10 Best Places to Get Free & Cheap Moving Boxes in Cary, NC
Preparing for a move in Cary, NC? When you’re moving a short distance or relocating across the country, moving expenses can add up quickly—but finding affordable packing supplies is a great way to cut costs. This guide covers the best places to find free and cheap moving boxes in Cary!
Should You Buy or Get Free Moving Boxes?
Before moving, you'll have to decide whether you want to purchase new moving boxes or search for free ones. Depending on your preferences and priorities, each option has benefits and drawbacks.
Buying moving boxes in Cary gives you access to a larger selection, allowing you to choose box sizes and types that suit your unique needs. New boxes also tend to be sturdier, and they offer uniformity—which can be helpful for both packing and stacking. Additionally, it's easier and quicker to buy all your moving supplies in one place.
However, if you're moving on a budget, searching for free boxes near you can help you save money for other moving expenses. On top of that, it's also more eco-friendly to find and reuse used boxes instead of buying new ones.
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Where to Get Free Moving Boxes in Cary
Some of the best places to find free moving boxes in Cary, NC include online exchanges, liquor stores, grocery stores, and more. Check out the following spots to see if they'll allow you pick up free cardboard boxes!
Online Exchanges in Cary
Utilizing social media and browsing through online exchanges are great ways to find free Cary moving boxes. Make a post on your personal social media asking friends and family to save boxes they receive from online orders. Search through Facebook Marketplace or request to join Facebook groups like Cary Buy Sell Trade. Check for free and low-cost moving boxes on TrashNothing, OfferUp, NextDoor, Craigslist, and BoxCycle. When arranging exchanges through online platforms, prioritize safety by meeting in a well-lit, high-traffic area and bringing a friend for added security.
Liquor Stores in Cary
Liquor stores are fantastic places to look for free, heavy-duty moving boxes. Liquor boxes often come with cardboard dividers, which can help you transport glassware and other fragile items safely. Call ahead to Cary liquor stores like Wake County ABC, Total Wine and More, and The Wine Merchant to see if they can set any boxes aside for you.
Grocery Stores in Cary
Don't forget to check with grocery stores when seeking high-quality, free moving boxes in Cary! Grocery store boxes are designed to be sturdy and resistant to impact. They can also come in a variety of sizes, and some have handles on the sides for easier carrying. Grocery stores like Food Lion, Harris Teeter, H Mart, Trader Joe's, and The Fresh Market may have boxes you can swing by to pick up—but call ahead first to make sure. Before bringing grocery store boxes home, check them for evidence of pests, food remnants, and stains. You may also want to avoid banana boxes as they contain large holes which could allow your items to fall through.
Other Stores & Retailers in Cary
There are plenty of other places to find free cardboard boxes in Cary, including bookstores, art suppliers, retail stores, and more. These stores often receive shipments in durable boxes, which can make them perfect for your upcoming move. Contact bookstores like Barnes & Noble, Juliet Books, and Alleyway Bookstore, or reach out to art stores like Hobby Lobby and Michaels to see if they can save any boxes for you. Or call ahead to large retailers with locations near you—like GNC and Old Navy.
Where to Buy Cheap Moving Boxes in Cary
You can find moving boxes for sale in Cary at self storage facilities, national retailers, local moving box stores, and more. Cary moving boxes come in a wide variety of sizes and prices, with small boxes typically starting at $1.12 and extra large boxes selling for $6.00 or less.
Please note that listed dimensions for boxes with precise measurements are rounded to the nearest tenth.
Walmart
Buy boxes ranging from 17x11x12 for $1.12 to 24x16x19 for $2.26 at Walmart. There is one Walmart Supercenter in Cary that sells moving boxes, along with other moving supplies like tape, packing paper, and moving box dividers.
Home Depot
Find cheap moving boxes that range from 16x10x12 for $1.78 to 24x20x20 for $3.98 at Home Depot. There is one Home Depot location in Cary offering moving boxes and other moving supplies—including moving blankets, mattress bags, and bubble cushion.
