Are you looking to move out of state or relocate across town in Chicago? Whether you’re embarking on a move by yourself or moving with family, you can save money and cut down on moving costs by using cheap or free moving boxes. Check out this guide for finding affordable moving boxes near you in Chicago!
Should You Buy or Get Free Moving Boxes?
When planning your move, you can decide if you’re going to buy new moving boxes in Chicago or find used moving boxes for free. Each of these options comes with its own set of benefits and drawbacks to consider.
Buying moving boxes is a great option if you’re looking to find specific box sizes and types to fit your belongings. New boxes are often more sturdy and provide uniformity for stacking in moving trucks or personal vehicles. It’s also more convenient to simply purchase new moving boxes rather than looking for free ones.
Searching for used, free moving boxes in Chicago is a solid option if you’re moving on a budget. Not only is it more cost-effective, but it’s often more sustainable for the environment because it reduces waste.
Where to Get Free Moving Boxes in Chicago
Online exchanges, liquor stores, grocery stores, and recycling centers are some of Chicago’s best places to search for free moving boxes. Check out some of these spots to find cardboard boxes for free near you.
Online Exchanges in Chicago
You can find free moving boxes and moving supplies for your Chicago move through various digital marketplaces like Craigslist Chicago, Nextdoor Chicago, and Chicago Freecycle. The U-Haul Box Exchange is another great option, allowing customers to exchange, buy, or sell moving supplies and cardboard boxes. Facebook Marketplace and groups like Chicago Buy, Sell And Trade or Box Dibs can also help you find free or cheap moving boxes. Just be sure to conduct online exchanges safely by meeting in public locations and bringing someone with you for added security. Alternatively, you can ask family or friends on your social media networks if they have any empty boxes they can save for you.
Liquor Stores in Chicago
Local liquor stores in Chicago are a great place to find free, reusable moving boxes for your move. Liquor store boxes are often heavy-duty and may come with built-in dividers that are perfect for packing glasses or other fragile items. Contact local liquor stores like Warehouse Liquors, Binny’s Beverage Depot in Downtown Chicago, and Foremost Liquors Arcadia—or consider asking local Chicago breweries like Demo Brewing Company or Guinness Open Gate Brewery if they have any extra boxes for your move.
Grocery Stores in Chicago
If you’re looking for free moving boxes in Chicago, try checking with grocery stores, since they often receive shipments in sturdy boxes of varying sizes. Before using moving boxes from Chicago grocery stores, check for food remnants, stains, or any signs of pests. If you choose to use banana boxes, be mindful that they are not suitable for some items due to the large holes in their sides. Call grocery stores in Chicago like Jewel-Osco, Mariano’s, Trader Joe’s, or Whole Foods to see if they are willing to part with cardboard boxes, as well as which days would work for pickup.
Recycling Centers & Dumpsters in Chicago
After residents move, some may drop off their used cardboard moving boxes at local Chicago recycling centers. You may need to call ahead to see if these centers will allow you to take used boxes for free. Some recycling centers to consider are the City of Chicago’s Far North Side and Near South locations, as well as the independently-owned Greenway Recycling Services. It’s important to inspect any used moving boxes for stains, evidence of pests, and structural integrity before using them. You may need to tape the moving boxes back together if they come slightly damaged or flattened.
Other Stores & Retailers in Chicago
Some additional Chicago stores that can help you find good-quality moving boxes include retail stores like bookstores, which typically offer durable boxes ideal for moving heavier belongings. Large chain stores like Staples, Walmart, Office Depot, and Barnes & Noble—as well as local places like The Book Cellar—may have some extra cardboard boxes they are willing to give away if you call in advance.
Where to Buy Cheap Moving Boxes in Chicago
National retail stores and local packing supply stores are great places to find cheap moving boxes in Chicago. Moving box prices in Chicago range between $1.00 per small box to $5.99 per large box.
Please note that listed dimensions for boxes with precise measurements are rounded to the nearest tenth.
Walmart
You can purchase affordable moving boxes in Chicago in sizes as small as 17x11x13 for $1.00 and as large as 24x16x19 for $2.10 at Walmart. There are eight Walmart stores in Chicago that sell cheap moving boxes, along with other moving supplies like packing paper, packing foam, and packing tape.
Home Depot
Moving boxes at Home Depot range in size from 15x10x12 for $1.28 to 24x20x21 for $3.48. You can also find additional moving supplies at Home Depot, including packing tape, bubble wrap, stretch wrap, mattress bags, and more. There are 11 Home Depot locations in Chicago that sell cheap moving boxes and packing supplies.
Lowe’s
Find moving boxes that range in size between 16x12x12 for $1.75 and 22x21.5x22 for $3.75 at Lowe’s in Chicago. There are five Lowe’s locations in Chicago where you can buy cheap moving boxes and other moving supplies like moving blankets, moving box kits, moving dollies, and furniture sliders.
Extra Space Storage
You can purchase moving boxes and moving supplies in Chicago at your nearest Extra Space Storage facility. Choose from boxes ranging in size from 16.6x12.5x12.5 for $2.69 to 24x18x24 for $5.99. There are 54 Extra Space Storage locations in Chicago selling boxes and a variety of packing supplies—including bubble wrap, furniture covers, packing tape, and tie downs.
Trinity Packing Supply
Buy new moving boxes by the bundle at the Trinity Packing Supply location in Chicago. A bundle of 25 small boxes, sized 16x12x12, is available for $68.05, while a bundle of 15 large boxes, sized 24x18x18, can be purchased for $52.84. This packing supply store also has other moving supplies for sale, such as stretch wrap, packing tape, and poly bags.
Where to Recycle Moving Boxes in Chicago
After you’re finished moving into your new home, you can stay eco-friendly by donating or reselling your used moving boxes, or dropping them off at nearby recycling centers in Chicago. Here are some convenient Chicago recycling centers where you can dispose of your used moving boxes.
City of Chicago Recycling Centers
The City of Chicago’s Far North Side and Near South recycling drop-off locations accept flattened cardboard moving boxes and other moving supplies like packing paper. Both of these locations are open seven days a week during daylight hours. Find the Far North Side location at 6441 N Ravenswood and the Near South location at 1758 S Clark St.
Greenway Recycling Services
Greenway Recycling Services accepts cardboard moving boxes and other materials like plastic and mixed paper. This Chicago recycling center doesn’t require a fee, but you can receive compensation for dropping off your moving boxes and other materials. Their hours are typically 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 5:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday. Find Greenway Recycling Services at 2100 S Kilbourn Ave.
Waste Management
Recycle moving supplies like packing paper, cardboard boxes, or other materials at Waste Management. There may be a recycling fee for dropping off supplies, so call ahead for more information before stopping by. Their hours are typically 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and they are closed on the weekends. Find Waste Management at 1500 N Hooker St.
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Moving to Chicago? Extra Space Storage offers a variety of moving boxes and supplies available for in-store pickup at storage facilities in Chicago!
