moving guide
10 Best Places to Get Free & Cheap Moving Boxes in Elizabeth, NJ
Preparing for a move in Elizabeth, NJ? Whether you're moving across town or across the country, moving expenses can add up quickly. Finding affordable moving boxes is one of the best ways to manage your moving budget. Use this guide to discover where to get cheap or free moving boxes in Elizabeth!
Should You Buy or Get Free Moving Boxes?
As you're preparing to move, you'll have to decide whether to buy new moving boxes or take the time to find used cardboard boxes for free. Both options come with benefits and drawbacks.
For short-notice moves, buying new cardboard boxes may be the most reliable option. Cardboard moving boxes from retailers are clean, sturdy, and available in uniform sizes—which makes packing, stacking, and loading the moving truck more efficient.
On the other hand, finding free moving boxes is ideal if you want to save money for other expenses—such as hiring professional movers. Choosing to reuse boxes also helps reduce waste, making your move more eco-friendly.
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Where to Get Free Moving Boxes in Elizabeth
Some of the best places to get free boxes in Elizabeth include online exchange groups, liquor stores, grocery stores, and other retailers. Here's where to find used cardboard boxes near you.
Online Exchanges in Elizabeth
Searching online marketplaces in northern New Jersey is a great way to find used cardboard boxes. Check for free boxes on Facebook Marketplace, or join groups like Buy Nothing Elizabeth, NJ and Elizabeth, Linden, Roselle Online Sale—where used moving boxes are often listed for free or at a low cost. You can also connect with locals in Union County through platforms like Nextdoor and Craigslist. Stay safe by arranging pickups in well-lit public areas and bringing a friend along. Alternatively, you can reach out to friends and family members on social media to see if they have any cardboard boxes they want to get rid of.
Liquor Stores in Elizabeth
Liquor stores in Elizabeth are among the best places to find sturdy cardboard boxes for free. These boxes are typically made of thick cardboard, built to withstand minor impacts. Some liquor store boxes may even come with built-in dividers, making them great for packing fragile dishes and glassware. Call World of Bayway Liquor, Super Discount Liquors, Garcia's Liquor Depot, or nearby liquor stores in Union such as Total Wine & More, to see if they have any boxes they can set aside for you.
Grocery Stores in Elizabeth
You can also look for free boxes at grocery stores in Elizabeth. Grocery store boxes are durable and made to carry heavy loads, so they're ideal for packing small appliances, canned goods, and more. Reach out to ShopRite of Elizabeth, Stop & Shop, Twin City Supermarket, or Food Bazaar Supermarket to see if they would be willing to give away any spare boxes. Check for food remnants, stains, and signs of pests before taking these boxes home—and be careful when using banana boxes, as they have large ventilation holes that could allow small items to slip out.
Recycling Centers & Dumpsters in Elizabeth
It's possible to find dumpsters and recycling centers near Elizabeth that contain cardboard boxes—but it's best to call ahead to confirm that taking boxes out of them is allowed. South Ward Recycling in nearby Newark could be a great place to check with. Make sure to inspect all recycled boxes for stains and signs of pests before taking them home. Many boxes will likely already be flattened, so it's smart to use heavy-duty packing tape to reinforce them.
Other Stores & Retailers in Elizabeth
Other retailers in Elizabeth—and nearby cities like Union and Linden—may also offer free cardboard boxes, as they often receive large inventory shipments. Give retailers like Walgreens, IKEA Elizabeth, The Children's Place, and Floor & Decor a call to see if they have any spare boxes they could set aside for you.
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Where to Buy Cheap Moving Boxes in Elizabeth
If you'd rather purchase new cardboard boxes, there are several places with high-quality packing supplies near you—including home improvement stores, packing and shipping stores, and self storage facilities. Prices vary by box type and retailer, but typically range from $1.28 for small boxes to $7.00 for large boxes.
Please note that listed dimensions for boxes with precise measurements are rounded to the nearest tenth.
