Are you planning a move in Richmond, either across town or out of state? Whether it’s a solo adventure or a family transition, reducing moving expenses is always a plus. Here’s where you can find cheap or free Richmond moving boxes near you!
Should You Buy or Get Free Moving Boxes?
As you plan your move, you’ll need to decide whether you want to purchase cheap moving boxes in Richmond or hunt for free, used ones. Both of these options come with their own considerations.
Buying moving boxes makes sense if you’re looking for sturdy, high-quality, and uniform moving boxes in specific sizes. The quality of new boxes makes them easy to pack and stack in a moving truck or vehicle. Purchasing new cardboard boxes is also more convenient than spending time searching for used ones—which is especially important if you’re navigating a last-minute move.
However, if you’re moving on a budget, it might be a better idea to look for free moving boxes in Richmond. In addition to being cost-effective, using free boxes is more sustainable and eco-friendly since it reduces waste.
Where to Get Free Moving Boxes in Richmond
You can find free cardboard boxes in Richmond at a variety of places, including online marketplaces, liquor stores, grocery stores, and other retailers. Here’s where to look for free moving boxes near you!
Online Exchanges in Richmond
Multiple online marketplaces provide ways for people to list and seek out secondhand moving boxes in Richmond. Digital platforms that may have free or low-cost boxes for your next move include Facebook Marketplace Richmond, Nextdoor Richmond, Craigslist Richmond, Freecycle Richmond, the U-Haul Box Exchange, and more. You can also request to join private Facebook groups like RVA Buy Sell Trade, Buy Nothing Richmond/Henrico!, and Richmond, VA & Surrounding Areas Buy, Sell, & Trade so you can browse local listings or post requests for free boxes. Remember to prioritize your safety when meeting up with strangers to pick up boxes—choose a well-lit, public area to meet, and consider bringing a friend with you. Alternatively, use your personal social media accounts to ask friends and family if they have any moving boxes you can take.
Liquor Stores & Distilleries in Richmond
Liquor stores and distilleries are excellent places to get free moving boxes in Richmond. Liquor boxes tend to be sturdy enough to hold heavy items, and some even come with dividers that can help keep fragile items safe during your move. Since Virginia’s liquor stores are state-run by the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority, call one of Richmond’s ten Virginia ABC locations ahead of time to see if they have boxes available. Their hours are typically Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. You can also check with local spots like Second Bottle wine store, Belle Isle Moonshine distillery, and other Richmond distilleries.
Grocery Stores in Richmond
If you need boxes for moving for free, don’t forget to check grocery stores near you! Since grocery store boxes are designed to carry heavy loads of goods, they’re typically sturdy, resistant to minor impacts, and stackable. Certain types of boxes may also come with built-in handles for added convenience. Some Richmond grocery stores to contact and ask for boxes include Kroger, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, ALDI, The Fresh Market, and Ellwood Thompson’s. Before taking any boxes home, be sure to check them for stains, signs of pests, and sturdiness. Additionally, keep in mind that certain grocery store boxes—like banana boxes—may not be ideal for your move, as they could have large holes that allow small items to slip out.
Recycling Centers & Dumpsters in Richmond
Recycling centers in Richmond can be another fantastic resource for finding free cardboard boxes near you. Call ahead to Central Virginia Waste Management Authority (CVWMA) drop-off locations in Richmond to confirm they have boxes that you could take home. When picking up recycled boxes, inspect them for stains, pests, and other damage. Additionally, ensure the boxes are sturdy enough to hold your belongings—and remember that some boxes may need to be reinforced with packing tape. Another option is to keep an eye out on your street during recycling days to see if your neighbors are getting rid of any boxes that you could ask to use.
Other Stores & Retailers in Richmond
There are a variety of other stores and retailers in Richmond that may have free moving boxes available, including department stores, bookstores, pet stores, and more. Check with places like Barnes & Noble, Petco, Dollar Tree, and Starbucks for leftover delivery boxes—it’s best to call ahead to make sure they have some and are willing to set them aside for you.
