Moving can be expensive, so if you’re looking for ways to cut costs when relocating, you might be wondering where to get moving boxes affordably or for free. Fortunately, there are numerous options! Here are some ways to get free or cheap moving boxes in Phoenix.
Should You Buy or Get Free Moving Boxes?
Whether you’re moving with kids or relocating alone, you’ll need to decide if you’ll buy moving boxes or find used ones for free. Each option has its advantages and drawbacks, so choose whichever option is best for you.
Buying moving boxes from a self storage facility or moving supplies store means you’ll be able to stack them easily and get the specific sizes and types of boxes you need—plus, they’ll be good quality, since they’re brand new. It also takes less time and energy to buy moving boxes rather than figuring out where to get free ones.
However, finding free moving boxes is much more affordable and eco-friendly, as so much cardboard is used in everyday life. There are also many people and businesses that need to get rid of boxes in Phoenix, so obtaining free ones might not be as difficult as you think!
Where to Get Free Moving Boxes in Phoenix
Free moving boxes in Phoenix can be found through online exchange groups, recycling centers, grocery stores, and other retailers. Remember to always call in advance to ensure the place you’re considering has moving boxes for free that they’re willing to give you. You can also ask your friends and family to save any large boxes they get for you! Here are some specific places to get free boxes in Phoenix.
Online Exchanges in Phoenix
When searching for moving boxes in Phoenix, there are plenty of resources on websites and apps! You can typically get moving boxes for free on these platforms, but some sellers may charge a small fee. Some of the best sources for finding completely free moving boxes are the Facebook Marketplace page for Phoenix, Craigslist Phoenix, and local Facebook groups like Buy Nothing No Rules Phoenix—though you’ll need to join the group first to see if free boxes are available. Other resources where you can look for free moving boxes in Phoenix are Nextdoor Phoenix and U-Haul’s Box Exchange program—and don’t forget about asking your own social network, too.
Liquor Stores in Phoenix
Another good place to get moving boxes is at liquor stores in Phoenix, because their boxes are often extra sturdy and sometimes come with dividers to help keep fragile items like wine glasses from breaking. These shops may or may not give away their surplus boxes for free, but it’s worth it to call and ask! Try popular stores like Total Wine & More, Farmers Quality Liquor, and Thomas Market Liquors. Though Liquor Wheel is a delivery service, they also end up with a slew of boxes, so you may want to try calling them, too.
Grocery Stores in Phoenix
Phoenix grocery stores are a great place to find free moving boxes that are sturdy and resistant to bumps and dings. Before use, make sure to check the boxes for any stains and evidence of pests—and be mindful if using banana boxes, since they have holes where smaller belongings could fall out. Large grocery stores in Phoenix that have given boxes away for free in the past are Safeway, Walmart, and Fry’s Food Stores. Other local grocery stores to check out are AJ’s Fine Foods and Bashas’. Call ahead to find out if and when you can come pick up some of their used boxes.
Recycling Centers & Dumpsters in Phoenix
Some Phoenix recycling centers and stations may have cardboard boxes for free, but you should always call ahead to see if they have any and if they allow people to take them. Additionally, check to make sure the free boxes you find are structurally sound and don’t have stains or pests. You may also need to reinforce recycled boxes with tape before packing belongings in them. Residents frequently take their used moving boxes to the eco-stations placed in multiple parks in Phoenix—call the Zero Waste Team at (602) 534-0405 to find out whether you can take some home with you. Additionally, try contacting the Phoenix transfer stations at solid.waste@phoenix.gov or (602) 262-7251 to see if you can stop by and pick up recycled moving boxes from one of their locations.
Other Stores & Retailers in Phoenix
Retailers are a convenient source for free boxes in Phoenix because they frequently get large shipments! Reach out to specific locations of large chain stores such as Michael’s, Target, Costco, and Dollar General since they’ll have the most boxes. Coffee shops in Phoenix go through quite a few boxes too, and many are willing to let you take them—call Lux Central, Window Coffee Bar, Xanadu Coffee Company, and Starbucks to see if they have some. Additionally, consider colleges—the University of Arizona – Phoenix’s move-in services gives away tons of cardboard moving boxes during student move-in days in the fall, and the Phoenix College Bookstore has boxes they’re likely to donate year-round.
