10 Best Places to Get Free & Cheap Moving Boxes in Boulder, CO

Moving across town or cross-country from Boulder? No matter if you're moving on your own or hiring professional movers, one way to cut down on unexpected moving costs is by finding free or cheap moving boxes. These are the best places to find low-cost and free moving boxes and supplies in Boulder!

Should You Buy or Get Free Moving Boxes?

Before you start packing for a move, you need to figure out if you're going to buy new or find used moving boxes in Boulder. Each option comes with its own set of benefits and considerations.

If you decide to buy new moving boxes, you'll be more likely to find boxes in specific sizes at stores near you that you'll need for your belongings. Also, new cardboard moving boxes are uniform and structurally sound, making them easier to label, pack, ship, and stack on moving trucks more efficiently.

However, if you're moving on a budget, then finding free and used cardboard boxes in Boulder can help you stay on track. Aside from cost savings, sourcing free cardboard boxes from your local area can help you have a more sustainable move. If you collect boxes from different sources, you can still get a variety of moving box sizes—it just might take you more time.

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Where to Get Free Moving Boxes in Boulder

There are several different places you can grab free boxes in Boulder for your move. Online exchanges, liquor stores, grocery stores, and recycling centers are some of the best spots to source used boxes from. Read below to see some of the best places in Boulder to get free moving boxes!

Online Exchanges in Boulder

One of the most convenient places to find Boulder moving boxes for free is on several different online marketplaces. Notable platforms for you to browse through include Facebook Marketplace and social groups like Boulder County, Colorado Buy, Sell, Trade and Boulder Area Free Stuff and Things. Also take time to look through other digital marketplaces like Craigslist, Freecycle, and Nextdoor for potentially cheap and/or free moving supplies in your area. Just be sure to follow some safety rules when conducting online-based exchanges, like only meeting people during the day at high-traffic public places, and bringing a friend with you for additional security.

Liquor Stores in Boulder

Boulder liquor stores are a great place for you to find free boxes for your move! Liquor stores often receive shipments in heavy-duty boxes that are great for holding heavy items. Some liquor store cardboard boxes may even come with built-in deck dividers, making them perfect for packing wine glasses and other fragile items like china or dishes. Consider contacting liquor stores in Boulder Hazel's Beverage World, Boulder Wine and Spirits, and Baseline Liquor Store, to see if they have any cardboard boxes they could set aside for you.

Grocery Stores in Boulder

If you're searching for free moving boxes in Boulder, try looking around local grocery stores since they often get sturdy boxes that come in a variety of sizes. Before you pack any of your belongings into used grocery store boxes, be sure to check for stains and signs of pests. Grocery stores will often break down boxes to recycle them, so you may need to use packing tape to reinforce them before you use them for your move. Be wary of using banana boxes since they come with large holes in them that may allow for smaller items to slip out while in transit. Some Boulder grocery stores for you to check out include Trader Joe's, Safeway, King Soopers, and more.

Recycling Centers & Dumpsters in Boulder

Some Boulder recycling centers might be able to give you moving boxes for free, but you'll need to contact them ahead of time to ask. You'll need to check boxes from dumpsters or recycling centers for signs of wear and tear, pests, and stains before you use them. You might need to reinforce used boxes with tape to ensure they're stable enough to hold your belongings. Some recycling centers to check for free boxes include Eco-Cycle CHaRM: Center for Hard-to-Recycle Materials and the Boulder County Recycling Center. Or you can ask your neighbors before it's trash collection day if they have boxes they can give before they're gone.

Other Stores & Retailers in Boulder

Some other places in Boulder to find used moving boxes include bookstores, coffee shops, pet stores, craft stores, and other businesses that receive regular shipments in sturdy boxes. Be sure to check with local spots like Boulder Bookstore, Barnes and Noble, Art Mart Gifts, O.W.L Coffee Roasters, and more to see if they could set aside some used boxes for your move

Where to Buy Cheap Moving Boxes in Boulder

Self storage facilities, home improvement stores, and local packing supply stores are some of the best places to buy cheap moving boxes in Boulder. Moving box prices in Boulder typically range from about $1.78 for small boxes to around $5.99 for large boxes.

