Whether you’re moving across states or only a short distance, acquiring the right moving supplies can be costly. Getting boxes is an essential part of the process and a good opportunity to save money while moving. Cut down on moving costs in Orlando by checking out this guide to finding free and affordable moving boxes near you.
Should You Buy or Get Free Moving Boxes?
One of the most important considerations before moving to Orlando is how you’ll get moving boxes. Whether you plan to buy new moving boxes or find used moving boxes for free, each option has its benefits and drawbacks.
Buying new moving boxes in Orlando offers the advantage of customization, allowing you to choose the exact sizes that suit your needs. Many moving box sets are designed for easy stacking, helping you maximize space in your vehicle or storage area. Additionally, new boxes are generally of higher quality, providing more durability and support for your items. Plus, purchasing boxes is typically easier and more convenient than searching for used ones.
On the other hand, repurposing boxes or finding free used boxes is an excellent choice for moving on a budget. It allows you to save money that can be allocated to other moving-related expenses. This option is also more environmentally-friendly, helping reduce waste and making your Orlando move more sustainable.
Where to Get Free Moving Boxes in Orlando
The City of Orlando has no shortage of spots offering affordable moving supplies. From liquor stores to online marketplaces, there are several ways to acquire free cardboard boxes in Orlando. Here are some places to find free moving boxes near you.
Online Exchanges in Orlando
One of the best ways to find cheap and free moving boxes in Orlando is by browsing online marketplaces. Check out Facebook Marketplace for local listings, or join groups like Buy, Sell, and Trade Orlando. You can also search for Buy Nothing Project groups in your area, such as Buy Nothing Orlando/Avalon Park or Buy Nothing Winter Park Pines/Baldwin Park. Another option is posting a request on a local Freecycle page to find boxes nearby. Additionally, Craigslist, Nextdoor, and the U-Haul Box Exchange are useful resources for connecting with people giving away free moving boxes online—just be sure to take someone with you for safety when exchanging online goods in-person. You can also reach out to friends and family through your social media platforms.
Liquor Stores in Orlando
Liquor moving boxes from places like Total Wine and ABC Fine Wine & Spirits in Orlando are a solid choice, thanks to their durability. These boxes are typically built to carry bottles, which makes them ideal for packing fragile items. Some even come with dividers, which are handy for protecting delicate items like wine glasses. To ensure you get the boxes you need, it’s a good idea to call ahead and see when they have deliveries and availability.
Grocery Stores in Orlando
Large grocery stores in Orlando like Publix, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, or local businesses like Sacks Grocery Outlets can be great options for cheap moving boxes. These boxes are typically well-built, perfect for packing heavy or fragile items. However, always inspect boxes for food residue, stains, or signs of pests before using them. If you’re considering banana boxes, be cautious—they have large, circular holes that could cause items to spill out during the move. A good way to get cardboard boxes in bulk is to call in the morning to see if there are any the store could set aside. Confirming store policies in advance will help ensure you get what you need.
Recycling Centers & Dumpsters in Orlando
Once residents move to Orlando, they may drop off their used cardboard moving boxes at local recycling centers. It’s a good idea to call ahead and confirm if the centers have free used boxes. Consider options like the city’s trash and recycling facilities or independent services like 888 Recycling. Before reusing boxes, check for signs of pests, stains, or any structural issues. If you find that boxes are slightly damaged, tape can help reinforce them and ensure they’re strong enough for the next round of moving.
Other Stores & Retailers in Orlando
Retailers are excellent options for getting used cardboard boxes for moving based on their quality and what they sell. A great place to get cheap moving boxes that are sturdy and reliably made are retailers that sell office, print, and packing supplies, like Office Depot and Staples. You can also explore popular bulk seller stores like Sam’s Club. Some coffee shops, like Starbucks, may also offer used moving boxes in Orlando.
Where to Buy Cheap Moving Boxes in Orlando
Everything from big box stores to local online marketplaces are excellent options for finding free or low-cost moving boxes. Prices can range from $1.00 to $9.49 per box, depending on the size and style. Whether you’re looking for standard or specialty Orlando moving boxes, plenty of options suit your needs and budget.
Please note that listed dimensions for boxes with precise measurements are rounded to the nearest tenth.
Walmart
Walmart is great for all budgets, making it one of the best places to get cardboard boxes in Orlando. Their prices range from $1.00 for smaller boxes sized 17x11x13 to around $2.10 for larger sizes like 24x16x19. With as many as 25 Walmart locations across Orlando, you can also pick up other packing essentials like packing tape, stretch wrap, furniture moving covers, and more, making it a one-stop shop for your moving needs.
Bring Me Boxes
Bring Me Boxes is a Florida-based packaging superstore offering boxes for moving in sizes from 16x12x12 for $1.25 to extra-large moving boxes in 24x18x24 for $2.91. There’s a singular Bring Me Boxes location in Orlando that, in addition to moving boxes, sells a wide selection of bubble mailers, foam rolls, poly bags, containers, and other moving equipment at affordable prices.
Office Depot
Office Depot moving boxes come in sizes ranging from as small as 6x6x6 for $1.89 to heavy-duty 20x20x20 corrugated boxes for $9.49. There are five Office Depot locations in Orlando selling affordable moving boxes. These Office Depot locations also sell moving supplies like packing papers, bubble wrap, and hand trucks and dollies.
Extra Space Storage
Find inexpensive moving boxes near you at Extra Space Storage in Orlando! With 41 locations across the city, Extra Space Storage offers a variety of box sizes to fit your needs. Small boxes, like the 16.5x12.5x12.5, typically start around $2.69, and larger options including 24x18x24 extra-large boxes cost $5.99. Along with boxes, you can pick up other Orlando moving supplies like bubble wrap, packing tape, tie-downs, and protection kits. Call ahead to your local facility to check availability!
Where to Recycle Moving Boxes in Orlando
Once your move is complete, a great way to prioritize eco-friendliness is by recycling your cardboard moving boxes at Orlando’s local recycling centers. After usage, consider donating boxes to community groups like Nextdoor, Boxcycle, or the Buy Nothing Project. You can also sell used moving boxes on popular online platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or Boxcycle.
Orlando Recycling Inc
Orlando Recycling Inc helps reduce waste by offering recycling services for cardboard moving boxes and paper goods, including newspapers, flyers, paper bags, and more. These materials can be weighed in bulk and sold for profit. The facility typically operates Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with Saturday hours from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. It is closed on Sundays. You can visit Orlando Recycling Inc at 5503 N Orange Blossom Trail.
JJ’s Waste & Recycling
JJ’s Waste & Recycling provides comprehensive waste management and recycling services, offering pickup and dumpster rentals for cardboard boxes and other moving supplies in Orlando. They have a variety of bins, ranging from 65-gallon to 290-gallon sizes, to accommodate different recycling needs, as well as trash carts and compactors for breaking down materials. JJ’s Waste and Recycling operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and is closed on weekends. You can find their facility at 3905 El Rey Rd.
Robert Wallick Associates Inc.
Robert Wallick Associates Inc. is a family-owned recycling company in Florida that buys and ships recyclable packing materials. They specialize in corrugated cardboard, paper packaging, and non-ferrous metals (metals without iron). The facility features a convenient drive-through gate, allowing customers to drop off materials and receive payment on the spot. Robert Wallick Associates Inc operates Monday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m, and is closed on Sundays. You can find their facility at 531 Susan B Britt Ct.
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Moving to Orlando? Extra Space Storage offers a variety of moving boxes and supplies available for in-store pickup at storage facilities in Orlando!
