9 Best Places to Get Free & Cheap Moving Boxes in Fort Myers, FL

Getting ready for a move in Fort Myers? Whether you're relocating locally or across the country, moving expenses can add up quickly—especially if you're hiring movers. One of the best ways to stick to your moving budget is by finding free or cheap moving boxes near you. This guide covers where to get affordable or free moving boxes in Fort Myers, FL!

Should You Buy or Get Free Moving Boxes?

When planning your move, one of the first decisions you'll need to make is whether to invest in new packing materials or hunt down free, used boxes near you. Each approach offers unique advantages and disadvantages, so the right choice will depend on your timeline, budget, and needs.

Purchasing new cardboard boxes tends to be the more convenient choice if you're moving on a tight deadline. In addition to being easier to find, new boxes are also guaranteed to be clean, sturdy, and uniform in size—making them easier to pack and stack in a moving truck. Plus, you'll be able to find specific box sizes and types that suit your items.

On the other hand, taking the time to track down used boxes is the more cost-effective route. Reusing cardboard boxes is also an eco-friendly choice, as it helps minimize waste.

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Where to Get Free Moving Boxes in Fort Myers

Online exchange platforms, grocery stores, liquor stores, and recycling centers are some of the best resources for free moving boxes near you. Here's where to look for used cardboard boxes in Fort Myers!

Online Exchanges in Fort Myers

Online marketplaces can be excellent sources for affordable packing supplies in Fort Myers. Check for boxes on platforms like Craigslist, Nextdoor, and Facebook Marketplace, or join groups like Buy Nothing Fort Myers and Buy Nothing Fort Myers / Lehigh Acres—where locals often post listings for free or low-cost moving supplies. When meeting up with someone to pick up boxes, prioritize your safety by arranging swaps in well-lit, public areas and bringing a loved one along. If you'd prefer not to interact with strangers, consider using your social media to ask friends and family members if they have any cardboard boxes sitting around.

Liquor Stores in Fort Myers

Fort Myers liquor stores may have empty cardboard boxes available, as they receive frequent shipments of inventory. Liquor store boxes are ideal for moving, as they are often sturdy and come with built-in dividers—perfect for packing drinking glasses, wine glasses, and other fragile items. Reach out to liquor stores near you like Total Wine & More, A to Z Liquor, Exclusive Liquor Store, or Colonial Crossings Liquor to see if they could save some boxes for you.

Grocery Stores in Fort Myers

Grocery stores are another great place to check for used boxes for moving near you, as they tend to be sturdy and resistant to minor impacts. Inspect all grocery store boxes for food residue, stains, and signs of pests before using them to pack. Additionally, consider saving banana boxes for large, non-breakable items, as they have large ventilation holes that could allow smaller items to fall through. Call ahead to Fort Myers grocery stores like Bravo Supermarket, Publix, Ada's Natural Market, and The Fresh Market to ask if they'd be willing to set aside some boxes for you to pick up.

Recycling Centers & Dumpsters in Fort Myers

Dumpsters and recycling centers in Fort Myers are often full of used cardboard boxes, though it's important to call ahead to recycling centers near you to confirm that you're allowed to remove them for use. If you get the green light, be sure to prioritize boxes that are clean, free of stains, and structurally sound. Note that you'll likely need to tape any flattened boxes back together for extra reinforcement.

Other Stores & Retailers in Fort Myers

If you haven't had luck finding free, used boxes elsewhere, don't forget to check with other retailers that receive frequent deliveries. Contact craft stores like Michaels or Hobby Lobby, pet stores like Pet Kingdom, coffee shops like Good Ground Coffee or The Cypress Coffeehouse, and bookstores like Barnes & Noble or Books-A-Million to inquire about availability.

Where to Buy Cheap Moving Boxes in Fort Myers

If you'd prefer to buy new cardboard boxes, some great sources for affordable moving supplies in Fort Myers include big-box retailers, home improvement stores, and self storage facilities. While costs vary by box type and retailer, prices generally range from $1.12 for small boxes to $6.99 for large boxes.

