Whether you’re moving to a nearby area or relocating out of state, moving costs can add up quickly. Searching for free or low-cost moving boxes is a great way to manage your expenses. Here’s a guide to finding free and cheap moving boxes near you in Charlotte!
Should You Buy or Get Free Moving Boxes?
Before moving, you’ll have to decide whether you want to purchase new moving boxes or search for free ones. Depending on your preferences and priorities, each option has benefits and drawbacks.
Buying moving boxes gives you access to a larger selection, allowing you to choose box sizes and types that suit your unique needs. New boxes also tend to be sturdier, and they offer uniformity—which can be helpful for both packing and stacking. Additionally, finding a place to buy moving boxes in Charlotte, NC is easier than hunting down free, used boxes.
However, if you’re moving on a budget, searching for free boxes near you can help you save money for other moving expenses. On top of that, it’s also more eco-friendly to find and reuse used boxes instead of buying new ones.
Where to Get Free Moving Boxes in Charlotte
Some of the best starting points when searching for free moving boxes in Charlotte, NC include online exchanges, grocery stores, recycling centers, and more. Check out the following spots to see if they offer free cardboard boxes in Charlotte!
Online Exchanges in Charlotte
Utilizing social media and browsing through online exchanges are great ways to find free Charlotte moving boxes. Make a post on your personal social media asking friends and family to save boxes they receive from online orders. Search through Facebook Marketplace Charlotte, or request to join Facebook groups like Buy Nothing Charlotte, Charlotte NC Buy/Sell/Trade, or Charlotte North Carolina Buy, Sell, Trade. Other platforms that may have listings for free and low-cost moving boxes include Nextdoor Charlotte, Craigslist Charlotte, and the U-Haul Box Exchange. When arranging exchanges through online platforms, prioritize safety by meeting in a well-lit, high-traffic area and bringing a friend for added security.
Liquor Stores & Breweries in Charlotte
Liquor stores and breweries are fantastic places to look for free, heavy-duty moving boxes—and liquor boxes often come with cardboard dividers, which can help you transport glassware and other fragile items safely. Call ahead to Charlotte liquor stores like ABC Spirits, Total Wine & More, and Frugal MacDoogal to see if they can set any boxes aside for you. Or contact Charlotte breweries like Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, Heist Brewery, and Legion Brewing to ask if they have boxes available.
Grocery Stores in Charlotte
Don’t forget to check out grocery stores when trying to hunt down high-quality, free boxes in Charlotte! Boxes from grocery stores are designed to be sturdy and resistant to impact. They can also come in a variety of sizes and may even have handles on the sides for easier carrying. Charlotte grocery stores like Food Lion, Harris Teeter, Lidl, Trader Joe’s, and Costco may have boxes you can swing by to pick up—but call ahead first to make sure. Before bringing grocery store boxes home, check them for evidence of pests, food remnants, and stains. You may also want to avoid banana boxes as they contain large holes which could allow your items to fall through.
Recycling Centers & Dumpsters in Charlotte
Because many people drop off cardboard at recycling centers in Charlotte, they’re a great place to look when trying to find free moving boxes. Charlotte has multiple cardboard recycling centers throughout the city, including Hickory Grove Disposal and Recycling Center, Foxhole Disposal and Recycling Center, and more. Availability isn’t guaranteed, so it’s best to call ahead to see if they have any boxes you can drop by to pick up. Note that many recycling centers require boxes to be broken down before drop-off, so you may need to tape these boxes back together for added reinforcement. And as always, inspect boxes for stains, evidence of pests, or other damage before using them for your move.
Other Stores & Retailers in Charlotte
There are plenty of other places to find free cardboard boxes in Charlotte, including bookstores, art suppliers, retail stores, and more. These stores often receive shipments in durable boxes, which can make them perfect for your upcoming move. Contact bookstores like Park Road Books, That’s Novel Books, and Book Buyers, or reach out to local art stores like Jerry’s Artarama or Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff to see if they can save any boxes for you. Or call ahead to large retailers with locations near you—like GNC, Old Navy, and T.J. Maxx.
Where to Buy Cheap Moving Boxes in Charlotte
You can find moving boxes for sale in Charlotte at self storage facilities, national retailers, local moving box stores, and more. Charlotte moving boxes come in a wide variety of sizes and prices, ranging from small boxes starting at $0.89 to extra large boxes selling for $5.99 or less.