Home Depot
Find affordable cardboard boxes ranging in size from 10x8x10 at $1.28 to 20x24x20 at $3.78 at Home Depot in Elizabeth. There is one Home Depot location in Elizabeth that sells moving boxes. Home Depot locations also sell other packing essentials, including mattress bags, TV boxes, and packing foam.
Central Paint & Lumber/Ace Hardware
Purchase moving boxes sized from 10.5x12x12 at $2.59 to 18x24x24 at $6.99 at Central Paint & Lumber/Ace Hardware in Elizabeth. The city's single Central Paint & Lumber/Ace Hardware location on Elizabeth Ave offers sturdy moving boxes, along with other moving supplies like packing tape, moving blankets, and stretch wrap.
Extra Space Storage
Buy 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 Elizabeth. There are two Extra Space Storage facilities in Elizabeth that sell cardboard boxes. You'll also find moving essentials like tie-down rope, dish protection kits, tape guns, and more.
SupplyRus
Get boxes in sizes ranging from 16x13x13 at $4.00 to 24x24x18 at $7.00 at SupplyRus in Elizabeth. There is one SupplyRus location in Elizabeth that sells moving boxes, as well as packing supplies like bubble wrap, furniture dollies, and mattress bags.
The UPS Store
With moving boxes ranging in size from 6x6x6 to 24x24x24, The UPS Store in Elizabeth is another good resource for moving essentials. Prices vary by location. There are two UPS Store locations in Elizabeth that provide affordable moving boxes, plus moving supplies like labels, bubble wrap, packing tape, and more.
Where to Recycle Moving Boxes in Elizabeth
Once you've finished unpacking after your move, consider getting rid of your boxes in an eco-friendly manner. If your cardboard boxes are still in good condition, resell or give them away through online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. Or utilize one of these convenient recycling options near Elizabeth!
South Ward Recycling
South Ward Recycling in Newark accepts cardboard moving boxes, plus other moving supplies like packing paper. Ensure all cardboard is clean, dry, and flattened. Their hours are typically Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. Find South Ward Recycling at 142-156 Frelinghuysen Ave in Newark.
City of Elizabeth Curbside Recycling
The City of Elizabeth accepts cardboard moving boxes, as well as other moving supplies like newspaper, through their curbside pickup services. Break down all cardboard boxes before placing them in your bin, and ensure all recyclables are separated and tied securely. Recycling is picked up every Wednesday, and residents are asked to set their bins on the curb after 6 p.m. the night before.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time and day to get free boxes from stores?
Midweek mornings are the best time to get free boxes in Elizabeth, as many stores restock and unpack inventory overnight. Remember to call ahead to ensure local retailers have cardboard boxes available for you to take.
Can I legally retrieve boxes from store dumpsters or the recycling bin?
It's not recommended that you take boxes from store dumpsters or recycling bins without permission, as this may constitute trespassing. Alternatively, politely reach out to local businesses to ask if they have any spare cardboard boxes they'd be willing to set aside for you.
Does Extra Space Storage sell moving boxes and supplies in Elizabeth, NJ?
Extra Space Storage in Elizabeth offers a wide variety of high-quality moving supplies, including sturdy cardboard boxes, moving blankets, packing tape, bubble wrap, and more. Visiting a self storage facility is a great way to get durable packing materials for your move.
What moving box sizes are available at Extra Space Storage in Elizabeth?
Extra Space Storage in Elizabeth provides many boxes that can help simplify your move, including:
Small Boxes (1.5 cu ft): Suited for heavy items like tools, canned goods, and books.
Medium Boxes (3 cu ft): Ideal for toys, decor, and kitchen utensils.
Large Boxes (4.5-6 cu ft): Best for lightweight, bulky items like comforters and pillows.
Wardrobe Boxes: Designed for hanging garments to keep them wrinkle-free during transit.
File Boxes: Built for organizing and protecting important paperwork and documents.
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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 Elizabeth! 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.