Where to Buy Cheap Moving Boxes in Phoenix
You can get moving boxes in Phoenix from local movers, self storage facilities, and home improvement stores. You’ll find prices from $0.99 for small boxes to $6.98 for large boxes. Here are some places you can buy boxes in Phoenix.
Note that box dimensions with precise measurements have been rounded to the nearest tenth.
Home Depot
Find extra small boxes at 15x10x12 for $1.28 all the way up to extra-large boxes at 24x20x21 for $3.48 at Home Depot. There are eight Home Depots in Phoenix, selling boxes and moving supplies like tie-down hooks, heavy-duty tape, furniture sliders, and more. Same-day delivery might be available if you put in your order by 4 p.m.
Ace Hardware
Ace Hardware in Phoenix carries cardboard moving boxes in sizes from extra small 10.5x12x12 for $1.99 to extra large 18x24x24 for $5.59. You can find 17 Ace Hardware locations in Phoenix, and they also sell packing supplies like movers blankets, box labels, packing paper, and more.
Camelback Moving
You can buy moving box sizes ranging from 1.5 cubic feet at $2.50 to 6 cubic feet at $5.50 at Camelback Moving in Phoenix. There is one Camelback Moving location, and they sell moving boxes along with other moving supplies like wardrobe boxes, webbing, and mattress bags. Some supplies, such as flat panel TV boxes, are free if you use their full moving services.
Extra Space Storage
Get high-quality, cheap moving boxes from as small as 16.6x12.5x12.5 for $2.69 to as large as 24x18x24 for $5.99 at Extra Space Storage in Phoenix, with 36 locations in the city. In addition to moving boxes, Extra Space Storage also sells helpful moving supplies such as dish protection kits, sofa covers, tape guns, braided poly rope, and more. If you purchase over $25 of moving supplies online, shipping within the continental U.S. is free!
The UPS Store
Another place to find cheap moving boxes is at The UPS Store in Phoenix. They have 32 locations, with 6x6x6 boxes to 24x24x24 boxes—though you’ll need to call your nearest location for exact pricing. You can get other moving supplies at Phoenix UPS Stores too—including bubble wrap, stretch tape, and protective plastic bags.
Where to Recycle Moving Boxes in Phoenix
When you’re done moving in to your new home, let others benefit from your gently used moving boxes! Give them to a friend who needs them, or resell your boxes online on Craigslist, Nextdoor, or the Facebook Marketplace page for Phoenix. Or, simply recycle your moving boxes through one of the following places.
Eco-Stations
Eco-stations are huge bins located in six Phoenix public parks that accept cardboard moving boxes, plus other recyclable moving supplies like packing paper, paper bags, and plastic tubs. Each eco-station is available seven days a week during regular park hours. Find eco-stations at locations such as Deer Valley Park, Encanto Park, Pecos Park, Paradise Valley Park, and more!
Public Works Transfer Stations
These Phoenix transfer stations accept used moving boxes along with packing supplies like bubble wrap, paper materials, cardboard, and glass. Make sure all recyclable loads are secured, and do not uncover your load until you’ve entered the facility, or you’ll be charged a fine. Their hours are 5:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday through Friday and 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. There are two locations—the North Gateway Transfer Station at 30205 N Black Canyon Hwy and the 27th Avenue Transfer Station at 3060 S 27th Ave.
Phoenix Shred-a-Thon
Depending on what time of year you’re moving, you may be able to recycle your moving boxes through the annual Phoenix Shred-a-Thon, hosted by Foothills Food Bank. This free event takes place in January at various locations within the community, providing an opportunity for locals to bring documents for secure shredding—as well as donations of clothing, housewares, electronics, books, and cardboard boxes! If you have other excess moving supplies, feel free to call ahead and see if they will accept your items. Non-perishable pantry item donations are also always appreciated by this non-profit Phoenix food bank.
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Moving to Phoenix? Extra Space Storage offers a variety of moving boxes and supplies available for in-store pickup at storage facilities in Phoenix!
