Are you moving out of state or relocating across town in Philadelphia? While you might budget for rent, utilities, and even hiring movers, the cost of boxes and other essentials can unexpectedly add up. Here’s a guide to finding affordable moving boxes near you in Philadelphia!
Should You Buy or Get Free Moving Boxes?
There are a few different things to think about when deciding if you want to buy moving boxes or scavenge for free boxes from places around town. There are pros and cons for both.
Buying new moving boxes offers several advantages during the already stressful moving process. New boxes are guaranteed to be good quality and can provide better uniformity—which is essential for efficiently stacking them in the moving truck. Plus, you can purchase specific box sizes and types to perfectly suit your belongings. Finding new boxes is also generally easier and more convenient than sourcing used ones, saving you valuable time and effort.
However, if you’re moving on a budget, finding free moving boxes is a good alternative. It’s the most cost-effective option, and it’s environmentally responsible, since reusing boxes minimizes waste and reduces the demand for new materials.
Where to Get Free Moving Boxes in Philadelphia
Many businesses, such as grocery stores, liquor stores, and appliance stores, receive shipments in large boxes that they are happy to give away, helping to offset some moving costs. These boxes are perfect for moving because they’re sturdy and come in various sizes. Additionally, there are countless online exchanges that can help you source moving boxes for free.
Online Exchanges in Philadelphia
Online exchanges are a great resource for finding free or cheap used moving boxes. Check free listings on Facebook Marketplace and local groups like Buy Sell Trade Philadelphia. Buy Nothing Project groups, such as the one in South Philadelphia, are another excellent option. Don’t forget Craigslist and Nextdoor, which can connect you with people in your area giving away boxes. You can also explore resources like BoxCycle and the U-Haul Box Exchange. When using online platforms, remember to prioritize safety by bringing someone with you and picking a public place to meet when picking up boxes.
Liquor Stores in Philadelphia
When looking for boxes to pack fragile items or glassware, liquor store boxes are an excellent choice. They’re often heavy-duty and sometimes even include dividers. Fine Wine & Good Spirits locations across Philadelphia may give away boxes, but availability can vary. Due to Pennsylvania’s regulations, liquor stores close at 10 p.m., so keep that in mind when planning your pick-up. Call ahead to locations near you to check their box availability.
Grocery Stores in Philadelphia
Boxes from grocery stores like GIANT Food Stores, Whole Foods, and Philadelphian favorite, The Fresh Grocer, are an excellent choice for moving due to their sturdy construction—perfect for packing fragile or heavy items. However, before using any grocery store box, carefully inspect it for food remnants, stains, or evidence of pests. Depending on what you’re moving, you may want to avoid banana boxes, as their large holes can allow items to fall out during transport. To increase your chances of getting larger boxes in bulk, call the store earlier in the morning to ask if they have any boxes available or if they can save some for you. It’s always best to call ahead to confirm their current standards.
Recycling Centers & Dumpsters in Philadelphia
Many people take their used moving boxes to Philadelphia recycling centers, so they may be a good place to check for free ones you can take. While some centers may allow you to take and reuse these boxes for free, it’s best to call ahead to confirm their current policy. Philadelphia’s Sanitation Convenience Centers and Revolution Recovery are good places to start your search, but be sure to call them beforehand to confirm that taking boxes is permitted. Always inspect any boxes you receive from recycling centers for wear and tear, pests, and stains, and keep in mind you’ll likely have to tape them back together.
Other Stores & Retailers in Philadelphia
Get creative with sourcing boxes in Philadelphia. Try reaching out to pet stores like Fairmont Pet Shoppe, clothing outlets like Ross Dress For Less, hardware stores like Rittenhouse, and electronics stores like Best Buy. Coffee shops like Elixr may also have some to spare. Call ahead and ask when their inventory days are and if they have any boxes that they’d be willing to part with.
Where to Buy Cheap Moving Boxes in Philadelphia
Some of the best places to buy cheap moving boxes in Philadelphia include big-box stores, home improvement centers, and even local online services. Prices will vary according to size and quantity—but on average, small boxes typically start around $1.00, and larger boxes range up to $5.50.
Please note that listed dimensions for boxes with precise measurements are rounded to the nearest tenth.
Walmart
You can find moving boxes at budget-friendly prices ranging from 17x 11x13 at $1.00 to 24x16x19 at $2.10 at the five Walmart locations in Philadelphia. Walmart also sells other moving supplies like bubble wrap, packing tape, and packing paper.
Target
Target in Philadelphia offers moving boxes in a variety of sizes, from 16x12x12 for $1.99 to 24x16x19 for $2.99. With ten locations throughout the city, Target is a convenient place to find all your moving supplies. They also carry essentials like packs of markers, packing tape, and moving blankets—and often have specialty boxes like those for wardrobes and TVs.
Home Depot
Home Depot offers moving boxes in an array of sizes. You can find options from 15x10x12 at $1.28 up to 24x20x21 at $3.68. All five locations in Philadelphia also stock other moving necessities like packing tape and bubble wrap.
Lowe’s
Moving boxes range in size from 16x12x12 at $1.75 to 22x21.5x22 at $3.75 across the four Lowe’s locations in Philadelphia. Lowe’s also sells other moving supplies like packing tape, bubble wrap, and foam boards for cushioning.
Extra Space Storage
You can find high-quality moving boxes and supplies in Philadelphia at any Extra Space Storage location! There are 17 Extra Space Storage facilities in Philadelphia where you can purchase moving boxes. Prices range from 16.6x12.5x12.5 for $2.69 and 24x18x24 for $5.19. Other moving supplies like bubble wrap, tie-downs, packing tape, and protection kits are also sold alongside boxes. Call a facility near you to check on availability!
Where to Recycle Moving Boxes in Philadelphia
When you’re finished with your move, stay eco-friendly by recycling any cardboard moving boxes at Philadelphia recycling facilities. You can also resell your moving boxes online through Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and Nextdoor—or donate your boxes to the Buy Nothing Project.
Sanitation Convenience Center at Southwest Philadelphia
With six public drop-off locations in Philadelphia, the Sanitation Convenience Center is a great option for recycling after your move. This center accepts several materials, including cardboard moving boxes and packing paper—though keep in mind that you’ll need to present proof of Philadelphia residency in order to drop items off. Open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., you can find Sanitation Convenience Center locations in:
- Northeast Philadelphia at 8401 State Rd
- Northwest Philadelphia at 320 Domino Ln
- Port Richmond at 3901 Delaware Ave
- Southwest Philadelphia at 3033 S 63rd St
- Strawberry Mansion at 2601 W Glenwood Ave
- West Philadelphia at 5100 Grays Ave
Dimension
Dimension (formerly Trash Warrior) is a great option when looking for recycling centers that take cardboard in Philadelphia. An online service that takes cardboard and other moving “junk”, Dimension’s process to recycle boxes is simple—just schedule a date for your cardboard and they’ll pick up your items and take them to appropriate waste facilities. Pricing is based off each item type and dependent on other factors—like what vehicle type is needed to haul your items or whether you want to rent a dumpster.
Richard S. Burns & Company Inc.
The Burns & Co. Waste Recycling Center provides a range of waste recycling and recovery services in Philadelphia. They recycle various materials, including cardboard, metal, plastics, and others. Note that there may be a $30 fee for cardboard if it is over a ton. Their recycling center hours are typically Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. Find Richard S. Burns & Company at 4400 Rising Sun Ave.
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Moving to Philadelphia? Extra Space Storage offers a variety of moving boxes and supplies available for in-store pickup at storage facilities in Philadelphia!
