9 Best Places to Get Free & Cheap Moving Boxes in Athens, GA

Moving in or out of Athens, GA? Whether you're moving a short distance, heading to a new state, or gearing up for a cross-country relocation, moving can get costly. If you're trying to move on a budget, finding free or cheap cardboard boxes near you is a great way to save money. Learn where to get free and affordable moving boxes in Athens in this guide!

Should You Buy or Get Free Moving Boxes?

Getting ready to move means deciding whether you'll purchase new boxes from local sellers or find used ones for free. Both options come with benefits and considerations.

If you're navigating a short-notice move, buying new boxes is often the more convenient choice. With new cardboard boxes, you can expect durability and cleanliness. Plus, you'll find uniform sizes, which can make packing, stacking, and loading the moving truck less of a hassle. You can also purchase box sizes and types suited to your specific needs.

On the other hand, opting for used moving boxes allows you to keep expenses lower. Reusing cardboard boxes is also the more sustainable option since it cuts down on waste.

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Where to Get Free Moving Boxes in Athens

You can get free moving boxes in Athens, GA from local grocery stores, liquor stores, recycling centers, and other retailers around town—as well as online marketplaces. Here are some great places to search for free boxes near you.

Online Exchanges in Athens

Before looking for free moving boxes in person, it's worth checking online marketplaces. Browse through Facebook Marketplace or join local groups like the Athens Purchase Nothing Group or Athens, GA Free Stuff Only. There may also be listings for free moving boxes on exchange sites like Nextdoor, Trash Nothing, Freecycle, or Craigslist. When arranging meetups to get boxes, prioritize your safety by bringing a friend along and choosing a well-lit, public space. If you want to stay within your own network, use social media to ask family and friends if they have any cardboard boxes they could spare for you.

Liquor Stores in Athens

Liquor store boxes are ideal for moving, as they tend to be sturdy enough to hold heavy bottles. Some even have built-in dividers, which can be perfect for packing fragile items like wine glasses or dishes. Contact nearby liquor stores like ABC Package Store, Westside Bottle Shop, Five Points Bottle Shop, or Booze R Us to ask if they have any boxes you could take. Most liquor stores close earlier on Sundays due to local liquor laws, so you'll want to plan your visit accordingly.

Grocery Stores in Athens

Athens grocery stores can be great resources for free cardboard boxes, as these boxes are typically durable and resistant to minor impacts. Reach out to local grocery stores like Trader Joe's, The Fresh Market, Kroger, or Earth Fare to see if they'd be willing to set some boxes aside for you. Be sure to check all boxes for food remnants, stains, and evidence of pests before using them to pack your belongings. Additionally, be cautious if you decide to use any banana boxes, as they have large holes that may allow smaller items to slip out.

Recycling Centers & Dumpsters in Athens

You might be able to find dumpsters or recycling centers in Athens that contain cardboard boxes—but call ahead to confirm you're allowed to remove them. The Athens-Clarke County Drop-Off Sites can be good places to check. Before taking any boxes home with you, inspect them for stains and signs of pests. Note that many recycling centers require boxes to be broken down before drop off, so you may need to use packing tape for added reinforcement.

Other Stores & Retailers in Athens

Other large retailers and local businesses in Athens that may have boxes to spare include clothing stores, dollar stores, pharmacies, and more. These stores often receive frequent shipments and cycle through lots of cardboard. Check with retail stores like Old Navy, TJ Maxx, or HomeGoods, dollar stores like Dollar General or Family Dollar, or Athens-area drug stores like Hawthorne Drugs, CVS, or Walgreens.

Where to Buy Cheap Moving Boxes in Athens

If you'd rather buy new boxes in Athens, some great places to check include home improvement stores, big-box retailers, and self storage facilities. Moving boxes typically range from $1.08 for small boxes to $5.99 for larger boxes, depending on the retailer and box type.

