protection. Focus on clean, sturdy boxes, avoid overpacking, and use padding where needed. If you’re unsure how many boxes you need—or whether certain items should be boxed at all—a professional mover can help you estimate accurately and save you time and money.