Whether you’re moving on short notice, across town, or across the country, the cost of moving can get steep. Fortunately, there are plenty of places where you can get free or cheap moving boxes in Boston to help cut costs. Read this guide to learn where you can find free or affordable boxes for your next move!
Should You Buy or Get Free Moving Boxes?
When planning your move, consider whether your budget allows for new moving boxes or if you’d prefer to find free, used ones. Each option comes with its own factors to keep in mind.
Buying new moving boxes in Boston is a great option if you’re looking for convenience. Going to a store that sells moving supplies means you’re more likely to find boxes of the size and type you need. New boxes are also more stable and uniform for easy stacking and are typically higher quality than reused boxes.
On the other hand, tracking down free moving boxes is much more cost-effective since you’re not paying for them—which is great if you’re moving on a budget. And because you’re reusing materials, getting moving boxes for free is also a more environmentally sustainable option.
Where to Get Free Moving Boxes in Boston
Online exchange platforms and businesses that receive bulk shipments are great sources for free moving boxes in Boston. Try checking grocery stores, liquor stores, various retailers, recycling centers, and more for used boxes.
Online Exchanges in Boston
Online exchanges and social media platforms can be a great way to find free moving boxes in Boston. Ask people in your own social network to save boxes for you, or check Facebook Marketplace and local Facebook groups like Buy Nothing Boston and Buy, Sell, Trade Anything Boston for free and low-cost boxes for pickup. You can also search platforms like Craigslist Boston, Nextdoor Boston, OfferUp Boston, Freecycle Boston, and the U-Haul Box Exchange for listings related to free moving boxes—or even post your own request so people can respond if they have what you’re looking for.
Liquor Stores in Boston
Liquor stores are often a good source for free, sturdy moving boxes. Designed to hold heavy loads, these boxes are typically durable and often come with dividers—perfect for packing glassware and other fragile items. Local and national retailers like Liquor Land, Boston Liquors, Al’s Discount Liquors, and Total Wine & More may have boxes available, but it’s always a good idea to call ahead to make sure!
Grocery Stores in Boston
Grocery stores are another excellent resource for Boston moving boxes, since boxes designed for shipping canned goods and produce are usually sturdy and impact-resistant. Boston grocery stores like Star Market, Stop & Shop, Whole Foods, and Roche Bros. often have free boxes available, but it’s best to call ahead or check with customer service to confirm. Keep in mind that these boxes have been used to transport food, so inspect them for stains, food particles, or pests before use. Additionally, some boxes—like banana boxes—have holes that could allow small items to slip through, making them less ideal for certain packing needs.
Recycling Centers & Dumpsters in Boston
Recycling centers can be a good place to check for free boxes, since people often drop off their used boxes when they’re done with them. Sometimes, recycling centers will let you take these boxes for free, but it’s best to call ahead and confirm. In Boston, recycling centers like Casella may have free boxes for your move. Remember to check any boxes you get from recycling centers for sturdiness, as well as signs of pests and stains. You may need to reinforce them with packing tape, as well.
Other Retailers & Organizations in Boston
Beyond the options listed above, there are plenty of alternatives to check out if you can’t find the free boxes in Boston you’re looking for. Bookstores like the Harvard Book Store in Cambridge, Trident Booksellers & Cafe, and even the Boston Public Library could potentially have boxes available—and these boxes tend to be sturdier for transporting and stacking heavy books. Similarly, churches and community centers such as Boston Centers for Youth and Families, Old South Church, and Saint Cecilia Parish may also have used boxes available.
Where to Buy Cheap Moving Boxes in Boston
There are a variety of businesses in Boston that offer affordable moving boxes and rentable, eco-friendly moving bins. Cardboard moving boxes in Boston typically range between $1.68 and $6.99 in price, though this can vary based on the type and size of the box.
Please note that listed dimensions for boxes with precise measurements are rounded to the nearest tenth.
Home Depot
You can purchase moving boxes ranging from 17x11x11 at $1.68 to 24x20x21 at $3.68 at Home Depot locations in Boston. There is one Home Depot location in Boston that sells moving boxes, along with additional locations in the broader Boston metro area. Home Depot also sells other moving supplies like moving blankets, packing foam, bubble cushion, and more.
Extra Space Storage
Find affordable moving boxes ranging from 16.6x12.5x12.5 at $2.69 to 24x18x24 at $5.99 through Extra Space Storage. There are three Extra Space Storage locations in Boston and several others in the surrounding area. These facilities sell a variety of moving boxes and packing supplies—including packing tape, furniture covers, bubble wrap, and more.
Ace Hardware
At Ace Hardware, you can buy cheap moving boxes in sizes ranging from smaller 10.5x12x12 boxes for $3.99 to larger 24x18x18 boxes for $6.99. There are two Ace Hardware locations in Boston that sell moving boxes. You can also purchase other moving supplies, like plastic storage totes, storage bags, bubble wrap, moving blankets, and more.
Box Save
You can rent plastic moving box kits ranging from 20 boxes for $149 to 100 boxes for $369 at Box Save in Boston. Box Save’s Boston location offers delivery to local residents and allows you to rent their plastic moving boxes for up to three weeks—or longer, for an additional cost. They also provide other moving supplies like moving dollies, dish dividers, zip ties, and more.
Where to Recycle Moving Boxes in Boston
After your move, stay environmentally sustainable by recycling or repurposing your cardboard boxes! You can resell or donate them online through platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, Freecycle, and more, or dispose of them through recycling services in Boston.
City of Boston
The City of Boston provides recycling bins to all residents who take part in their weekly waste collection services. Cardboard boxes, as well as other items made of metal, glass, plastic, and paper can also be recycled. You can call 617-635-4500 to learn more about their recycling services, including accepted and non-accepted materials.
Casella
Casella accepts cardboard moving boxes, along with materials like paper, glass, and plastic. To use their services, you’ll need to call for a quote. Once you sign up and receive your Zero-Sort recycling can, you can take advantage of weekly curbside service. Casella Waste Systems is located at 24 Bunker Hill Industrial Park.
ReSource Roxbury
Though ReSource Roxbury primarily focuses on construction and demolition debris, you can also rent dumpsters ranging from 15 cubic yards to 40 cubic yards for up to seven days to recycle materials like cardboard moving boxes, plastic, paper, glass, and more. Rental prices depend on the dumpster size, rental duration, and the items being recycled—call 877-586-0436 or email dumpsters@resource-waste.com for a quote. Their Roxbury location can be found at 101 Gerard Street, and the administrative office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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Moving to Boston? Extra Space Storage offers a variety of moving boxes and supplies available for in-store pickup at storage facilities in Boston!
