11 Best Places to Get Free & Cheap Moving Boxes in El Paso

Planning a move in El Paso? Moving costs and shipping expenses can start adding up quickly, whether you're moving across the country or simply relocating across town. One smart way to save is to find free and cheap moving boxes near you. Read on to learn where to find affordable or free moving boxes in El Paso!

Should You Buy or Get Free Moving Boxes?

As you plan your move in El Paso, you'll need to decide whether to buy new moving boxes or find free, used ones. Each of these options comes with perks and drawbacks to consider.

Opting to purchase moving boxes in El Paso gives you the ability to get uniformly-sized boxes that can be packed and stacked easily. You'll also have the option to choose the specific types and sizes of boxes you need, and they're guaranteed to be high-quality. Not to mention, new boxes take less time and effort to find than used boxes—which is especially helpful if you're navigating a last-minute move.

On the other hand, choosing to find free, used moving boxes near you is a great way to cut costs if you're moving on a tight budget. Plus, it's a more eco-friendly, sustainable alternative to purchasing brand-new boxes.

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Where to Get Free Moving Boxes in El Paso

You can find free moving boxes in El Paso at local grocery stores, liquor stores, bookstores, recycling centers, and more. Here are some of the best places to check for free, used cardboard boxes near you!

Online Exchanges in El Paso

Online exchanges and platforms are a great way to find moving boxes and moving supplies in El Paso. Check out Facebook Marketplace El Paso, request to join private groups like El Paso (Buy, Sell, Trade), or browse through local listings from community members on sites like Craigslist El Paso and Nextdoor El Paso. Another great resource is BoxCycle El Paso, where locals in your area can sell or give away boxes. When meeting up with someone from an online platform, remember to be safe—select a well-lit, public spot and consider bringing a friend along. If you'd rather stay within your circle of friends, you can simply use your personal social media to ask friends and family to save any boxes they receive in the weeks leading up to your move.

Liquor Stores in El Paso

Liquor store boxes are some of the best free options for moving, especially when packing wine glasses, dishes, and other fragile items. These sturdy boxes are already built to hold heavy items safely, and many come with dividers that can help protect delicate items during your move. Call ahead to liquor stores in El Paso like Spec's Wines, Spirits, & Finer Foods, WB Liquors & Wine, and Side Door Liquor Store to see if they have any extra boxes to spare for your move.

Grocery Stores in El Paso

Another great resource for cardboard moving boxes is grocery stores, as their boxes are designed to carry heavy loads and resist minor impacts. Be sure to check for food stains, moisture, or signs of pests before taking any boxes from grocery stores, and keep in mind that some box types—like banana boxes—have large holes in them, so it's best to avoid using them for small or fragile items. Some grocery stores in El Paso to call for used boxes include Albertsons, El Super, Vista Markets, Food King, Whole Foods, and Food City.

Recycling Centers & Dumpsters in El Paso

Local recycling drop-off sites can be excellent places to pick up free moving boxes in El Paso, but it's best to call ahead to ask before stopping by. For example, the City of El Paso has multiple Citizen Collection Stations that accept cardboard boxes. Before taking home any recycled boxes, inspect them for stains, signs of pests, and any damage that would cause them to be unstable. Because recycling centers often require boxes to be broken down before drop off, remember that you may need to use tape to reinforce these boxes before use.

Other Stores & Retailers in El Paso

Other stores—like bookstores, coffee shops, and large retail stores—often receive shipments in sturdy boxes, making them fantastic places to inquire about free moving boxes in El Paso. Bookstores like Barnes & Noble and local favorite Brave Books may have compact, high-quality boxes perfect for packing small household items. You can also check with El Paso businesses like Synaxis Coffee, Bark, Meow, 'N Beyond, and Art Center & Signs—as well as national chain stores like Petco and Starbucks.

Where to Buy Cheap Moving Boxes in El Paso

Moving boxes in El Paso, TX, are sold by local office supply stores, hardware stores, self storage companies, and more. Moving box prices in El Paso generally range from $1.00 for small boxes to $8.99 or less for large boxes.

