9 Best Places to Get Free & Cheap Moving Boxes in Bloomington, IN

Gearing up for a move in Bloomington, IN? Whether you're relocating locally or moving across the country, the costs of moving can add up quickly—especially if you're hiring movers or renting a moving truck. A great way to save money is to find free or cheap moving boxes near you. Read this guide to discover where to get affordable or free moving boxes in Bloomington!

Should You Buy or Get Free Moving Boxes?

When planning a move in Bloomington, one of your first decisions will be whether to buy new moving boxes or find used ones for free. There are advantages and disadvantages to each option.

If you're moving in a hurry, buying new moving boxes in Bloomington is often the more convenient route. New boxes are also durable and uniform in size, which can make packing and stacking them much easier. Plus, you'll be able to find specific sizes and types of boxes that suit your items.

However, opting to search for free moving boxes near you is a great alternative, especially if you're moving on a budget. Not only does this option help you cut costs, but reusing boxes also keeps your move more eco-friendly, as it reduces waste.

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Where to Get Free Moving Boxes in Bloomington

You can find free moving boxes in Bloomington through online exchanges, or at recycling centers, local grocery stores, liquor stores, and other retailers. Here's where to look for free cardboard boxes near you!

Online Exchanges in Bloomington

Searching online marketplaces is a great way to find free, used boxes in Bloomington. Residents often post their used boxes for free or at a low cost after completing a move. Check Facebook Marketplace for free cardboard boxes, or join local groups like Buy Nothing Bloomington, Indiana or Buy Nothing Bloomington, IN. You can also browse Nextdoor, Freecycle, or Craigslist for moving box listings. When meeting up with strangers to pick up boxes, be sure to choose a well-lit, public area, and consider bringing a friend along for safety. If you'd prefer to stay within your personal network, reach out to friends and family members on social media to see if anyone has used boxes they could spare.

Liquor Stores in Bloomington

Liquor stores are smart places to check, as their shipments often come in heavy-duty boxes. Some liquor store boxes even have built-in dividers, making them ideal for packing fragile items like dishes and glassware. Local liquor stores like Big Red Liquors, Cardinal Spirits, and Binny's Beverage Depot are often good sources for free cardboard boxes in Bloomington. To improve your chances of securing good options, it's best to call ahead to confirm they have boxes available before stopping by.

Grocery Stores in Bloomington

Grocery stores are another fantastic place to look for cardboard boxes near you, as these boxes are typically sturdy and resistant to minor impacts. Before taking any boxes home, inspect them for cleanliness—making sure to avoid any with food remnants, stains, or signs of pests. Additionally, be careful if you decide to use banana boxes, as they contain large holes that could allow smaller belongings to slip out. Call ahead to grocery stores like Bloomingfoods Co-op Market, ALDI, or Kroger to ask if they'd be willing to save some boxes for you.

Recycling Centers & Dumpsters in Bloomington

Dumpsters and recycling centers in Bloomington are often full of used cardboard boxes, though you should call ahead to make sure you're allowed to remove them. The Waste Reduction District of Monroe County Recycling Centers can be excellent places to check. Be sure all boxes you take home are structurally sound, clean, and free of stains or signs of pests. Note that you may need to reinforce weaker or broken down boxes with tape before using them.

Other Stores & Retailers in Bloomington

Other Bloomington businesses that may be willing to give away cardboard boxes for your move include pharmacies, dollar stores, and local restaurants. These places often receive bulk orders in heavy-duty boxes. Call ahead to retailers like Dollar Tree or Dollar General, pharmacies like CVS, and local restaurants—like The Caffeinated Cook in nearby Ellettsville—to see if they can set aside any boxes for you. Locals also recommend checking with the IU Surplus store for spare cardboard boxes.

Where to Buy Cheap Moving Boxes in Bloomington

If you'd rather buy new boxes, there are several places that sell affordable packing supplies near you—including big-box retailers, hardware stores, and self storage facilities. You can typically expect to pay anywhere from $1.12 for small boxes to $5.99 for large boxes, depending on the box type and retailer.

