The Cheapest Way To Get Moving Boxes: Tips and Tricks

Moving to a new neighborhood requires preparation, planning, and packing. You’ll need to collect enough boxes to pack your clothes, home goods, and electronics for a single trip. You may wonder, “What is the cheapest way to get moving boxes?”

Our bulk pickup specialists explain how to determine how many boxes you need and cost-efficient ways to get boxes before your next move.

Find Affordable Options

It can be challenging to find multiple “one-size-fits-all” moving boxes when planning a big move. A little research into affordable and accessible alternatives goes a long way. You may need to get creative during your search by collecting new and used boxes from several locations.

Cardboard boxes can range anywhere from $2 a box to $10, depending on the type you choose. Retailers like Move.org offer special deals for bulk orders and banker boxes. These may cost anywhere from $30 to $65 per order.

Is this your first time moving? It’s not a bad idea to check online forums for advice on where to find moving boxes in your local area. Websites like Craigslist and Reddit can point you in the right direction.

Try to keep product boxes from items you buy at the store between now and your move-out date. Start a collection in your closet or basement. This way, you will have a supply nearby when it’s time to go.

Amazon and Big Box Stores

Amazon is a practical resource for finding affordable boxes when you need to move, and you can order them directly through the Amazon application or website for delivery to your home. You may be able to ship new or used boxes overnight with Amazon Prime. If you need moving boxes or reusable moving totes and don’t have time to find and pick up boxes nearby, Amazon delivery can be a great option.

Major home retailers — like Lowe’s or Home Depot — can also yield promising results. These big box stores are worth exploring if you need large or unconventional packaging for specific household items.

Free Sources

The cheapest way to get moving boxes is to get them for free from friends, neighbors, and businesses.

Don’t assume you need to burn a hole in your wallet for durable cardboard moving boxes. The cheapest way to get moving boxes could be to ask someone who already has some. Free moving boxes may be available within a five-mile radius if you are savvy during your search. For example, ask friends or family if they have any moving boxes they can spare.

Some people also leave boxes near public recycling bins and behind retail stores, if you don’t mind driving around to find them.

Do you work in an office or restaurant? Ask your manager if you can use any spare boxes lying around. Schools, pharmacies, and liquor stores also pile up cardboard boxes from orders and may be willing to give them to you for free.

Determining Needs

Finding cheap moving boxes doesn’t need to be a hassle. Make a list of all the items you need to pack before you shop to ensure that you purchase the right moving boxes for your items.

Here are a few questions to ask while you create your list:

• Do I need boxes for large items or furniture?
• Did I save any retail packaging from previous purchases?
• Do I need special packing materials to protect fragile items?
• How much space do I have in my vehicle for moving boxes?
• What is my budget for moving boxes?
• How much time do I have to collect moving boxes?

Answering these questions will help you discover the cheapest way to get moving boxes without wasting time. If you aren’t sure what you need, start by finding some standard cardboard boxes (18x18x24 inches). These supplies will provide enough space for common household items, like kitchenware, clothes, and wall decorations.

Online Box Calculators

Some online retailers and shipping companies offer a free box calculator on their websites. This tool will help you organize your packing list and determine which box sizes you need for your move. An online box calculator can also help you determine how much you should expect to spend on new or used packing supplies.

Give yourself plenty of time to pack your boxes before your scheduled move-out date. You may find that you need more boxes or fewer boxes, even if you use a box calculator.

UsedCardboardBoxes.com

Used Cardboard Boxes, Inc. is a packing retailer located in Milwaukee. This company offers two-day shipping for all box orders and may be the perfect solution for your next move. Major media outlets like ABC, Forbes, and the Wall Street Journal promoted this five-star company for its convenience and reliability.

According to its website, you can order a moving kit for just under $50. Here are just a few options:

• Studio/Dorm Kit: This moving package is ideal for students or bachelors. It comes with 16 boxes, suitable for one or two rooms’ worth of items.
• Four-Bedroom Kit: Is your entire family packing for your move? The four-bedroom kit includes 80 boxes of various shapes and sizes. You can purchase this kit for around $250.
• Ten-Bedroom Kit: This package is best for large household or office moves. It comes with 176 moving boxes and costs about $559.

Used Cardboard Boxes, Inc. prides itself on its sustainable approach to box shipping and disposal. If you are eco-conscious, you’ll appreciate the zero-waste-to-landfill site for used and defective boxes, which the company claims saves millions of trees during operations.

Using Used Moving Boxes

You may assume the cheapest way to get moving boxes is by reusing old ones.

Used boxes can be helpful for short-distance trips, and you’ll definitely save money since you don’t have to buy new boxes. Still, you should check the quality of each box before you commit. Defective boxes can compromise the integrity of your items inside, so follow these tips:

• Choose boxes without holes: Holes in your boxes may reduce the amount of material they can carry. You could lose small objects through these gaps or expose them to the elements during transportation. Holes may also cause the box to fall apart during your move.
• Check for mold on the cardboard: Avoid packing anything in a moldy container. Mold exposure can lead to skin irritation and make you sick. You can identify mold from discoloration on your boxes and unusual odors coming from the inside.
• Look out for water damage: Wet boxes can crumble easily, spilling all of your items on the ground. Moisture can also encourage mold growth during transportation, ruining food or clothes during your trip. Dry boxes are the best choice when it comes time to pack and move.