Please note that listed dimensions for boxes with precise measurements are rounded to the nearest tenth.
Best Price Boxes
While pricing may vary by location, Best Price Boxes offers used boxes that typically range from 16x12x12 at $0.89 to 24x18x18 at $1.79—as well as new boxes ranging from 16x12x12 at $2.19 to 20x20x15 at $5.99. There is one Best Price Boxes location in Charlotte. They also provide other moving supplies like shrink wrap, bubble wrap, and more.
Walmart
Buy boxes ranging from 17x11x13 at $1.00 to 24x16x19 at $2.10 at Walmart in Charlotte. There are 11 Walmart locations in Charlotte that sell moving boxes, along with other moving supplies like tape, packing paper, and moving box dividers.
Home Depot
Find cheap moving boxes that range from 15x10x12 at $1.28 to 24x20x21 at $3.68 at Home Depot in Charlotte. There are four Home Depot locations in Charlotte offering moving boxes and other moving supplies, including moving blankets, mattress bags, and bubble cushion.
Lowe’s
You can purchase moving boxes at Lowe’s in various sizes, from 16x12x12 at $1.75 to 22x21.5x22 at $3.75, with seven Lowe’s locations in Charlotte. Lowe’s also sells a variety of other moving supplies, like packing foam, furniture covers, and dish packing kits.
Extra Space Storage
Extra Space Storage offers affordable moving boxes in Charlotte, with size options ranging from 16.6x12.5x12.5 at $2.69 to 24x18x24 at $5.99. There are 25 Extra Space Storage locations in Charlotte that sell moving boxes and other packing supples—like protective covers, stretch wrap, tie downs, and more.
Box It Up
Box It Up provides a wide selection of moving boxes, including misprinted, stock, and custom corrugated options. With one location in Charlotte, Box It Up offers both cardboard boxes and a variety of packing supplies—including bubble wrap, packing list holders, packing peanuts, and more. For pricing and size details, simply submit a quote form or call them directly.
Where to Recycle Moving Boxes in Charlotte
Once you’ve unpacked and settled into your new home, get rid of your cardboard moving boxes in an eco-friendly way! Sell or donate your boxes through Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, or Craigslist. Or find a nearby Charlotte cardboard recycling center to dispose of your boxes.
Charlotte’s Full-Service Recycling Centers
Charlotte’s Full-Service Recycling Centers accept corrugated cardboard, plus other packing supplies like shredded paper. To utilize these facilities, you must be a Mecklenburg County resident—simply show your ID to obtain a free entry sticker at the fee booths outside the recycling centers. Charlotte has three full-service recycling drop-off locations, open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Be sure to separate all recyclables before arriving at any of the following locations:
- Compost Central Disposal and Recycling Center – 140 Valleydale Rd
- Foxhole Disposal and Recycling Center – 17131 Lancaster Hwy
- Hickory Grove Disposal and Recycling Center – 8007 Pence Rd
Charlotte’s Self-Service Recycling Centers
Charlotte’s Self-Service Recycling Centers accept cardboard as well as paper. Be sure to follow any posted instructions on the collection bins—and check for location-specific hours before heading out, since hours may vary. There are five self-service recycling centers in Charlotte, which you’ll find at the following locations:
- Innovation Barn – 932 Seigle Ave
- McAlpine Creek Park – 8711 Monroe Rd
- Park Rd Park – 6220 Park Rd
- Reedy Creek Park – 2900 Rocky River Rd
- William R. Davie Park – 4635 Pineville-Matthews Rd
International Paper Charlotte
International Paper Charlotte accepts cardboard, along with other moving supplies like mixed paper and newspaper. Their recycling center where cardboard and other materials can be dropped off is typically open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Find International Paper Charlotte at 201 E 28th St.
Zero Waste LLC
Zero Waste LLC accepts cardboard, plus other moving supplies like plastic. On-site staff assist with collecting and sorting recyclables, and they may purchase bulk loads—though it’s best to call ahead for pricing. Their hours are typically Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Find Zero Waste LLC at 301 Dupree St.
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Moving to Charlotte? Extra Space Storage offers a variety of moving boxes and supplies available for in-store pickup at storage facilities in Charlotte!