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

Walmart

Purchase boxes near you at Walmart in Bloomington, with options ranging from 17x11x12 at $1.12 to 27x15x17 at $2.26. There's one Walmart Supercenter in Bloomington that sells cardboard boxes, along with moving essentials like furniture sliders, bubble wrap, packing paper, and more.

Lowe's

Lowe's offers moving boxes that range in size from 16x12x12 at $1.85 to 22x21.5x22 at $3.85. The city's single Lowe's location on North Gates Dr carries affordable boxes, as well as moving supplies like packing tape, stretch wrap, and moving straps.

Bloomington Hardware

Buy moving boxes ranging in size from 12x12x12 for $1.99 to 20x20x20 for $5.99 at Bloomington Hardware. There is one Bloomington Hardware location in the city. In addition to cardboard boxes, Bloomington Hardware offers moving supplies like furniture covers, dish packing kits, and moving blankets.

Extra Space Storage

Get high-quality moving boxes at Extra Space Storage in Bloomington, offering sizes ranging from 16.6x12.5x12.5 at $2.69 to 24x18x24 at $5.99. There are six Extra Space Storage locations in Bloomington that sell cardboard boxes. You'll also find packing supplies like bubble wrap, tape guns, stretch wrap, and more.

Where to Recycle Moving Boxes in Bloomington

Once you've finished unpacking and settling into your new home, you'll likely want to get rid of your moving boxes. If they're still in good condition, consider reselling or giving them away through online platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. Or take advantage of the convenient Bloomington recycling options below.

Waste Reduction District of Monroe County Recycling Centers

The Waste Reduction District of Monroe County Recycling Centers accept cardboard moving boxes, plus other moving supplies like packing paper and newspaper. All recyclable materials must be clean and dry, and cardboard should be flattened before drop off. Be sure to place your recyclables in the appropriate designated bin. There are three Bloomington recycling centers operated by the Waste Reduction District, which you can find at the following locations:

• Westside: 341 N Oard Rd; open Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• South Walnut: 3400 S Walnut St; open Tuesday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

• Southside: 400 W Dillman Rd; open Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

City of Bloomington Curbside Recycling

The City of Bloomington accepts cardboard boxes, as well as other moving supplies like newspaper, through their curbside pickup services. All accepted items should be clean, dry, and placed loosely in your recycling bin. To ensure pickup, bins must be placed four feet away from any obstacles—such as mailboxes or trees—and ten feet away from any vehicles by 5 a.m. on your scheduled pickup day. The lid of your bin must also shut completely. Recycling is collected weekly, and residents can verify the pickup schedule online.

Rumpke Curbside Recycling

Rumpke offers a curbside recycling program in Bloomington, allowing residents to recycle cardboard boxes, as well as other moving materials like newspaper. These recyclables are then taken to the Rumpke - Monroe County Resource Recovery Facility for sorting and processing. All acceptable items should be placed in your bin at the curb on your scheduled service day.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

In Bloomington, the best time to get free boxes from stores is early in the morning during the middle of the week. By this time, most businesses have already received and unpacked their shipments, which means some stores may be willing to give you some boxes. However, if you wait until the afternoon or end of the week, many boxes will likely already have been disposed of.

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

It's not recommended to remove boxes from store dumpsters or recycling bins in Bloomington, as many are placed on private property—which could create legal issues. Alternatively, consider asking store managers if they could set some boxes aside for you, or check online marketplaces for free moving box listings.

Does Extra Space Storage sell moving boxes and supplies in Bloomington, IN?

Extra Space Storage sells reliable moving supplies in Bloomington, including sturdy cardboard boxes, as well as packing tape, bubble wrap, tie-down ropes, and more. This makes it easy to pick up everything you need in one stop. Purchasing directly from a self storage facility can also give you peace of mind about the quality of your moving supplies.

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

To suit a wide range of packing needs, Extra Space Storage in Bloomington offers a variety of moving box sizes, including:

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

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

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

• Wardrobe Boxes: For hanging clothes to help keep them free of wrinkles.

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

These box options can help protect your belongings and simplify your Bloomington 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 Bloomington! And find more moving resources on our moving hub!