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

Walmart

Get moving boxes ranging from 17x11x12 at $1.12 to 27x15x17 at $2.26 at Walmart in Fort Myers. There are two Walmart Supercenters in Fort Myers that sell moving boxes, along with other packing supplies like heavy-duty packing tape, permanent markers, bubble wrap, and more.

Home Depot

Find moving boxes sized from 10x8x10 at $1.28 to 20x24x20 at $3.78 at Home Depot in Fort Myers. There are three Home Depot locations in Fort Myers that sell moving boxes. Home Depot also sells other moving essentials like moving blankets, foam cushioning, and bubble cushion.

Ace Hardware

Purchase moving boxes ranging in size from 10.5x12x12 at $2.59 to 18x24x24 at $6.99 at Ace Hardware in Fort Myers. There are four Ace Hardware locations in Fort Myers that sell moving boxes. Ace Hardware also offers moving supplies like lifting straps, packing paper, and stretch wrap.

Extra Space Storage

With high-quality moving boxes sized from 16.6x12.5x12.5 at $2.69 to 24x18x24 at $5.99, Extra Space Storage in Fort Myers is a great place to get affordable moving supplies near you. There are 16 Extra Space Storage locations in Fort Myers that sell sturdy cardboard boxes, as well as tie-down rope, packing paper, bubble wrap, and other moving essentials.

Where to Recycle Moving Boxes in Fort Myers

Once you're finished unpacking and organizing after your Fort Myers move, you'll need an eco-friendly way to get rid of your moving boxes. If your boxes are still in good condition, consider donating or reselling them through online platforms like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. Or utilize one of the convenient Fort Myers recycling options below!

Lee County Resource Recovery Facility

The Lee County Resource Recovery Facility accepts cardboard moving boxes. While the sorting facility itself isn't open for walk-ins, the Citizen Drop-Off area adjacent to the main facility can be used any day of the week at any time. If you prefer to visit while the location is staffed, their hours are typically Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. Be sure to follow all site rules while on campus. Find the Lee County Resource Recovery Facility at 10500 Buckingham Rd.

Coastal Waste & Recycling

Coastal Waste & Recycling's Lee County Material Recovery Facility accepts cardboard moving boxes and shredded paper. It's best to check in with the office before unloading your cardboard boxes and call ahead to check wait times. Their hours are typically Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Find Coastal Waste & Recycling at 2998 South St.

The Mail Box Store of Fort Myers

The Mail Box Store of Fort Myers is a packing and shipping store that also accepts cardboard moving boxes for recycling, plus other moving supplies like bubble wrap, packing peanuts, packing paper, and more. They ask that you bring only clean, intact, usable boxes and supplies for recycling. Their hours are typically Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Find The Mail Box Store of Fort Myers at 10676 Colonial Blvd, Suite 30.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Midweek mornings are often the best time to get free boxes from stores, as this is when they're likely restocking after the weekend rush. However, it's always a good idea to give local stores a call before stopping by to ensure availability.

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

Retrieving boxes from store dumpsters or recycling bins is not recommended as this may be considered criminal trespassing on private property. A better approach is to call local businesses ahead of time and ask if they'd be willing to save any cardboard boxes for you to come pick up.

Does Extra Space Storage sell moving boxes and supplies in Fort Myers, FL?

At Extra Space Storage locations in Fort Myers, you can purchase sturdy cardboard boxes and other moving essentials—including packing tape, bubble wrap, protective furniture covers, and more. Buying moving supplies directly from a storage facility ensures you're getting durable, high-quality products for your upcoming move.

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

To serve a wide range of needs, Extra Space Storage facilities in Fort Myers offer a variety of box sizes, including:

• Small Boxes (1.5 cu ft): Great for books, tools, canned goods, and other heavy items.

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

• Large Boxes (4.5–6 cu ft): Best for bedding, pillows, and lightweight household goods.

• Wardrobe Boxes: Come with a bar for hanging clothes, coats, dresses, and suits.

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

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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 Fort Myers! And find more moving resources on our moving hub!