Moving Supplies
10 Best Places to Get Free & Cheap Moving Boxes in Erie, PA
Moving in or out of Erie, PA? Whether you're moving locally or long distance, the costs of moving can quickly add up. To save money, find free or cheap moving boxes in Erie through online marketplaces, local liquor and grocery stores, recycling drop-offs, and other retailers. Use our guide below to find low-cost moving boxes near you!
Should You Buy or Get Free Moving Boxes?
As you plan and budget your move, you'll eventually decide whether to buy new moving boxes or find used ones for free. Both options have their own advantages and disadvantages.
Purchasing new moving boxes is more convenient, since you're guaranteed to find them at select stores in reliable condition. You can purchase specific box types and sizes that are uniform for stacking, and you can also buy other moving supplies at the same time.
On the other hand, finding used moving boxes in Erie is more cost-effective if you're moving on a budget. It's also the more environmentally-friendly moving option, since you're giving the boxes another use instead of letting perfectly useable ones get thrown away after a single use.
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Where to Get Free Moving Boxes in Erie
Local retailers, online exchanges, and recycling drop-offs can be great places to find free moving boxes in Erie. Contact Erie grocery stores, liquor stores, and other establishments to see if they have boxes you can use for your relocation.
Online Exchanges in Erie
There are several online platforms where Erie residents can give away or sell moving boxes for free or at low cost. Check online groups like Conneaut, Ashtabula County and Erie PA Buy and Sell and Facebook Marketplace for listings about free moving supplies. You can also check other sites like Craigslist Erie PA and OfferUp for free boxes from local residents. If you do arrange a meeting with someone you met online, always meet in a public location and bring a friend or family member along for safety.
Liquor Stores in Erie
Liquor store boxes are some of the best free moving boxes you can find. They're typically heavy-duty for carrying glass bottles and sometimes even come with cardboard dividers that are great for packing wine glasses and other fragile items. Check with stores like Fine Wine & Good Spirits, Discount Beer, and Six Pack House of Beer ahead of time to see if they have spare boxes from a recent shipment.
Grocery Stores in Erie
Grocery stores are another reliable source for sturdy moving boxes, since they frequently receive shipments and tend to cycle through boxes quickly. Contact stores like Wegmans, Giant Eagle Supermarket, Aldi, and Tops Friendly Markets ahead of time to have them set aside boxes for you. Remember to check any boxes you pick up for food stains, moisture, and signs of pests before taking them home. Also, keep in mind that produce boxes like banana boxes have holes in them and may not be ideal for packing small or loose items.
Recycling Centers in Erie
Erie recycling drop-offs may also be a great place to find free moving boxes. Erie County Pro Waste Separated Drop-Off, Franklin Recycling Drop-Off Center in Edinboro, and Waste Management’s Robinson Road location may have usable boxes available—just be sure to call ahead to confirm you're able to take donated boxes from the dumpsters.
Other Stores & Retailers in Erie
You can also find free moving boxes at a variety of other retailers in Erie, like book stores, pet stores, and auto parts stores. Contact local businesses such as Werner Books & Coffee, Barnes & Noble, Petco, and AutoZone to see if you can take some of their spare boxes.
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Where to Buy Cheap Moving Boxes in Erie
You can purchase affordable moving boxes in Erie at a variety of businesses, from department stores to home goods stores. Moving box prices in Erie range from $1.12 to $5.99 depending on the size and type you buy.
Please note that listed dimensions for boxes with precise measurements are rounded to the nearest tenth.
Walmart Supercenter
You can find moving boxes ranging from small 17x11x12 boxes at $1.12 to large 27x15x17 boxes at $3.98 at Walmart in Erie. There are three Walmart locations in Erie that sell moving boxes and other supplies like packing tape, bubble wrap, and more.
Home Depot
At Home Depot in Erie, moving boxes range from 16x10x12 at $1.78 to 24x20x20 at $3.78. Home depot also sells other moving supplies like dish packs, furniture dollies, wardrobe boxes, and more.
Lowe's
You can purchase boxes ranging from 16x12x12 at $1.85 to 22x21.5x22 at $3.85 from one of two Lowe's locations in Erie. Lowe's also sells moving supplies like packing kits, moving blankets, and bubble wrap.
Target
Target sells moving boxes ranging from the small 16x12x12 at $1.99 to the large 24x16x19 at $3.99. At the Target location in Erie, you can purchase moving supplies like storage bins, packing tape, protective wrap, and more.
Extra Space Storage
Moving boxes can be purchased at an Extra Space Storage location in Erie. You can find boxes ranging from 16.6x12.5x12.5 at $2.69 to 24x18x24 at $5.99, as well as moving supplies like mattress bags, tie-down kits, stretch film, and more.
Where to Recycle Moving Boxes in Erie
After you've finished moving into your new home, you can resell or donate your used moving boxes to friends or family who need them, list them online via Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and similar services, or take them to recycling drop-off locations in Erie.
Erie County Recycling Drop-Off
The Wesleyville Borough recycling drop-off accepts cardboard moving boxes along with other common materials like paper and plastics. This drop-off location is for Erie city residents only. Boxes should be broken down before you drop them off in the dumpsters. Find the Wesleyville Borough drop-off at 3398 Woodlawn Ave.
Pro Waste Transfer Station
The Pro Waste Transfer Station in Erie accepts cardboard and shredded paper—shredded paper must be in a clear bag, and cardboard needs to be clean and empty. You may need to pay an environmental fee and station gate rate to drop off recycling. Pro Waste Transfer Station is located at 813 East 18th St.
Erie Curbside Recycling
Erie Curbside Recycling accepts corrugated cardboard and paperboard as well as newspaper, packing paper, and shredded paper. Boxes should be flattened and tape, plastic wrap, and styrofoam should be removed. All recyclables should be placed in a clear bag (shredded paper should have its own bag) or blue bin—blue bins are not provided by the city but are available at most local hardware stores. Recycling is picked up at your curb on your neighborhood's scheduled pick-up day.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time and day to get free boxes from stores?
The best time to get free moving boxes from stores is typically early in the morning or right after delivery days, when employees are unpacking shipments. Weekdays tend to be more reliable than weekends, since stores are less busy and staff may be more willing to set aside boxes for you. Call ahead to stores to increase your chances of getting boxes before they're recycled.
Can I legally retrieve boxes from store dumpsters or the recycling bin?
It isn't recommended to take boxes from store dumpsters without permission, since those dumpsters are on private property. It's a better idea to ask store employees to set aside boxes for you, or go online to seek out listings from residents who are trying to offload their used boxes.
Does Extra Space Storage sell moving boxes and supplies in Erie, PA?
Yes! Extra Space Storage in Erie and surrounding areas offer a variety of moving boxes and packing supplies for purchase. In addition to boxes, you can typically find moving essentials like packing tape, bubble wrap, and protective materials to help keep your belongings safe during your move.
What moving box sizes are available at Extra Space Storage in Erie?
Extra Space Storage in Erie carries several box options to fit your moving needs:
Small Boxes (1.5 cu ft): Ideal for dense, heavier items like books, tools, or small electronics.
Medium Boxes (3 cu ft): Great for items like kitchen supplies, decorations, and small appliances.
Large Boxes (4.5–6 cu ft): Designed for lighter, bulkier items like bedding, pillows, and clothing.
Wardrobe Boxes: Include a hanging bar to keep clothes wrinkle-free during transport
File Boxes: Keeps documents, paperwork, and records organized and protected while moving.
These box sizes and types help to make packing and organizing simple, creating a smoother relocation process.
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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 Erie! 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.
