10 Best Places to Get Free & Cheap Moving Boxes in Anaheim, CA

Moving to a new home in Anaheim, CA? Moving expenses can add up fast, whether you're moving locally or cross-country. One of the best ways to stay on budget is to find low-cost moving supplies near you. Here's where to find affordable or free moving boxes in Anaheim.

Should You Buy or Get Free Moving Boxes?

When planning a move, take time to compare the options of buying boxes, finding free cardboard boxes, or using a mix of both. Your choice depends on your moving timeline and whether cost, convenience, or durability is the most important to you.

If you're moving on short notice, buying cardboard boxes may be your best option. New boxes are clean, durable, and uniform in size, which makes packing, stacking, and loading the moving truck much easier. You can also find a range of sizes and types to match your specific moving needs.

Finding free packing boxes can help you avoid unexpected moving costs and free up your budget for other expenses, such as fueling up the truck or hiring movers. Reusing cardboard boxes is a simple way to reduce waste and make your move more eco-friendly.

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Wondering how many moving boxes you need? Get a quick, free estimate using our moving box calculator for box size and quantity recommendations, as well as packing supplies suggestions.

Where to Get Free Moving Boxes in Anaheim

If you're looking for used boxes, good sources include online marketplaces, retailers, liquor stores, grocery stores, and recycling centers. Below are some of the best places to find free moving boxes in Anaheim.

Online Exchanges in Anaheim

Online marketplaces and community groups are great places to find free, used moving boxes in the Anaheim area. Check listings on Facebook Marketplace and local groups like Sell Everything in Anaheim Only or Buy/Sell/Trade/ Stanton/Garden Grove/Anaheim/ Santa Ana to see if anyone is giving away boxes. Or connect with locals giving away boxes on sites like Craigslist, Nextdoor, or Freecycle. For pickups arranged online, meet in a well-lit public location and bring someone along with you. You can also try asking friends and family to see if they have any spare cardboard boxes they are giving away.

Liquor Stores in Anaheim

Anaheim liquor stores are great resources to find free heavy-duty cardboard boxes. Liquor store boxes are durable and often come with built-in dividers, making them great for packing fragile items like dishes and glassware, and the stores are often willing to give you used boxes. Reach out to liquor stores to see if they can set aside any boxes for you. Some good local options include BevMo!, Orange Liquor Mini Mart, and ShopSK Anaheim.

Grocery Stores in Anaheim

Anaheim grocery stores can be a convenient place to find free cardboard boxes. Grocery store boxes are sturdy and withstand minor impact, great for packing small appliances, pantry goods, and more. Before taking boxes, make sure to check for food remnants, stains, and signs of pests. You may want to skip taking banana boxes, as they have large holes that small items can fall through. Some grocery stores in Anaheim that might have moving boxes for you are Varllarta Supermarket, ALDI, King Supermarkets, and Food 4 Less. It's best to call grocery stores ahead of time to see if they'd be willing to set aside any boxes for you.

Recycling Centers & Dumpsters in Anaheim

Recycling centers in the Anaheim area may let you have moving boxes for free, but it's best to call ahead and ask. Before taking any boxes, check for stains, evidence of pests, and structural damage. Since recycled boxes are usually broken down, you may need to reassemble and tape them up for added reinforcement. Anaheim recycling centers to try and find boxes include Garcia Recycling Center & Metal Inc., Good Earth Recycling Center, and OC Recycling.

Other Stores & Retailers in Anaheim

Other retailers near Anaheim may offer you free cardboard boxes, as they often receive weekly shipments and cycle through large quantities of product. Contact nearby retailers in Fullerton, such as Sam's Club, Costco, and Barnes & Noble to see what's available.

Where to Buy Cheap Moving Boxes in Anaheim

If you want to buy cardboard boxes, many retailers and home improvement stores carry a wide selection of moving supplies. Depending on the box size and thickness, expect to pay anywhere from $1.24 to $5.99 per box.

