9 Best Places to Get Free & Cheap Moving Boxes in Colorado Springs

Moving in Colorado Springs? If you're planning a local move, relocating out of state, or even facing a last-minute move, finding affordable packing supplies is crucial. One significant way to save money and combat unexpected costs of moving and shipping boxes is by considering your options for moving boxes. Whether you choose inexpensive new boxes, explore the used market, or seek free alternatives, you can significantly reduce your moving expenses.

Should You Buy or Get Free Moving Boxes?

When mapping out your move, a key decision is whether to invest in new packing boxes or seek out free or used alternatives. Each presents distinct advantages and drawbacks.

Opting for new moving boxes in Colorado Springs offers the advantage of consistent sizing and structural reliability for secure stacking and efficient packing. New moving boxes are typically easier and more convenient to find—not to mention you can easily gain access to specific box dimensions and types tailored to your needs.

However, if moving on a budget is your top priority, using free or used boxes for your move offers significant cost savings and promotes environmental sustainability by reducing the demand for new cardboard. Sourcing boxes from friends, family, online marketplaces, or local businesses can still provide a variety of sizes.

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Use Extra Space Storage’s moving supplies calculator to estimate how many moving boxes you’ll need. Simply insert how many belongings you have and the size of your household to receive a fast recommendation in minutes!

Where to Get Free Moving Boxes in Colorado Springs

Looking for free moving boxes in Colorado Springs? Your choices range from grocery stores and liquor stores to bookstores, coffee shops, and other retail businesses. Online networks that speak to specific neighborhoods in Colorado Springs are also good places to find used boxes.

Online Exchanges in Colorado Springs

For a cost-effective approach to finding moving boxes in Colorado Springs, consider using various online marketplaces and apps that offer moving boxes. Notable platforms include Facebook Marketplace, community-based, members-only Buy, Sell, Trade or Buy Nothing groups, Colorado Springs Craigslist pages and Nextdoor, where you can often find boxes for free or at a minimal cost. Additionally, leveraging your social media connections can be a valuable resource. When arranging pickups, your safety should be your top priority—opt for public meeting places and consider bringing a buddy.

Liquor Stores in Colorado Springs

A smart and often free option for moving boxes in Colorado Springs is your local liquor store. These boxes are built to handle weight and can come with dividers, perfect for packing fragile belongings, like wine glasses. A few Colorado Springs stores where you might find free boxes include Cheers, Springs Liquor Outlet, and Powers Liquor Mart.

Grocery Stores in Colorado Springs

Grocery store boxes are often sturdy and can withstand minor impacts, making them a budget-friendly option for moving boxes. Before packing, carefully inspect each box for any leftover food, spills, or signs of rodents or insects. Also, be aware that certain types of grocery boxes, such as those used for bananas with large ventilation holes, might not be ideal for smaller objects. To ensure availability, it's wise to call the store in advance to see if they have boxes and if they can hold some for you. Checking grocery stores in Colorado Springs, like King Soopers, Bread & Butter Neighborhood Market, and Safeway, can be a great way to get boxes.

Recycling Centers & Dumpsters in Colorado Springs

While availability isn't always guaranteed with recycling drop-offs in Colorado Springs, facilities like EarthSaver Recycling may offer used boxes at no cost, so it's recommended to call ahead. Carefully examine boxes for stains and any signs of pests, and confirm that they are structurally sound for your move. You might also want to reinforce any less sturdy boxes with packing tape.

Other Stores & Retailers in Colorado Springs

When seeking moving boxes in Colorado Springs, consider a wider range of local establishments. Bookstores like Westside Stories or Barnes & Noble regularly stock sturdy delivery boxes, and big chains like Starbucks sometimes have spare boxes from their shipments. Smaller coffee shops like Loyal Coffee and Switchbacks Coffee Roasters may also be great options. Breweries like Goat Patch Brewing Company and Colorado Mountain Brewery can also be good alternatives to liquor stores. It's best to call beforehand to inquire about their current stock.

