10 Best Places to Get Free & Cheap Moving Boxes in Birmingham, AL

Relocating to Birmingham soon? Whether you're moving for the first time, by yourself, or with family, there can be unexpected moving costs. However, finding moving boxes for free or cheap can help you save on expenses. Check out this guide for where to find free and cheap moving boxes in Birmingham!

Should You Buy or Get Free Moving Boxes?

One of the most important decisions you'll face when planning your move is whether to buy new moving boxes or find used ones for free. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages.

If you decide to purchase new moving boxes, you'll find that they come in a variety of types and sizes—making it easier to find what you need. Plus, as brand new items, they're sturdy and uniform for stacking and packing items, convenient to find, and of high quality.

However, finding free, used boxes has its own set of benefits. They are more cost-effective, reducing moving stress and helping you save money if you're moving on a budget. You can also recycle them after you're done unpacking, making them a sustainable and eco-friendly option.

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Where to Get Free Moving Boxes in Birmingham

You can find free cardboard boxes in Birmingham at local liquor stores, retailers, grocery stores, and recycling centers. Online exchanges and marketplaces are another option if you have trouble finding the boxes you need in-person.

Online Exchanges in Birmingham

Online marketplaces and apps are a convenient option for finding moving boxes in Birmingham, as there are several you can browse. Try looking on Facebook Marketplace Birmingham, Craigslist Birmingham, or request to join groups like Birmingham Buy & Sell to see if anyone is giving away the box types and sizes you need. You can also browse through apps like Nextdoor Birmingham and Freecycle Birmingham to see if you can find free boxes or ones at a low cost. When meeting a stranger in person, offer to meet in a public place, during the day, or bring a friend with you. If you can't find the boxes you need on marketplaces or apps, reach out to friends on social media to see if anyone is giving away their boxes.

Liquor Stores in Birmingham

If you're looking for free moving boxes in Birmingham for large or fragile items, liquor store boxes are an ideal option. Liquor store boxes are known for being heavy duty—making transporting large, bulky items easier. Plus, they may have dividers, perfect for fragile items like dishes and wine glasses. Try reaching out to local liquor stores like LeNell's Beverage Boutique, JW Package Store, or your nearest ABC Liquor Store to see if they have any available boxes that you can take or to hold some for you.

Grocery Stores in Birmingham

Grocery store boxes are another ideal option for moving. They're typically sturdy and resistant to minor impacts, giving you peace of mind as you transport your belongings. Before taking these boxes with you, inspect them for food remnants, stains, and evidence of bugs, rodents, and pests. Avoid taking banana boxes, as they have holes that may cause smaller items to fall out. Reach out to your nearest Publix, Piggly Wiggly, or Winn-Dixie to see if they have boxes available—or if a store worker can save some for you.

Recycling Centers & Dumpsters in Birmingham

Some recycling centers in Birmingham may give you moving boxes for free, but it's best to call ahead and ask before taking them. Before you take your boxes with you, check to make sure the box is structurally sound, and that they're free of stains or pest evidence. For added re-enforcement, consider taping them up. Call UAB Recycling Center or Birmingham Recycling and Recovery to see if they have any boxes available.

Other Stores & Retailers in Birmingham

Stores and retailers in Birmingham—including bookstores, craft stores, and coffee shops—typically get mid-week shipments, offering a variety of box types and sizes to choose from. Plus, they're heavy duty and compact for large, bulky, and fragile items. Reach out to local places like Jim Reed Books and June Coffee—or your nearest Michaels or Hobby Lobby—to see if store workers are willing to give you boxes for free.

Where to Buy Cheap Moving Boxes in Birmingham

Looking for affordable moving boxes in Birmingham? You can find low-cost cardboard moving boxes at big-box stores, hardware stores, and self storage facilities. Moving boxes in Birmingham typically cost anywhere from $1.08 to $5.99—and come in a variety of types and sizes for all moving needs.