Lowe's
With two locations in Cary, Lowe's sells moving boxes sized from 16x12x12 at $2.08 to 22x21.5x22 at $4.18. Lowe’s also provides other moving supplies in Cary, including packing paper, moving labels, moving straps, bungee cords, 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 when you visit Extra Space Storage in Cary. There are six Extra Space Storage locations in Cary where you can buy high-quality moving boxes, along with other moving supplies—including chair covers, tie downs, glass protection kits, and more.
Staples
Staples carries moving boxes at their one Cary location, with size options ranging from 16x12x10 for $4.00 to 24x10x16 for $6.00. They also sell moving supplies like dish kits, packing paper, and moving blankets.
UPS Store
The UPS Store in Saltbox Village carries a variety of moving boxes in Cary—with sizes ranging from 6x6x6 to 24x24x24—along with other moving supplies like bubble cushioning, packing tape, and more. Contact the UPS Store to ask about specific box sizes and pricing.
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Where to Recycle Moving Boxes in Cary
Once you've unpacked and settled into your new home, get rid of your cardboard moving boxes in an eco-friendly way! Sell or donate your boxes through Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, or Craigslist. Or dispose of your boxes through one of these recycling programs.
Wake County Multi-Material Recycling Facilities
The Wake County Multi-Material Recycling Facilities accept cardboard moving boxes. Make sure loads are secured and boxes are flattened before drop-off. There are three locations in total, but the two closest are about 20 to 30 minutes away and are open to Wake County residents and businesses alike:
South Wake Multi-Material Recycling Facility
at 6130 Old Smithfield Rd, Apex, NC 27539; open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
North Wake Multi-Material Recycling Facility
at 9029 Deponie Dr, Raleigh, NC 27614; open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cary Curbside Recycling
The City of Cary provides curbside recycling services every other week on your garbage and yard waste pickup day. Cardboard must be empty, clean, and flattened. You can also recycle newspaper and other paper packing material.
Republic Services
Republic Services provides recycling and waste pickup services in Cary, as well as dumpster rental for larger disposal needs. Contact them to schedule regular pickup services.
Waste Management
Waste Management also provides trash and recycling services in Cary. You can sign up online for regular pickup. Their nearest recycling drop-off location is about 20 minutes away at 1815 Capital Blvd, Raleigh, NC 27604.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time and day to get free boxes from stores?
Early morning hours are best for finding free boxes in Cary, since stores typically unpack shipments before opening. Midweek visits also increase your chances of finding free boxes that haven’t yet been recycled or claimed.
Can I legally retrieve boxes from store dumpsters or the recycling bin?
It’s best not to take boxes from dumpsters without permission, since they’re often on private property. Instead, ask store staff in Cary if they can set boxes aside for you, or check online neighborhood groups for free moving supplies.
Does Extra Space Storage sell moving boxes and supplies in Cary, NC?
Yes! Extra Space Storage facilities in Cary offer moving boxes, protective materials, packing tape, labels, and more for purchase. You can easily get what you need at your local facility.
What moving box sizes are available at Extra Space Storage in Cary?
Extra Space Storage in Cary provides several box sizes:
Small Boxes (1.5 cu ft): Ideal for heavy items such as books or pantry goods.
Medium Boxes (3 cu ft): For folded clothes, dishware, and household decor.
Large Boxes (4.5-6 cu ft: Best for pillows, lamp shades, bedding, and other bulky but lightweight items.
Wardrobe Boxes: Include a clothes bar for transporting hanging garments and outerwear.
File Boxes: Designed for storing documents, paperwork, and important records.
These box options make it easier to organize and protect your belongings.
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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 Cary! And find more moving resources on our moving hub!
Author Profile
Quinn Johnson
Quinn Johnson is a moving expert and author for Extra Space Storage. He's moved over 15 times, including internationally, and helped countless others between their own homes. He's happy to lift some boxes for a friend as long as he's paid in pizza. As a writer and content creator for Extra Space Storage since 2019, Quinn shares helpful moving tips and info to alleviate the common stresses of moving.
