9 Best Places to Get Free & Cheap Moving Boxes in Covington, KY

Preparing to relocate in or out of Covington, KY? Whether you're moving across the city or across the country, finding free or low-cost moving boxes can help you save on moving expenses. Discover where to find free and cheap moving boxes in Covington below!

Should You Buy or Get Free Moving Boxes?

As you're planning your relocation, one of the first decisions you'll need to make is whether to buy new moving boxes or find used ones for free. There are pros and cons to both options.

If you're moving on short notice, purchasing new boxes is usually more convenient, as they are much easier to source. Not only will you be able to choose from a variety of box sizes and types, but new boxes are also guaranteed to be sturdy and uniform—making them easier to pack and stack in a moving truck.

That said, if you're moving on a budget, opting to search for free moving boxes near you is the more cost-effective option. Plus, reusing boxes reduces waste, making this an eco-friendly choice.

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Where to Get Free Moving Boxes in Covington

You can get free moving boxes in Covington through online marketplaces, or at local grocery stores, liquor stores, recycling centers, and other retailers. These are some of the best places to find free cardboard boxes near you!

Online Exchanges in Covington

There are multiple online marketplaces where you can find free moving boxes in Covington. Check Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, Nextdoor, and Freecycle—or join groups like Northern KY Buy/Sell/Trade—to see if anyone is giving away free or low-cost boxes near you. When picking up boxes from strangers, prioritize your safety by meeting in a public place during the day—and consider bringing a friend along. Or, to stay within your personal network, reach out to friends on social media to ask if anyone has boxes to spare from recent deliveries or moves.

Liquor Stores in Covington

Liquor stores are some of the best places to find free moving boxes in Covington. Liquor store boxes are known to be durable—and some even come with dividers that can help you safely pack dishes, glassware, and other fragile items. Reach out to liquor stores near you like Liquor Barn, Stadium Liquor Store, or Revival Vintage Bottle Shop to see if they have any boxes they could set aside for you.

Grocery Stores in Covington

Covington grocery stores are another great resource for free, reliable moving boxes. Cardboard boxes from grocery stores tend to be sturdy and resistant to minor impacts. Contact grocery stores like Kroger, Dee Felice Market, and Garrard Market to see if they have any boxes from recent deliveries that they'd be willing to give away for free. Before taking any boxes home with you, be sure to check them thoroughly for food remnants, stains, or signs of pests. Additionally, avoid banana boxes, as they have large holes that may cause smaller items to fall out during transport.

Recycling Centers & Dumpsters in Covington

Local dumpsters and recycling centers in Covington are sometimes full of cardboard boxes, though it's best to call ahead to confirm you're allowed to remove them. Reach out to your nearest Kenton County Big Blue Bin drop-off location to inquire about taking any boxes you find home. Choose boxes that are clean, free of pests and stains, and structurally sound. Keep in mind you may need to tape these boxes up for added reinforcement.

Other Stores & Retailers in Covington

Other Covington retailers that receive regular shipments in heavy-duty boxes—including coffee shops, bookstores, and discount stores—may also be willing to give away boxes for free. Contact local bookstores like Roebling Books & Coffee, coffee shops like The Cauldron Cafe, or your nearest Dollar Tree or Dollar General location to check for available boxes.

Where to Buy Cheap Moving Boxes in Covington

If you'd rather buy new boxes, there are many places where you can find high-quality moving supplies near you—including hardware stores, home improvement stores, big-box retailers, and self storage facilities. Moving boxes in Covington generally range in price from $1.12 for small boxes to $5.99 for large boxes, depending on the box type and seller.

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

Walmart

Get moving boxes sized from 17x11x12 at $1.12 to 27x15x17 at $2.26 at Walmart locations near Covington. There are two Walmart Supercenters near Covington—one in Fort Wright and one in Florence—that sell moving boxes. Walmart also sells other moving supplies like moving blankets, bubble cushion, and packing tape.