You can use packing tape and staples to reinforce used boxes if you worry about them splitting open during trips. Remember to keep these boxes away from rain, snow, or heating elements for optimal durability.

Home Depot Prices and Sizes

Home Depot is a retail chain with nearly 2,000 locations nationwide, making it an accessible option for buying new moving boxes and kits. Consider their box options:

• Small (17x11x11 inches): $0.88 per standard box. $1.68 per heavy-duty box.
• Medium (21x16x15 inches): $1.44 per standard box. $2.58 per heavy-duty box.
• Large (27x16x15 inches): $1.68 per standard box. $3.58 per heavy-duty box.
• XL (24x21x20 inches): $2.39 per standard box. $4.84 per heavy-duty box.

Home Depot also offers glass and fragile-item kits starting at $11.

Types of Boxes

When planning how many moving boxes you need, review this list of common box types and sizes.

Standard Cardboard Boxes

A standard cardboard box is the most common type of container you will come across during your search. Collecting these over time is the cheapest way to get moving boxes. Standard cardboard boxes typically have a brand or shipping label and no additional details on the surface.

Standard boxes can come in small, medium, or large sizes. These containers are excellent for:

• Books
• Small electronics
• Folded clothes
• Trinkets
• Office supplies
• Bathroom supplies

Heavy-Duty and Fragile Boxes

Heavy-duty boxes and boxes labeled “FRAGILE” can be challenging to find used. These containers usually have additional reinforcement on the inside. You should also expect surface materials to be more dense compared to standard boxes.

Consequently, heavy-duty boxes are more expensive than softer options on the market. Consider using a heavy-duty box to store:

• TVs
• Laptops
• Glassware
• Framed pictures
• Ceramics
• Sentimental items
• Canned food

Heavy-duty boxes generally come in large sizes. Still, you should ask a retailer which options are available before you commit to a purchase. Smaller boxes may be more affordable if you are working with a tight moving budget.

Specialty Boxes

Specialty boxes come in different shapes and sizes and are best for unique items.

Suppose you need to move an expensive collection of wine hundreds of miles across the country. Purchasing specialty wine boxes or crates will ensure that every bottle stays intact during travel.

Specialty boxes usually have interior and exterior packaging features, such as bottle separators, cardboard dividers, and handles. You might even find wood or plastic boxes for high-value items.

Custom Boxes

Ordering a custom moving box can be the most expensive option. However, certain furniture pieces or electronics may require this solution for the safest transportation. Stand-up lighting fixtures, sculptures, and other high-value, oddly shaped items may require custom-sized boxes.

Most moving professionals recommend using heavy-duty or specialty boxes for items like these. This way, you can avoid expensive fees and slow delivery times.

Packing Supplies and Storage Bins

Make sure you stock up on enough packing supplies to simplify your move, including:

• Packing tape
• Box cutters
• Monitor and TV screen covers
• Mattress bags
• Styrofoam packing peanuts and bubble wrap
• Packing labels
• Fragile-marked boxes
• Markers

Do you plan to haul over a dozen boxes to your new home? Purchase several rolls of packing tape and paper to ensure that your items do not shift around during travel.

Amazon sells heavy-duty packing tape starting at $5. You can also order large rolls of styrofoam lining for under $10.

You can avoid spending time putting cardboard boxes together by investing in large storage bins. Use caution because these materials are more expensive than cardboard and may cause damage due to their hard surfaces. However, if you are moving long distances and want to ensure that your items stay secure during transportation, these durable plastic containers may be a good choice.

U-Haul Boxes for Moving

U-Haul is a nationally trusted moving company that offers rental vehicles, boxes, and packing supplies. Many people rely on them to provide moving boxes on short notice. However, expect at least four-day shipping if you live in high-demand areas, like near college campuses, downtown locations, and major residential areas.

When you need the cheapest way to get moving boxes, U-Haul isn’t a bad place to start. You can expect competitive pricing on all boxes and excellent communication from the team. They may also recommend custom kits, depending on how much you need to transport.

You can even rent a U-Haul pickup truck or van to carry all of your boxes in one trip. All of these options are available when you visit a U-Haul location in person or call over the phone. The website will provide more detailed information about purchasing packing supplies and reserving transportation at affordable rates.

Learn More With Easy Donation Pickup

Are you planning a big move in the near future? It may be time to clean your house of old items you no longer need. At Easy Donation Pickup, our team of dedicated drivers will collect your bulk donations at your door.

Simply schedule a pickup online or give us a call. Our team will ensure that you have all the information you need before your driver arrives to pick up your items. Check out our list of accepted donation items.

What is the cheapest way to get moving boxes in your area? Learn more or plan your next bulk item pickup with Easy Donation Pickup today. We are ready to remove unwanted items from your home year-round.