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

Walmart

Browse boxes ranging from 17x11x13 at $1.00 to 24x16x19 at $2.10 at Walmart in El Paso. There are nine Walmart locations in El Paso that sell moving boxes. Walmart also sells other moving supplies, including box dividers, mattress bags, hand trucks, and more.

Home Depot

Pick up low-cost moving boxes in El Paso ranging in size from 15x10x12 at $1.28 to 24x20x21 at $3.78 at Home Depot in El Paso. There are four Home Depot locations in El Paso offering moving boxes, as well as other moving supplies like packing paper, mattress bags, and label makers.

Office Depot

Office Depot in El Paso provides cardboard boxes sized from 6x6x6 at $1.89 to 20x20x24 at $8.99. There are three Office Depot locations in El Paso that sell moving boxes, plus other packing supplies like packing peanuts, bubble cushioning, moving blankets, and more.

Lowe's

Purchase moving boxes that range from 16x12x12 at $2.08 to 22x21.5x22 at $4.08 at one of four Lowe's locations in El Paso. Lowe's also offers other moving supplies, such as packing foam, packing tape, and bungee cords.

Ace Hardware

Buy affordable moving boxes in El Paso ranging from 14x14x14 at $2.59 to 24x18x18 at $4.99 at Ace Hardware locations in El Paso. With three Ace Hardware locations throughout the city, these stores are great resources for other moving supplies in El Paso, including bubble wrap, moving blankets, lifting straps, and more.

Extra Space Storage

Choose from high-quality moving boxes ranging in size from 16.6x12.5x12.5 at $2.69 to 24x18x24 at $5.99 at Extra Space Storage in El Paso. There are 16 Extra Space Storage locations in El Paso that sell moving boxes. They also sell other affordable moving supplies, including bubble wrap, storage bags, tie downs, dish protection kits, labeling tools, and more.

Where to Recycle Moving Boxes in El Paso

Once you're done unpacking and adjusting to life in your new city, don't forget to dispose of your boxes in a sustainable way. Donate boxes to local community centers, or resell them via online platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and more. Or consider dropping your cardboard boxes off at recycling centers in El Paso near you.

El Paso Citizen Collection Stations

The city of El Paso operates five Citizen Collection Stations where residents with a Citizen Collection Site pass can recycle cardboard moving boxes and other moving supplies, like paper and plastics. Their drop-off hours are typically Tuesday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Find Citizen Collection Stations at the following locations:

• Northeast: 4501 Hondo Pass Dr

• Central: 2492 Harrison Ave

• Westside: 121 Atlantic Rd​

• Mission Valley: 1034 Pendale Rd​

• Eastside: 3510 Confederate Dr

Recycle Right El Paso Curbside Recycling

Recycle Right El Paso Curbside Recycling accepts cardboard boxes, as well as plastics and newspaper. All recyclables must fit inside your city-provided blue recycling bin—and any cardboard should be clean, cut up, and flattened. Recycling is picked up every other week on your regular garbage collection day. Call their customer service line at (915) 212-6000 with any questions or use the collection schedule tool for more information on pick-up times.

Socorro Recycling Center

Socorro Recycling Center accepts cardboard, plus newspaper and plastics. All cardboard boxes must be clean, dry, and flattened before drop off. Their hours are typically Tuesday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Find Socorro Recycling Center at 241 Old Hueco Tanks Rd, Socorro, TX, just a mile outside of El Paso.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

In El Paso, TX, the best time to collect free moving boxes is early in the morning after stores have unpacked shipments. Visiting mid-week also increases your chances of finding quality boxes before they’re sent to recycling.

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

It’s best to not retrieve boxes from store dumpsters in El Paso without permission, as most dumpsters are located on private property. Instead, ask store clerks for their extras, or search for free boxes in local online groups.

Does Extra Space Storage sell moving boxes and supplies in El Paso, TX?

Yes, Extra Space Storage locations in El Paso carry moving boxes, tape, and other packing materials to help make relocating easier. Buying from our facilities ensures you get durable, moving-grade supplies you can trust.

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

Extra Space Storage in El Paso offers several moving box sizes:

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

• Medium Boxes (3 cu ft): For clothing, dish sets, or toys.

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

• Wardrobe Boxes: For hanging coats, dresses, and other clothing.

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

These box types make packing for your El Paso move 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 El Paso!