Home Depot

Visit your nearest Home Depot location to find affordable moving boxes in Covington, ranging in size from 10x8x10 at $1.28 to 24x20x20 at $3.78. There is one Home Depot location near Covington—in Crescent Springs—that sells moving boxes, along with other moving supplies like packing foam, furniture sliders, and stretch wrap.

Klingenberg's Hardware & Paint

Klingenberg's Hardware & Paint offers moving boxes ranging from 12x12x12 at $1.99 to 20x20x20 at $5.99. There are two Klingenberg's Hardware & Paint locations in Covington that sell moving boxes, plus other packing supplies like tape, packing paper, and mattress bags.

Extra Space Storage

At Extra Space Storage, you'll find reliable moving boxes in Covington ranging in size from 16.6x12.5x12.5 at $2.69 to 24x18x24 at $5.99. There is one Extra Space Storage location in Covington with affordable moving boxes, as well as other high-quality moving supplies such as tie-down rope, bubble cushion, stretch film, and more.

Where to Recycle Moving Boxes in Covington

Finished unpacking and settling into your new home? Try to get rid of your moving boxes in a sustainable way! If your boxes are still in good shape, consider reselling or giving them away through online platforms like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. Or utilize one of the following Covington recycling options!

Kenton County Big Blue Bins

Kenton County Big Blue Bin drop-off locations accept cardboard moving boxes, plus other moving supplies like newspaper. It's best to flatten down boxes before dropping them off. Open 24/7, these are the three Kenton County Big Blue Bin locations in Covington that accept cardboard:

• Pioneer Park at 3952 Madison Pike

• Middleton-Mills Park at 3415 Mills Rd

• Covington Parking Lot at 741-743 Dalton St

Cincinnati Public Recycling Dumpsters

Cincinnati Public Recycling Dumpsters accept cardboard moving boxes, as well as other moving supplies like newspaper. Ensure all recyclables are clean and flatten cardboard before drop off. There are several Cincinnati Public Recycling Dumpsters near Covington, including:

• Findlay Market: 1817 Race St; open 24/7

• Hamilton County Environmental Services: 250 W H Taft Rd; open 24/7

• Lincoln Recreation Center: 1027 Linn St; open daily from dawn to dusk

• Mt. Echo Park: 202 Crestline Ave; open daily from dawn to dusk

• Parks Maintenance Facility: 2080 Sinton Rd; open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

City of Covington Curbside Recycling

The City of Covington accepts cardboard moving boxes, along with moving supplies like newspaper, through their curbside recycling program. All recyclables should be clean and dry. Flatten cardboard boxes before placing them inside your cart or stacking them neatly beside your cart. Recycling is collected on the same day as trash every week, and residents can confirm the pickup schedule online. Be sure to set your cart out no later than 6 a.m. on your designated collection day.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

In Covington, KY, midweek mornings tend to be the best time to get free boxes from stores, as they usually unpack and restock inventory overnight. Call ahead to stores near you to ask if they can set aside some boxes for you to pick up.

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

Removing boxes from recycling bins or store dumpsters without permission is not recommended, as it may be considered trespassing on private property. Alternatively, contact local retailers to ask if they'd be willing to save you some boxes, or browse through online exchanges to find free boxes near you.

Does Extra Space Storage sell moving boxes and supplies in Covington, KY?

Extra Space Storage facilities sell a wide variety of moving supplies in Covington—including sturdy cardboard boxes, as well as mattress bags, packing tape, dish protection kits, and more. If you're looking for high-quality packing materials that can simplify your relocation, purchasing from a nearby storage facility is a great choice.

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

Extra Space Storage locations in Covington offer several box sizes to accommodate your needs, including:

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

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

• Large Boxes (4.5-6 cu ft): Best for light, bulky belongings like coats and bedding.

• Wardrobe Boxes: Allow you to hang garments to keep them wrinkle-free during transport.

• File Boxes: Designed to organize and protect important paperwork and documents. These reliable moving box options can help protect your belongings and streamline your Covington 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 Covington. And find more moving resources on our moving hub!