Are you moving out of state or relocating within Baltimore? Whether you’re heading across town or moving cross-country, moving expenses can quickly pile up. Finding free or cheap moving boxes is one way to help cut costs when moving on a budget. Here’s our guide to finding affordable moving boxes in Baltimore!
Whether you should buy new boxes or find used moving boxes for free depends on your specific needs for your move. When it comes to boxes, there are pros and cons to both options.
Buying new boxes is quick and easy, and they’re guaranteed to be sturdy and clean. Their uniform shape also makes them easier to stack efficiently in a moving truck. If you don’t want to delay packing by needing to track down enough free boxes, buying new may be best for you.
Tracking down used moving boxes also has its perks. If you’re more budget-conscious and focused on more sustainable moving options, finding free moving boxes can save money and minimize waste.
Many businesses—including grocery stores, liquor stores, and appliance stores—often receive large boxes for their deliveries that they may be willing to give away for free. Just call them to make sure they have boxes available! These boxes are usually strong and come in a variety of different sizes, making them ideal for moving. Here’s where you can find free moving boxes near you.
Finding free moving boxes in Baltimore is easy with the right online resources. The Baltimore Facebook Marketplace page is a great starting point, as is the Buy Nothing In Baltimore group. Search for “free boxes” or “moving boxes” within your local Baltimore area, and you’ll likely find individuals giving away boxes they no longer need. Similarly, check the “free stuff” section on Craigslist for listings of free boxes. Nextdoor is a hyperlocal option that can narrow your search down to your specific neighborhood. Beyond these options, you can also consider checking out BoxCycle, FreeCycle, and the U-Haul Box Exchange. When meeting people you’ve connected with online, make sure to follow proper safety procedures, such as meeting in a public place or bringing another person with you.
Boxes from liquor stores are great to reuse as moving boxes since they are durable and meant for carrying heavy bottles. Some boxes may have dividers that can be repurposed for fragile items like wine glasses. Check out stores like Wells Discount Liquors, The Happy Grape, or Canton Crossing Wine and Spirits to see if they have boxes they can give to you. For best results, call ahead to ask about their delivery days and to ensure availability.
Grocery store boxes are typically sturdy and resistant to minor impacts, making them ideal for moving. However, it is important to check for food remnants, stains, and evidence of pests before using them. Also, be mindful of the type of box you choose—for example, banana boxes have large holes, making them unsuitable for some small items. Checking grocery stores in Baltimore like Mom’s Organic, Giant Foods, and Safeway can be a great way to get boxes.
Many people drop off their used moving boxes at Baltimore recycling centers when they’re finished with them. Some of these centers will allow you to take boxes and reuse them for free, but you’ll need to call ahead to ensure you can. Recycling centers in Baltimore, such as the Baltimore City Recycling Centers and Citizens’ Convenience Centers, often have dedicated cardboard recycling areas, so they could be good options to check for free moving boxes. Inspect any boxes you receive from recycling centers for wear-and-tear, pests, and stains. Taping them up can also help reinforce used boxes.
There are many other types of businesses you can inquire at for free boxes. Pet stores, bookstores, coffee shops, pharmacies, and electronics stores can be excellent options. Retailers in Baltimore that might be able to assist in your box hunt include BJ’s Wholesale Club, Atomic Books, and Howl, or coffee shops like Starbucks or Artifact. Reach out beforehand to confirm they offer free boxes and to set up a pick-up date.
You can find affordable moving boxes for purchase at big-box stores, home improvement centers, and self storage centers in Baltimore. Prices will vary depending on size and whether you buy in bulk, but prices for small and large moving boxes generally range from $1.25 to $5.99, respectively.
Please note that listed dimensions for boxes with precise measurements are rounded to the nearest tenth.
ABC Box Co. is a local Baltimore business with over 3,000 sizes of cardboard boxes available. They also provide a rapid box delivery service, often within 24-48 hours, ensuring customers receive their moving materials quickly. You can find boxes ranging from 16x11x11 at $1.25 to 24x20x24 at $3.75 at ABC Box Co., as well as other moving supplies like packing peanuts, corrugated packing paper, and tape.
Boxes range from 15x10x12 at $1.28 to 24x20x21 at $3.68 at Home Depot locations in Baltimore. There are three Home Depot locations in Baltimore that sell moving boxes—plus, they sell other moving supplies like mattress bags, dollies, and permanent markers.
You can find boxes ranging from 16x12x12 at $1.75 to 22×21.5×22 at $3.75 at Lowe’s locations in Baltimore. Both of Lowe’s locations in Baltimore that sell moving boxes also sell other moving supplies like packing tape, foam boards for cushioning, and bubble wrap.
You can find moving boxes at any Extra Space Storage facility in Baltimore! Boxes at Extra Space Storage range from 16.6×12.5×12.5 at $2.69 to 24x18x24 at $5.99. There are 15 Extra Space Storage facilities in Baltimore where you can purchase moving boxes, along with other moving supplies like tape and stretch film, tie down products, and protection kits. Call a facility near you today to check on availability!
Once you’re done with your move and all unpacked, pay it forward by recycling your cardboard boxes. Baltimore has recycling locations for the city and county, as well as some private options like Postman Plus Carney. In addition to donating or reselling your boxes on Facebook Marketplace or Nextdoor, consider the following recycling drop-off centers in Baltimore.
The five main Baltimore recycling drop-off locations accept cardboard moving boxes, plus other moving supplies like packing paper. Hours vary by location, so choose the one that fits best with your schedule. Find a Citizen Drop-off Center near you.
Baltimore County Recycling Centers accepts cardboard moving boxes, plus other moving supplies like packing paper. In most cases, residents can utilize these facilities free of charge for up to ten visits per year. After exceeding this limit, materials must be taken to the Eastern Sanitary Landfill, where a prorated fee of $125 per ton will apply.
Postman Plus Carney accepts cardboard moving boxes, plus other moving supplies like packing peanuts, packing paper, and bubble wrap. Call ahead for more information about potential drop-off fees. Their hours are typically Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. Find Postman Plus Carney at 9613C Harford Rd.
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Getting ready to move? Extra Space Storage offers a variety of moving boxes and supplies available for in-store pickup at storage facilities in Baltimore!
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