9 Best Places to Get Free & Cheap Moving Boxes in Aurora, CO

Moving in Aurora doesn't have to drain your savings. Whether you're moving locally or heading out of state, the cost of movers, truck rentals, and other unexpected expenses can add up quickly—but finding free or cheap moving boxes can help you stay on budget. In this guide, discover the best places to look for affordable or free boxes near you!

Should You Buy or Get Free Moving Boxes?

One of the first steps in planning your move will be deciding whether to purchase new boxes or track down free, used ones. Both options have advantages and disadvantages, meaning the right approach comes down to your timeline, budget, and priorities.

If you're on a tight moving schedule or planning a long-distance relocation, buying new boxes is usually more convenient. Not only are they sold at a variety of retailers near you, but you'll be able to find specific box types to match your packing needs. New boxes are also guaranteed to be clean, uniformly sized, and durable, making them easier to stack in a truck.

That said, if your schedule has some flexibility and saving money is the priority, it may be worth the extra time it takes to search for free boxes near you. Reusing boxes not only reduces costs, but also keeps cardboard in circulation longer—making it an eco-friendly moving option.

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Where to Get Free Moving Boxes in Aurora

For free moving boxes in Aurora, check online marketplaces, liquor and grocery stores, and other retailers that receive regular shipments. These are some of the best places to find free boxes near you.

Online Exchanges in Aurora

Start by browsing through online marketplaces where locals give away used cardboard boxes. Some good places to check include Nextdoor, Freecycle, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace. You can also request to join local groups like Aurora, Colorado Buy/Sell/Trade and Buy Nothing Aurora (South) to find listings of free or low-cost moving supplies. When you arrange a pickup, prioritize your safety by choosing a well-lit, public spot to meet. A quick post on your personal social media asking for boxes can also give you good options from friends, coworkers, or neighbors.

Liquor Stores in Aurora

Liquor store boxes are some of the best moving boxes you can get for free, as they tend to be particularly durable. Some even come with built-in dividers—perfect for packing wine glasses, dishes, and other fragile items. Call ahead to Chambers Wine & Liquor, Hampden Crossing Liquor, or Gateway Liquor to see if they'd be willing to give you some boxes.

Grocery Stores in Aurora

Grocery stores get regular shipments in sturdy boxes, making them a dependable resource when moving. Call ahead to grocery stores like King Soopers, Natural Grocers, Sprouts Farmers Market, or Safeway to ask if they could set some boxes aside for you. Medium-sized boxes work great for books, decorations, and small kitchen appliances, while banana boxes—which have large ventilation holes—can handle bulky, non-delicate items. Avoid using any boxes with stains, food remnants, or signs of pests.

Other Stores & Retailers in Aurora

Plenty of other retailers receive frequent deliveries and are often happy to hand off free boxes to locals who are moving. Try contacting pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS, dollar stores like Dollar Tree, pet stores like Petco, and booksellers like Barnes & Noble to arrange a pickup.

Where to Buy Cheap Moving Boxes in Aurora

If you'd rather buy affordable boxes near you, home improvement stores, big-box retailers, and self storage facilities stock a variety of options. Prices usually range from $1.12 to $5.99, depending on seller and box type.

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

Walmart

There are four Walmart Supercenters in Aurora that sell moving boxes, with sizes ranging from 17x11x12 for $1.12 to 27x15x17 for $2.26. You'll also find packing tape, mattress bags, moving blankets, and other supplies.

Home Depot

With sizes ranging from 10x8x10 for $1.28 to 20x24x20 for $3.98, Home Depot in Aurora is a great source for boxes. There are four Home Depot locations in Aurora that sell cardboard boxes. They also carry furniture covers, hand trucks, stretch wrap, and other moving supplies.

Target

Get moving boxes sized from 16x12x12 for $1.99 to 24x16x19 for $3.99 at Target in Aurora. The city's single Target location on E Ellsworth Ave also carries bubble wrap, packing paper, and full packing kits.

Extra Space Storage

Extra Space Storage offers high-quality moving supplies near you—including sturdy boxes sized from 16.6x12.5x12.5 for $2.69 to 24x18x24 for $5.99. There are four Extra Space Storage locations in Aurora that sell affordable cardboard boxes, plus other moving essentials like packing tape, dish protection kits, tie-down ropes, and more.

The UPS Store

At six locations across Aurora, The UPS Store sells moving boxes ranging from 6x6x6 to 24x24x24—with prices varying by location. In addition to boxes, Aurora's UPS Store locations also offer packing supplies for sale like bubble wrap, packing paper, labels, and more.

Where to Recycle Moving Boxes in Aurora

Once you finish unpacking and organizing your new home, try getting rid of your moving boxes in an eco-friendly way. Consider passing along gently-used boxes to other locals via online platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, or Craigslist. Or utilize one of these Aurora recycling options!

Denver Arapahoe Disposal Site

The Denver Arapahoe Disposal Site (DADS) accepts cardboard boxes and other recyclables. Make sure all boxes are flattened. Their drop-off hours are typically Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Find the DADS at 3500 S Gun Club Rd.

Curbside Roll-Off

Curbside Roll-Off accepts cardboard moving boxes for recycling, plus other moving supplies like newspaper. Their drop-off hours are typically Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Find Curbside Roll-Off's drop-off recycling location at 4900 Dahlia St in nearby Denver.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Weekday mornings are often the best time to get free boxes—right as stores finish restocking their inventory following the weekend rush. Calling around to stores near you in advance can improve your chances, as some may be willing to set some boxes aside for you to pick up.

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

It's not a good idea to take boxes from store dumpsters and recycling containers without permission, as many are located on private property—which could lead to trespassing issues. Instead, ask store employees directly if they could save some boxes for you to come get.

Does Extra Space Storage sell moving boxes and supplies in Aurora, CO?

Extra Space Storage locations in Aurora sell a variety of high-quality moving boxes and supplies near you, including packing tape, bubble wrap, mattress bags, furniture covers, and more. This makes it easy to pick up all the essentials you need for your upcoming move in one trip.

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

Extra Space Storage facilities in Aurora provide several box sizes to accommodate a variety of needs, including:

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

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

• Large Boxes (4.5–6 cu ft): Best for bedding, pillows, and other bulky, lightweight items.

• Wardrobe Boxes: Designed for hanging clothes to help prevent wrinkles.

• File Boxes: Perfect for organizing and protecting important documents and paperwork.

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