Please note that listed dimensions for boxes with precise measurements are rounded to the nearest tenth.

UPS

The UPS Store in Anaheim offers moving boxes with sizes ranging from 6x6x6 to 24x24x24, with prices varying by location. There are eight USP locations in Anaheim that sell moving boxes, as well high-quality moving supplies like bubble wrap and labels.

Walmart

At the Walmart Supercenter in Anaheim, you can purchase boxes ranging from 15x12x10 for $1.24 to 27x15x17 for $4.24. Walmart also offers other moving supplies like stretch wrap, mattress covers, and more.

Home Depot

Home Depot in Anaheim sells affordable moving boxes, from 10x8x10 for $1.38 to 24x20x20 for $4.48. The city's only Home Depot location carries cardboard boxes, along with other moving supplies like moving labels, bubble cushion, and packing tape.

Lowe's

You can find high-quality moving boxes at Lowe's, from 16x12x12 for $2.28 to 22x21.5x22 for $3.98. Find Lowe's in Anaheim at 1500 North Lemon St. In addition to moving boxes, you can also find other moving supplies like moving straps, packing paper, and furniture sliders.

Extra Space Storage

Extra Space Storage in Anaheim offers moving boxes in a variety of sizes ranging from 16.6x12.5x12.5 for $2.69 to 24x18x24 for $5.99. There are three Anaheim facilities that also offer affordable packing and moving supplies, including tie-downs, protective covers, and storage bags.

Where to Recycle Moving Boxes in Anaheim

After you've moved into your new place and unpacked all of your belongings, consider recycling your boxes. The City of Anaheim offers curbside recycling, or you can recycle your cardboard boxes at recycling centers.

Garcia Recycling Center & Metals Inc

Not only does Garcia Recycling Center & Metal Inc accept metal, but cardboard boxes as well. Take advantage of their hours Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Find Garcia Recycling Center & Metal Inc at 13862 Seaboard Circle in Garden Cove, just 15 minutes away from Anaheim.

Good Earth Recycling Center

With many locations, Good Earth Recycling Center in Fullerton, you can get paid for recycling your cardboard boxes with them. Take advantage of their hours Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 2041 W Commonwealth Ave.

OC Recycling

OC Recycling accepts cardboard moving boxes and is a short drive from Anaheim. Visit their location Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:15 a.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 3:45 a.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Find OC Recycling Center at 8642 N Olive Ave in Orange, CA.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time and day to get free boxes from stores?

The best time to get free moving boxes from retailers in Anaheim is midmorning on weekdays, after shipments have been unloaded. Visiting midweek gives you a chance to find sturdy boxes in the size you need before they are recycled. Call ahead to ask if the store can set boxes aside for you.

Can I legally retrieve boxes from store dumpsters or the recycling bin?

It's best not to retrieve boxes from store dumpsters or recycling bins, as it could violate private property rights. Instead, ask a store manager if they will give you any boxes.

Does Extra Space Storage sell moving boxes and supplies in Anaheim, CA?

Extra Space Storage in Anaheim sells a variety of cardboard boxes and supplies, including packing tape, mattress bags, and stretch wrap, so you can easily find the packing materials you need.

What moving box sizes are available at Extra Space Storage in Anaheim?

Our Anaheim facilities offer customers a wide selection of moving box sixes, including:

• Small Boxes (1.5 cu. ft.): Best for heavy or fragile items, such as glasses and books

• Medium Boxes (3 cu. ft.): Great for items like cookware and toys

• Large Boxes (4.5 cu. ft.): Ideal for lightweight, bulky items like lamp shades, bedding, and linen

• Wardrobe Boxes: Come with a clothes bar so you can hang your clothes for easy transport

• File Boxes: Easy to transport important papers and documents

These boxes make packing easy.

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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 Anaheim. Find more moving resources on our moving hub.