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

Walmart Supercenter

Find boxes ranging from 17x11x12 at $1.08 to 27x15x17 at $2.26 at Walmart Supercenter locations in Athens. Two Walmart Supercenters in Athens sell moving boxes, as well as packing supplies like bubble wrap, mattress bags, packing paper, and more.

Home Depot

Home Depot in Athens offers cardboard moving boxes ranging in size from 10x8x10 at $1.28 to 24x20x20 at $3.78. The city's single Home Depot location on Epps Bridge Rd carries moving boxes, along with other moving supplies like labeling devices, furniture slides, and stretch wrap.

Target

Get moving boxes near you in sizes ranging from 16x12x12 at $1.99 to 24x16x19 at $3.99 at Target in Athens. There are two Target locations in Athens that sell moving boxes. You can also find moving supplies like moving carts, duct tape, and corner protectors at Target in Athens.

Extra Space Storage

Purchase affordable moving boxes from Extra Space Storage in Athens, with sizes ranging from 16.6x12.5x12.5 at $2.69 to 24x18x24 at $5.99. There's one Extra Space Storage facility in Athens that sells moving boxes, plus high-quality moving supplies like bubble wrap, tie-down ropes, furniture covers, and more.

Where to Recycle Moving Boxes in Athens

Once you're finished moving, get rid of your boxes in a responsible way. If your cardboard boxes are still in good shape, consider donating or reselling them through online exchanges like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. Or drop them off at Athens recycling centers near you.

Athens-Clarke County Drop-Off Sites

Athens-Clarke County Drop-Off Sites accept cardboard moving boxes, plus other moving supplies like packing paper. All items must be loose (not bagged). There are nine drop-off sites throughout the city, including 24-hour locations like:

• 126 Harris Ln (Northeast)

• 3035 Jail Rd (East)

• 265 Cleveland Rd (West)

• 1626 Danielsville Rd (North)

• 225 Newton Bridge Rd (North)

• 3955 Jefferson Rd (Northwest)

Athens-Clarke County Recovered Materials Processing Facility

The Athens-Clarke County Recovered Materials Processing Facility (RMPF) accepts cardboard boxes, as well as moving supplies like packing paper, newspaper, and plastic wrap. Find the RMPF at 725 Hancock Industrial Way, open from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Athens-Clarke County Curbside Recycling

The Athens-Clarke County Solid Waste Department provides curbside recycling services, allowing residents to recycle cardboard and other moving materials. All accepted items should be placed loose in your recycling container. Break cardboard down if needed to ensure the lid closes, and set the bin on the curb by 7 a.m. on your designated pick-up day.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

In Athens, GA, the best time to get free moving boxes from stores is midweek, early in the morning. Many stores restock inventory overnight, leaving more empty boxes available. However, it's always smart to call stores ahead of time to ask if they'd be willing to set aside some boxes for you.

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

You should not remove cardboard boxes from dumpsters or recycling bins in Athens, as many are located on private property, and doing so may constitute as trespassing. Instead, check online marketplaces or consider asking local store employees if they could save you some boxes.

Does Extra Space Storage sell moving boxes and supplies in Athens, GA?

Extra Space Storage facilities in Athens provide a wide variety of high-quality moving supplies—including cardboard boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape, tie-down ropes, and more. This allows you to find and pick up all the durable moving supplies you need for your move in one stop.

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

Extra Space Storage in Athens offers a range of convenient box sizes to keep your items safe and organized, including:

• Small Boxes (1.5 cu ft): Best for heavy belongings like books, tools, and pantry goods.

• Medium Boxes (3 cu ft): Great for everyday items like kitchenware, decor, and toys.

• Large Boxes (4.5–6 cu ft): Suited for linens, pillows, towels, and other lightweight items.

• Wardrobe Boxes: Include a bar for hanging clothes, coats, suits, and dresses.

• File Boxes: Ideal for keeping paperwork, records, and important documents secure and organized.

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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 Athens! And find more moving resources on our moving hub!