Where to Get Free Boxes for Your Upcoming Move

Tips on Where to Get Free Boxes for Your Move

Relocating can be a stressful task. Between packing, organizing, and coordinating logistics, there are a lot of moving parts, and the associated costs can quickly add up. U.Santini Inc. Moving & Storage offers some tips on where to get free boxes in New York City and the surrounding areas since this is one expense you can avoid or at least minimize during the move. With a bit of planning and resourcefulness, you can source recycled boxes for packing, saving both money and the environment. Here are some pointers for finding free moving boxes, ensuring they’re suitable for packing your belongings, and alternative options if free boxes aren’t readily available.

Save Boxes From Online Orders and Packages

Shopping online has become common practice, so you probably already have access to an untapped resource for moving boxes: your delivered packages:

Boxes from online orders are typically clean, in good condition, and sturdy enough to protect items in transit.
Start saving these boxes as soon as you know you’ll be moving. It’s a simple habit that may accumulate enough packing material before moving day arrives.

Check With Local Grocery and Liquor Stores

Supermarkets, grocery stores, and liquor shops are great starting points for finding sturdy, reusable boxes. These businesses receive regular shipments of goods in cardboard boxes, many of which are strong enough to hold heavy items. Check-in with local stores and ask when it’s convenient to come back to collect boxes:

Liquor boxes, in particular, tend to be smaller but very sturdy, perfect for heavy items like books or fragile items such as glasses or plates.
Visit early in the morning or late in the evening, as these are common times for restocking shelves. Speak with a manager or employee and ask if they have any spare boxes available.

Check Neighbors’ Recycling Bins on Trash Day

This option may sound unconventional, but it can be surprisingly effective. Many cities and towns offer single-stream recycling with curbside pickups. Go out early on trash day and see what sort of shipping boxes your neighbors have set out for pickup:

Your neighbors are likely shopping online too and will put their cardboard boxes in the recycling bin or next to it.
If you’re not entirely comfortable with this, you can be polite and respectful and ask your neighbors if they have any recyclable boxes they’re willing to give you. If you decide to explore bins, ensure they’re on the street, not on a person’s property, and only take clean, intact boxes to avoid damaging your belongings.

Search Local Facebook Groups and Craigslist

Platforms like Facebook Marketplace, local Facebook groups, and Craigslist have “free” sections where people often list reusable items like moving boxes they no longer need:

The Buy Nothing Project and other local community groups on Facebook are great resources for free items. Check the “free” category under the For Sale section on Craigslist.
Search for terms like “free moving boxes” or “cardboard boxes” in these online communities. Always arrange pickups safely and confirm the boxes are still in good condition before use.

Explore Other Free Options

If the above avenues don’t yield enough boxes, consider these additional tips to locate free boxes for moving:

Ask Schools and Universities – Bookstores and administrative offices often receive shipments in sturdy boxes.
Visit Office Buildings – Businesses may have leftover boxes from supplies or equipment deliveries at the end of the workday. Check with the office staff if they have any you can take.
Check with Friends and Family – People who’ve recently moved may have plenty of boxes lying around that they no longer need.
Start Early – Don’t wait until the last minute. Begin collecting boxes long before your move to ensure you have enough.

Benefits of Reusing Boxes

When you work with our professional moving company, you’re guaranteed competitive, honest, and transparent pricing for your move and careful transport of your belongings. Reusing boxes saves you additional money and contributes positively to the environment:

Reduce Waste – Recycling and reusing helps minimize landfill waste and reduce your carbon footprint.
Save Money – Buying new moving boxes can be surprisingly expensive, especially if you don’t have a use for them after the move. Free boxes allow you to allocate that money elsewhere in your move.

Eco-Friendly Plastic Box Solution

Can’t find enough free boxes? Or do you prefer something more durable and reliable? You can rent plastic moving boxes from U.Santini Inc. Moving & Storage as an alternative:

Eco-friendly and Reusable – Our plastic boxes are sanitized after every use and help minimize waste.
Strong and Durable – These boxes are designed to protect your belongings and are perfect for fragile or heavy items.
Convenient—After your move, you don’t have to recycle or store cardboard boxes. Simply return the rented plastic boxes to us when you’re done.

Quality Matters—Prioritize Sturdy and Clean Boxes

Regardless of where you source your boxes, the quality of the materials you use to pack is vital. Poor-quality boxes can collapse during the move and risk damage to your belongings. Here are some tips to ensure quality:

Inspect boxes for structural integrity, and don’t use boxes with tears, dents, or water damage.
Clean the boxes and discard any that have stains, odors, or residue.
Reinforce the bottom of the boxes with packing tape for added stability.

Schedule a Consultation for Your Move

Once you’ve collected your free moving boxes in New York City and the surrounding areas, contact U.Santini Inc. Moving & Storage for a consultation. We’ll help plan your move and can also take care of any packing you cannot complete. With nearly 100 years of experience locally, long-distance, and internationally, we’re your trusted partner for a worry-free relocation.