10 Best Places to Get Free & Cheap Moving Boxes in Hampton, VA

Preparing for a move in Hampton, VA? Whether you're moving locally or making the cross-country trek, the packing and planning process can stretch moving budgets thinner than expected. If you're looking for ways to save, finding free or cheap moving boxes is a great option. Here's where to get affordable or free moving boxes in Hampton!

Should You Buy or Get Free Moving Boxes?

One of the first moving prep decisions is whether to invest in new packing materials or take time to hunt down free, used boxes near you. Each option offers its own benefits and drawbacks.

If you're moving on a tight deadline, purchasing new boxes is typically the more convenient choice. Not only are new boxes easier to locate, but they're also guaranteed to be sturdy and uniform in size—ideal for stacking and loading a moving truck. You'll also have access to a wide range of sizes and types of boxes suited to your specific needs.

However, tracking down used boxes for free is the more cost-effective option, allowing you to allocate more funds toward hiring movers or renting a moving truck. Plus, used boxes are more eco-friendly.

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Where to Get Free Moving Boxes in Hampton

Online marketplaces, local retailers that receive regular shipments, and recycling centers are some of the best places to find free cardboard boxes near you. Here's where to look for free moving boxes in Hampton!

Online Exchanges in Hampton

Online communities are excellent resources for finding affordable packing supplies near you. Join groups like Buy, Sell, Trade - Hampton Roads or Hampton Roads, VA - Buy, Sell, Trade, or browse Craigslist, Nextdoor, and Facebook Marketplace for free moving box listings. For your safety, be sure to arrange swaps in well-lit, populated areas, and consider bringing a friend along. If you'd prefer to stay within your own network, you can also make a post on your personal social media to see if anyone you know has used boxes they could give you.

Liquor Stores in Hampton

Liquor stores can be great places to find reliable cardboard boxes in Hampton. Liquor store boxes are usually sturdy, and some come with built-in dividers—perfect for packing glasses and other fragile items. Call ahead to liquor stores with locations near you—like Total Wine & More and Virginia ABC—to see if they can save you some boxes.

Grocery Stores in Hampton

Grocery chains in Hampton, like Kroger, Food Lion, and ALDI, often receive shipments in heavy-duty boxes that they may be willing to give you for free. Call ahead to stores near you to confirm availability. Before taking any grocery store boxes home, inspect them for food residue, stains, and signs of pests. You may want to avoid using banana boxes, as they have large holes that could allow smaller items to fall out.

Recycling Centers & Dumpsters in Hampton

Dumpsters and recycling centers in Hampton might contain cardboard boxes, but it's best to call ahead to ensure you're allowed to remove them. The recycling bin at Newport News Fire Station #7 on Marshall Ave can be a good spot to check. Choose boxes that are clean, structurally sound, and free of stains or evidence of pests. Because many boxes are broken down before drop off, keep in mind you may need to tape them back up for additional reinforcement.

Other Stores & Retailers in Hampton

More great places to search for free moving boxes include hobby stores, coffee shops, and other local retailers that receive regular deliveries. Reach out to chains like pOpshelf, craft stores like Michaels, or coffee shops like Buckroe Coffee Co. to ask if they could spare you any boxes.

Where to Buy Cheap Moving Boxes in Hampton

You can buy new moving boxes near you at big-box retailers, home improvement stores, self storage facilities, and more. Costs usually range from $1.12 for small boxes to $5.99 for large boxes, though this varies by box type and seller.

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

Walmart

At Walmart in Hampton, you can buy boxes ranging from 17x11x12 at $1.12 to 27x15x17 at $2.26. The city's single Walmart Supercenter location on Cunningham Dr provides affordable cardboard boxes, as well as moving essentials like packing tape, permanent markers, and mattress bags.

Home Depot

Find high-quality moving boxes at Home Depot in Hampton, with options ranging from 10x8x10 at $1.28 to 24x20x20 at $3.78. At the city's single Home Depot location on N Armistead Ave, you'll also find helpful moving supplies like lifting straps, dollies, and bubble wrap.

Lowe's

One Lowe's location in Hampton sells moving boxes, which range in size from 16x12x12 at $1.85 to 22x21.5x22 at $3.85. In addition to cardboard moving boxes, Lowe's also offers packing supplies like labels, packing tape, packing paper, and more.

Target

Stop by the Target in Hampton to pick up moving boxes, ranging in size from 16x12x12 at $1.99 to 24x16x19 at $3.99. Target also provides helpful moving materials like packing paper, foam cushioning, and moving blankets.

Extra Space Storage

Purchase durable moving boxes at Extra Space Storage in Hampton, with sizes ranging from 16.6x12.5x12.5 at $2.69 to 24x18x24 at $5.99. There are five Hampton-area Extra Space Storage locations that sell cardboard boxes, plus tie-down rope, packing tape, stretch wrap, and other moving supplies.

Where to Recycle Moving Boxes in Hampton

Once you're all unpacked, try to get rid of your cardboard boxes in an environmentally-friendly way. If they're still in good shape, consider reselling or donating them via Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. Or utilize one of the convenient Hampton recycling options below!

Newport News Fire Station #7

Newport News Fire Station #7 has a recycling bin on the far left side of the station that accepts cardboard, plus other moving materials like newspaper. They ask that you flatten all boxes. Recyclables can be dropped off 24/7. Find Newport News Fire Station #7 at 5844 Marshall Ave in nearby Newport News.

Hampton Public Works Curbside Recycling

Hampton Public Works accepts cardboard moving boxes as well as other moving supplies—like newspaper and packing paper—through its curbside recycling services. Ensure cardboard boxes are flattened completely and placed loosely in your bin. Set your bin at the curb—with the arrows on the lid facing the street, less than three feet from the street—the evening before collection, no earlier than 3 p.m. Recycling is collected every other week, and residents can verify the pickup schedule online.

LoadUp

LoadUp offers cardboard recycling services in Hampton, specializing in curbside pickup for a small upfront fee. LoadUp can be reached at (844) 860-2201 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. However, it's best 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 Hampton 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 if they could save some boxes for you. You can also browse online platforms to connect with locals giving away moving boxes for free near you.

Does Extra Space Storage sell moving boxes and supplies in Hampton, VA?

Extra Space Storage sells a variety of moving supplies at its Hampton storage facilities—including sturdy cardboard boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, furniture covers, and more. Buying from a storage facility helps guarantee dependable materials for your upcoming move.

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

Extra Space Storage locations in Hampton offer a variety of boxes to fit your 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 lightweight, bulky belongings like bedding and pillows.

• 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.

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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 Hampton! And find more moving resources on our moving hub!