Where to Buy Cheap Moving Boxes in Colorado Springs

For budget-conscious movers looking to buy moving boxes in Colorado Springs, cheap moving boxes are available from various sources. Prices typically range from approximately $1 for smaller boxes to $5.99 for larger ones

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

Walmart

Walmart is an accessible, budget-friendly option in Colorado Springs. Their selection includes box sizes ranging from 17x11x13 at $1.00 to 24x16x19 at $2.10. You can find these boxes, along with other moving necessities like packing tape, bubble cushions, and packing paper, at Walmart's nine stores in Colorado Springs.

Home Depot

At Home Depot in Colorado Springs, you can purchase moving boxes of various sizes from 15x10x12 at $1.28 to 24x20x21 at $3.78. There are four Home Depots in Colorado Springs, and stores also carry other moving necessities like mattress bags, dollies, and permanent markers.

Lowe's

At Lowe's in Colorado Springs, you can find boxes ranging from 15x10x12 at $1.98 to 22x21.5x22 at $3.85. There are four Lowe's locations in Colorado Springs that sell moving boxes. Lowe's also sells other moving supplies like packing tape, cushioning foam boards, and bubble wrap.

Extra Space Storage

Extra Space Storage in Colorado Springs offers a variety of moving boxes, from 16.6x12.5x12.5 at $2.69 to 24x18x24 at $5.99. You can find boxes along with other moving necessities like tape, stretch film, tie-downs, and protection kits at 15 Colorado Springs locations.

Where to Recycle Moving Boxes in Colorado Springs

After settling into your new Colorado Springs home, disposing of your moving boxes in an eco-friendly way is easy. Colorado Springs offers recycling services at facilities such as Urban Recycling and El Paso County Recycling. For boxes still in good condition, consider donating them to local groups like Colorado Springs Free Groups. Additionally, you can list your boxes for resale on online platforms like Boxcycle.

Urban Recycling

Urban Recycling accepts cardboard, mattresses, and other home items at its drop-off center. Each item has a different fee to recycle, so make sure to visit their website or call ahead for more information. Their operating hours are typically Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.(with drop-offs accepted up to 15 minutes before closing). Find Urban Recycling at 3341 N. Cascade Ave.

Republic Recycling Drop Off

This public drop-off center is part of Republic Services. They do not accept any plastic bags for recycling. Call Republic Recycling directly for pricing details, like per carload and larger vehicles like trailers. Hours of operation are typically Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Find Republic Recycling at 545 Air Lane.

El Paso County Recycling

El Paso County Recycling is a free recycling option in Colorado Springs that accepts cardboard moving boxes, as well as aluminum cans, glass, and newspaper. All moving boxes must be flattened, and you will need to show proof of El Paso County residency. Their drop-off center hours are typically Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. They are also open on select Saturdays in 2025, including May 10, July 12, September 13, and November 8 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Find El Paso County Recycling at 3255 Akers Dr.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

In Colorado Springs, CO, mornings are ideal for finding free boxes, since stores unpack shipments overnight. Mid-week days—especially Tuesday and Wednesday—tend to have a wider selection of sturdy boxes available, as they haven't yet been recycled.

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

In Colorado Springs, CO, removing boxes from dumpsters without permission may be considered trespassing on private property. The best route to get free boxes is to ask store associates for empty shipment boxes or use neighborhood and online networks.

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

Yes! Extra Space Storage facilities throughout Colorado Springs sell moving boxes, tape, labeling tools, and other protective materials for packing and storage. Purchasing your supplies from us gives you access to dependable, high-quality supplies.

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

Extra Space Storage in Colorado Springs offers:

• Small Boxes (1.5 cu ft): For dense items like books, fragile items, or kitchen utensils.

• Medium Boxes (3 cu ft): For clothing, dishware, or children's toys.

• Large Boxes (4.5-6 cu ft): For lightweight items like pillows, blankets, and comforters.

• Wardrobe Boxes: For neatly hanging clothing and coats.

• File Boxes: Designed to keep paperwork, records, and important documents secure and organized.

These sizes make organizing and moving throughout Colorado Springs simple and efficient.

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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 Colorado Springs!