Where to Buy Cheap Moving Boxes in Richmond
Home improvement stores, self storage facilities, and office supply stores are all great places to find affordable moving boxes in Richmond. Moving boxes in RVA are available in a variety of sizes and prices—with small boxes typically starting at $1.00 and large boxes selling for $8.99 or less.
Please note that listed dimensions for boxes with precise measurements are rounded to the nearest tenth.
Walmart
Purchase boxes ranging from 17x11x13 at $1.00 to 24x16x19 at $2.10 at Walmart in Richmond. There are five Walmart locations in Richmond that sell moving boxes. In addition to boxes, you can also find packing supplies like bubble wrap, packing tape, packing paper, furniture covers, and more.
Home Depot
Choose from moving boxes ranging in size from 15x10x12 at $1.28 to 24x20x21 at $3.68 at Home Depot in Richmond. There are two Home Depot locations in Richmond that sell moving boxes and other moving supplies—including mattress bags, packing foam, plastic storage containers, and furniture sliders.
Lowe’s
Find moving boxes in sizes ranging from as small as 16x12x12 at $1.75 to as large as 22x21.5x22 at $3.75 at one of five Lowe’s locations in Richmond. Lowe’s also offers a variety of other moving supplies, including moving blankets, stretch wrap, bungee cords, dollies, and more.
OfficeMax
OfficeMax in Richmond offers moving boxes sized from 6x6x6 at $1.89 to 20x20x24 at $8.99. There is one OfficeMax location in Richmond that sells moving boxes. They also sell other moving supplies in Richmond, like packing tape, labelers, and bubble wrap.
Extra Space Storage
Browse high-quality moving boxes ranging from 16.6x12.5x12.5 at $2.69 to 24x18x24 at $5.99 at Extra Space Storage in Richmond. There are ten Extra Space Storage locations in Richmond that sell moving boxes and other moving supplies—including tie downs, storage bags, dish protection kits, and more.
Where to Recycle Moving Boxes in Richmond
When you’re finished unpacking from your move, remember to choose an environmentally-friendly way to get rid of your moving boxes. Donate or resell your boxes via online platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Freecycle, or your personal social media accounts. Or drop off your cardboard at Richmond recycling facilities near you!
CVWMA Drop-Off Centers
The Central Virginia Waste Management Authority (CVWMA) partners with the City of Richmond to provide various recycling programs, including drop-off recycling. These drop-off sites accept cardboard moving boxes and other moving supplies, like paper and plastic tubs. The CVWMA offers multiple drop-off locations in Richmond, including:
- E Richmond Rd Convenience Center at 3800 E Richmond Rd; open Monday – Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Parker Field Annex at 1710 Robin Hood Rd; open seven days a week from 7:00 a.m. to dusk
- Southside Transfer Station at 3506 N Hopkins Rd; open Monday – Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Stratford Hill Shopping Center at 6788 Forest Hill Ave; open all hours
CVWMA Curbside Recycling
In addition to their drop-off locations, CVWMA also provides curbside recycling services in Richmond. To ensure proper collection, flatten your boxes and place them inside your 95-gallon recycling cart—boxes left beside or on top of the cart will not be collected. If you have a large number of moving boxes, you may need to recycle them in batches or take extras to a drop-off center. Cardboard must be clean, dry, and empty before recycling. Collection happens every other week, so be sure to set your cart out by 7 a.m. on your designated pickup day. You can use the CVWMA web tool to look up your exact collection schedule.
LoadUp Junk Removal
LoadUp Junk Removal accepts cardboard moving boxes, offering curbside pick-up services for a small upfront fee. Their hours are typically 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. LoadUp Junk Removal can be contacted at (844) 239-7711 for more information about their door-to-door services and prices.
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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 Richmond!
