9 Best Places to Get Free & Cheap Moving Boxes in Fontana, CA

Preparing for a move in Fontana? Whether you're relocating long distance or moving locally, costs can add up quickly. Fortunately, finding free or cheap moving supplies near you can help you stay on budget. Here are the best places to get affordable or free moving boxes in Fontana!

Should You Buy or Get Free Moving Boxes?

Before you can start packing, you'll need to decide whether to invest in new moving boxes or take the time to track down free, used ones near you. Each option comes with benefits and drawbacks.

If you're moving on a tight schedule, buying new boxes tends to be the most efficient option. New boxes are clean, sturdy, and uniform in size—making them easier to pack and stack in a moving truck. Plus, you'll be able to choose the exact sizes and types of boxes you need.

That said, hunting down used boxes is a cost-efficient choice, allowing you to allocate more of your budget to expenses like hiring movers or renting a truck. Reusing boxes is also more eco-friendly!

Get a Free Moving Box & Packing Supplies Estimate 📦

Wondering how many moving boxes you need? Get a quick, free estimate using our moving box calculator for box size and quantity recommendations, as well as packing supplies suggestions!

Where to Get Free Moving Boxes in Fontana

For free moving boxes in Fontana, check online marketplaces, grocery stores, liquor stores, recycling centers, and other local retailers. These are some of the best places to find free boxes near you!

Online Exchanges in Fontana

Online marketplaces are a fantastic place to search for free moving supplies near you. Browse listings on Nextdoor, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace, or request to join local groups like Fontana, CA Buy, Sell, Trade or Buy Nothing Fontana, CA to find free or low-cost boxes. Keep safety in mind when picking up boxes by bringing a friend along and choosing a well-lit, public meeting place. Or make a post on your personal social media account to see if any friends or family members have cardboard boxes to spare.

Liquor Stores in Fontana

Liquor stores can be another great resource for finding free boxes. Liquor store boxes are usually sturdy, and some even come with built-in dividers, making them ideal options for packing fragile items like glassware, dishes, and more. Call ahead to liquor stores like G & B Liquors, Quicker Liquor, or Cherry Liquors to see if they can set some boxes aside for you.

Grocery Stores in Fontana

Fontana grocery stores like Stater Bros. Markets, Ralphs, and ALDI may have heavy-duty boxes they'd be willing to give you for free—but it's best to call ahead to be sure. Always inspect grocery store boxes for food remnants, stains, and evidence of pests before taking them home with you. Also, remember to save banana boxes for large, bulky items, as they have large ventilation holes that smaller belongings might fall through.

Other Stores & Retailers in Fontana

Other stores that receive regular deliveries—such as coffee shops, craft stores, bookstores, and sporting goods stores—may be willing to give you some empty boxes for your upcoming move if you call ahead. Contact stores near you like Liberty Books, Xol Coffee, Big 5 Sporting Goods, or Michaels to see if they can set aside some boxes for you to come pick up.

Where to Buy Cheap Moving Boxes in Fontana

Good places to look for affordable moving boxes in Fontana include big-box retailers, home improvement stores, and self storage facilities. Prices tend to vary from $1.12 to $5.99, depending on retailer and box type.

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

Walmart

At Walmart in Fontana, find affordable moving boxes ranging in size from 17x11x12 at $1.12 to 27x15x17 at $2.26. There is one Walmart location in Fontana where you can buy boxes, as well as other packing essentials like stretch wrap, bubble cushioning, packing paper, and more.

Home Depot

Get high-quality cardboard boxes—sized from 10x8x10 at $1.28 to 20x24x20 at $3.98—at Home Depot in Fontana. There are two Home Depot locations in Fontana that sell boxes. They also have other helpful moving supplies for sale, including lifting straps, dollies, and moving blankets.

Lowe's

Lowe's in Fontana offers boxes in sizes ranging from 16x12x12 at $1.78 to 22x21.5x22 at $3.78. The city's single Lowe's location on Sierra Lakes Pkwy also carries furniture sliders, packing foam, mattress bags, and other moving essentials.

Target

With two locations in Fontana, Target makes it easy to purchase new moving boxes—in sizes ranging from 16x12x12 at $1.99 to 24x16x19 at $3.99. You'll also find packing supplies like compression bags, bubble cushion, dish packing kits, and more.

Extra Space Storage

Find durable moving boxes ranging in size from 16.6x12.5x12.5 at $2.69 to 24x18x24 at $5.99 at Extra Space Storage in Fontana. There are six Extra Space Storage facilities in Fontana where you can purchase boxes, plus other tools like tie-down ropes, furniture covers, tape guns, and more.

Where to Recycle Moving Boxes in Fontana

After you finish unpacking, remember to get rid of your empty boxes in an eco-friendly way. Consider listing gently-used moving boxes on Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, or Craigslist to help out your neighbors. Or utilize one of the convenient Fontana recycling options below!

Main Street Fibers Recycling Center

The Main Street Fibers Recycling Center accepts cardboard moving boxes and other moving materials like newspaper. Call (909) 986-6310 for public recycling drop-off logistics. Their hours are typically Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Find the Main Street Fibers Recycling Center at 680 E Main St in nearby Ontario, CA.

Fonatana Curbside Recycling

The City of Fontana—in partnership with Burrtec—offers curbside recycling services, helping residents dispose of cardboard boxes and other moving supplies like newspaper. All boxes should be clean and broken down before being placed in your recycling bin.

LoadUp

LoadUp in Fontana offers cardboard disposal services. Their quick, affordable pick up gives residents a convenient way to get rid of moving boxes. Call (844) 239-7711 for details on pricing and availability. Their typical hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Midweek mornings typically offer the best odds of getting free boxes from local stores. Around this time, stores have usually just finished unpacking and restocking, so they may have empty boxes to give you. That said, it's always smart to call before stopping by to ensure availability.

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

Taking boxes from store dumpsters or recycling bins in Fontana isn't recommended, as they're often located on private property—which could lead to legal trouble. A better alternative is to ask the staff at local stores to save some boxes for you. You can also browse online marketplaces to connect with locals who are giving away boxes for free near you.

Does Extra Space Storage sell moving boxes and supplies in Fontana, CA?

Extra Space Storage in Fontana sells a variety of moving supplies—including durable cardboard boxes, as well as packing tape, bubble wrap, furniture covers, and more. Purchasing directly from a self storage facility helps guarantee dependable materials for your upcoming move.

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

Extra Space Storage locations in Fontana offer a variety of box options to fit your packing needs, including:

• Small Boxes (1.5 cu ft): Great for dense, heavy belongings like books, tools, and canned goods.

• Medium Boxes (3 cu ft): Ideal for everyday items like toys, decor, and kitchenware.

• Large Boxes (4.5–6 cu ft): Best for bedding, pillows, towels, and other lightweight, bulky items.

• Wardrobe Boxes: Come with a rod for hanging clothes to help prevent wrinkles during transit.

• File Boxes: Designed to keep important paperwork and records orderly and secure.

***

Getting ready to move? Extra Space Storage offers a variety of moving boxes and supplies available for in-store pickup at storage facilities in Fontana! And find more moving resources on our moving hub!