Moving Guide

10 Best Places to Get Free & Cheap Moving Boxes in Gilbert, AZ

Written By Quinn Johnson

Last Updated February 19, 2026

Aerial view of Gilbert, AZ

Moving to a new home in Gilbert, AZ? Whether you're moving a short distance or out of state, moving can be expensive. Looking for free and cheap moving boxes in Gilbert is a great way to save money where you can and stay within your moving budget. Read below to find affordable moving boxes for your Gilbert move.

Should You Buy or Get Free Moving Boxes?

When planning a move, take the time to compare the options of purchasing, saving with free cardboard boxes, or using a mix of both. Your decision lies in your moving timeline, and which of your priorities of cost, convenience, or durability, matter the most.

If you're doing a short-notice move, purchasing moving boxes is the most efficient option for you. Because new boxes are clean, durable, and come in a range of standardized sizes, new cardboard boxes make packing the moving truck easier and more organized.

If you're looking for ways to save money when moving in the Gilbert area, finding used boxes is a great way to reduce moving costs. Also, reusing moving boxes is an eco-friendly choice that reduces waste during the moving process.

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Where to Get Free Moving Boxes in Gilbert

Finding free moving boxes in Gilbert might be easier than you think. Looking at online exchange platforms, going to recycling centers, and grocery stores in Gilbert are some of the best places to go. Here are more places to find cardboard boxes in the area.

Online Exchanges in Gilbert

Online exchanges and marketplaces are great places to look for used moving boxes. You can look for free boxes on Facebook Marketplace and listings in groups like Chandler/Gilbert/Mesa AZ Buy, Sell & Trade, Gilbert Online Garage Sale BUY SELL and TRADE, or Buy & Sell Gilbert AZ. Nextdoor can help you connect with people in the Gilbert area who are giving away free moving boxes.

Liquor Stores in Gilbert

Made from heavy-duty cardboard and designed to carry heavy weight, liquor store boxes are among the best places to find free boxes. Also, these boxes come with dividers, providing a great place to pack glassware and other fragile items. Consider checking stores like Total Wine & More, Safeway Liquor, or nearby Chandler Liquors.

Grocery Stores in Gilbert

Boxes from grocery stores are ideal for moving because they're sturdy and less likely to get damaged. When asking for free cardboard boxes, remember that not all boxes are ideal. Banana boxes typically have large holes where your items could fall through. Be sure to check the boxes for remnants, stains, and signs of rodents and pests before taking them. Grocery stores in Gilbert, like Fry's Food Stores, Safeway, Sam's Club, and Sprouts Farmers Market, are known for offering free boxes. Before visiting the store, call ahead to make sure they give away boxes.

Recycling Centers & Dumpsters in Gilbert

As people are unpacking their home, cardboard boxes are dropped off at Gilbert recycling centers. Some centers will allow you to take boxes and reuse them but you will need to call ahead to ensure you can. While the recycling centers in Gilbert don't accept cardboard boxes, you can utilize the Cardboard Drop-off bins in Mesa.

Other Retailers & Stores in Gilbert

There are alternative options for finding free moving boxes in Gilbert, if you cannot find any at the specific places mentioned above. Reach out to Gilbert bookstores such as Literally A Bookshop or the The Bookish Shop or hardware stores like Paul's Ace Hardware are known to be a good few options for free moving boxes. Before going to the stores, be sure to call ahead and ask if they have extra boxes.

Where to Buy Cheap Moving Boxes in Gilbert

There are several locations that offer moving boxes and supplies in Gilbert for purchase. For small moving boxes to extra large moving moves, you can expect to pay between $1.28 to $6.99.

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

UPS

There are six UPS locations in Gilbert that sell standard moving boxes. You can find boxes ranging in size from 6x6x6 to 30x24x6. Call the specific store for pricing details and other moving supplies sold.

Home Depot

Home Depot in Gilbert sells moving boxes ranging from small 10x8x10 for $1.28 to extra-large 24x20x20 for $3.78 and other specialty moving boxes such as wardrobe boxes and tv boxes. There is one Home Depot location in Gilbert, and it also sells other moving essentials, such as tape, bubble wrap, and moving blankets.

Lowe's

You can find boxes with handles, measuring 16x12x12 at $1.78 and 22x21.5x22, at $3.78 at Lowe's on South Gilbert Road or Higley Road. You can also purchase other moving supplies, including stretch wrap, moving blankets, and packing paper.

Extra Space Storage

Three Extra Space Storage facilities in Gilbert offer moving supplies. Here, you can find a variety of boxes ranging from 16.6x12.5x12.5 for $2.69 to 24x18x24 for $5.99. Other moving supplies are available for purchase as well, such as bubble wrap, DishGuard protection kits, and mattress bags.

Ace Hardware

You can find residential moving boxes ranging from 10.5x12x 12 for $2.59 to 18x 24x 24 for $6.99 at three locations. The locations also sell other essential moving supplies such as lifting straps, stretch wrap, and packing paper.

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Where to Recycle Moving Boxes in Gilbert

Once you're done unpacking your belongings, go green by recycling cardboard boxes at one of the Gilbert recycling facilities below. Or you can sell or donate sturdy, in-tact boxes through online platforms like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace.

LoadUp

LoadUp in Gilbert offers cardboard disposal. Their quick, low-cost pick up makes it easy to get rid of moving boxes instead of letting them collect in the garage. LoadUp makes sure that the boxes are properly disposed of. Because they come directly to your home to pick up the boxes, pricing and hours can vary.

City Curbside Recycling

The City of Gilbert offers curbside recycling services to its residents. Before placing your cardboard boxes on the curb, make sure they're cleaned out, broken down, and flattened, and place them inside your blue recycling container. Any boxes placed outside of the container won't be collected. Place your blue bin outside by 5am on the assigned day.

Cardboard Drop-Off

If you don't mind a quick drive, you can recycle your cardboard boxes at the Mesa cardboard drop-off site. The bin is located at 210 E. 6th St, Mesa, AZ 85201. You can recycle corrugated cardboard moving boxes, television boxes, shipping boxes, and more. Before placing boxes in the bin, remove all packing materials and flatten the boxes down.

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 retailers in Gilbert is usually midmorning, after shipments have been unloaded on Monday through Thursday. Before heading to the store, call ahead to ask if they save boxes before they are recycled.

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

It's best for you to avoid taking boxes from store dumpsters without their permission, as this could violate property rules. You should call the Gilbert store to ask whether they have any cardboard boxes set aside that you can have.

Does Extra Space Storage sell moving boxes and supplies in Gilbert, AZ?

Yes, Extra Space Storage facilities in Gilbert sell moving boxes and supplies, helping to make your home relocation or storage needs hassle-free.

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

Extra Space Storage in Gilbert offers a large selection of boxes to fit a variety of moving needs, including:

  • Small Boxes: Perfect for small, heavy, and fragile items such as books, dishes, and glasses

  • Medium Moving Boxes: Best for slightly larger and lighter items such as cookware, decorations, and toys

  • Large Moving Boxes: Good for large, light, and oddly-shaped items such as computers, monitors, and speakers

  • Extra Large Boxes: Ideal for anything lightweight such as linens, comforters, and pillows

  • Wardrobe Boxes: For hanging clothes and suits

  • File Boxes: To pack important papers and keep them organized during your move

These box options make packing for a move much easier and help to keep important items well-protected during transit.

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

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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.

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Quinn Johnson, moving content author and marketing manager for Extra Space Storage.