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

Home Depot

Browse cheap moving boxes ranging from 16x10x12 for $1.78 to 24x20x 20 for $3.98 at the Home Depot in Boulder! Home Depot locations also sell other moving supplies, such as moving blankets, packing tape, furniture sliders, and more, to make your relocation easier.

Target

Get moving boxes ranging from 16x12x12 for $1.99 to 24x16x19 for $3.99 at the Target in Boulder. Target also sells other helpful moving supplies, like bubble cushion and packing tape, to make your moving process a breeze.

Ace Hardware

At Ace Hardware in Boulder, you'll find moving boxes ranging in size from 10.5x12x12 at $2.59 to Ace 18x24x24 at $7.59. You'll find other moving supplies from Ace Hardware like lifting straps, bubble wrap, moving blankets, and more.

Extra Space Storage

Find affordable moving boxes ranging in size from 16.6x12.5x12.5 at $2.69 to 24x18x24 at $5.99. There are three Extra Space Storage locations in Boulder where you can buy boxes and other moving supplies like tie-down rope, dish protection kits, stretch wrap, tape guns, and furniture covers.

North Boulder Shipping Store

North Boulder Shipping Store offers a variety of moving box sizes and other moving supplies like packing peanuts, tape, specialty boxes, and more. Find North Boulder Shipping Store at 3980 Broadway St Ste 103.

Where to Recycle Moving Boxes in Boulder

Once you're done with your Boulder move, there are several recycling options like Eco-Cycle CHaRM: Center for Hard-to-Recycle Materials or Boulder County Recycling Center. Or, donate or try selling your boxes by listing them on the free sections of platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, Nextdoor, and more.

Eco-Cycle CHaRM: Center for Hard-to-Recycle Materials

The Eco-Cycle Charm: Center for Hard-to-Recycle Materials accepts cardboard moving boxes, plus other moving supplies like paper padding, old newspaper, and more. Those looking to recycle will first stop at the Charm window during business hours, where the cashier will assess any potential recycling fees. You'll then enter the Charm lane to deposit your materials designated by a specific zone. Their hours are typically between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Find Eco-Cycle Charm: Center for Hard-to-Recycle Materials at 6400 Arapahoe Rd.

Boulder County Recycling Center

The Boulder County Recycling Center accepts cardboard moving boxes, plus other moving supplies such as newspaper, paper mailers, and more. Contact the center ahead of time to inquire about potential fees. Residents can drop recyclable materials at the public drop-off center, 24 hours and seven days per week. The Boulder County Recycling Center is located at 1901 63rd St.

Curbside Pickup

Residents can sign up for standard trash and recycling pick up serive through companies like Western Disposal and Waste Management. Be sure to inquire with your neighbors directly or ask online what service your neighborhood uses and inquire about pickup days and potential fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

In Boulder, weekday mornings between 8 and 10 am are a good time to check for boxes. This is typically right after stores finish their early-morning restocking, meaning they will have plenty of intact boxes before employees flatten and compact them for recycling. Calling ahead can also help you confirm whether a store has boxes available.

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

No, retrieving boxes from commercial dumpsters or recycling bins in Boulder is generally considered theft or trespassing. The city enforces strict regulations regarding waste disposal, recycling, and trespassing.

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

Yes! Extra Space Storage locations in Boulder sell a variety of moving boxes and packing supplies, including packing tape, labels, bubble wrap, packing paper, and mattress bags. Purchasing moving supplies from Extra Space Storage gives you durable, moving-grade materials designed to help protect your belongings during a move or while they're in storage.

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

Extra Space Storage offers several moving box sizes to help you pack everything from small, heavy items to bulky household goods:

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

• Medium Boxes (3 cu. ft.): Ideal for kitchen supplies, shoes, toys, and folded clothing.

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

• Wardrobe Boxes: Include a hanging bar to transport clothing without removing it from hangers.

• File Boxes: Perfect for organizing important documents, paperwork, and office supplies.

With a range of box sizes available, it's easy to find the right packing supplies for your move in Boulder.

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