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

Walmart

Walmart locations in Birmingham offer moving boxes as small as 17x11x12 for $1.08 and as large as 27x15x17 for $2.26. There are six Walmart locations in Birmingham that sell moving boxes, plus other moving supplies like packing tape, stretch film, and moving blankets.

Home Depot

Home Depot sells moving boxes in Birmingham ranging from 16x10x12 for $1.78 to 24x20x20 for $3.78. There are three Home Depot locations in Birmingham that offer moving boxes. Plus, you can find a variety of other moving supplies—including stretch wrap, packing paper, and mattress bags.

Lowe's

Lowe's offers moving boxes as small as 15x10x12 for $1.98 and as large as 22x21.5x22 for $3.78. There are two Lowe's locations in Birmingham that sell moving boxes and moving supplies like moving straps, furniture sliders, and moving blankets.

Ace Hardware

Find moving box packs ranging from 10.5x12x12 for $2.59 to 24x18x18 for $5.99 at your nearest Ace Hardware. There are three Ace Hardware stores in Birmingham that sell moving boxes. Ace Hardware also offers other moving supplies like bubble cushion, lifting straps, and stretch film.

Extra Space Storage

You can find reliable moving boxes in Birmingham ranging from 16.6x12.5x12.5 for $2.69 to 24x18x24 for $5.99 at your nearest Extra Space Storage. There are ten Extra Space Storage locations in Birmingham that sell moving boxes. Extra Space Storage locations also offer other moving and packing supplies like dish protection kits, bubble cushion, and stretch film.

Where to Recycle Moving Boxes in Birmingham

Finished unpacking from your local or cross-country move? Recycling is an environmentally-friendly way to get rid of your moving boxes! Birmingham has recycling facilities like UAB Recycling Center and Birmingham Recycling and Recovery—plus, Recycle Birmingham, the city's curbside recycling program. You could also resell your moving boxes online on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or the Nextdoor app.

Recycle Birmingham

Recycle Birmingham, the city's curbside recycling program, accepts cardboard moving boxes, plus other moving supplies like newspaper and packing paper. Make sure your cardboard boxes are flattened and moving supplies are free of food stains and residue before you put them in your recycling cart. Apply online to receive a free recycling cart.

UAB Recycling Center

UAB Recycling Center accepts cardboard moving boxes, plus other moving supplies like packing paper and newspaper. Be sure to clean your moving boxes and other supplies before dropping them off. Their hours are typically Monday and Thursday from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Find UAB Recycling Center at 620 11th St S.

Birmingham Recycling and Recovery

Birmingham Recycling and Recovery accepts cardboard moving boxes, plus other moving supplies like newspaper. Their hours are typically 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m Monday through Friday. Find Birmingham Recycling and Recovery at 9 41st Street S.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The best time to get free cardboard boxes in Birmingham, AL stores is mid-week in the morning, when grocery stores, liquor stores, and other retailers typically receive new shipments. This can increase your chances of finding the box sizes and types you need. Call ahead to confirm availability or if a store worker can hold boxes for you.

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

Dumpster diving isn't explicitly illegal in Alabama. However, there may be private property laws and local ordinances in Birmingham that prohibit you from taking boxes from store dumpsters and recycling bins. It's best to ask a store or recycling center employee if you can take boxes beforehand.

Does Extra Space Storage sell moving boxes and supplies in Birmingham, AL?

Yes! Extra Space Storage facilities in Birmingham sell moving boxes, packing tape, stretch film, and other moving supplies. These products ensure your belongings are well-protected and ready to transport.

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

Extra Space Storage facilities in Birmingham sell a variety of moving box sizes. These include:

• Small Boxes (1.5 cu ft): Ideal for fragile items like dishes and glasses

• Medium Boxes (3 cu ft): Perfect for larger items like kitchen utensils and picture frames

• Large Boxes (4.5 cu ft): For oddly-shaped items like computers and lamp shades

• File Boxes: For organizing important documents and other papers

• Wardrobe Boxes: Pack and hang your clothes in a convenient way

These options can help keep your belongings organized and secure during your move.

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