9 Best Places to Get Free & Cheap Moving Boxes in Kent, WA

Whether you're moving locally within Kent, to another state, or even across the country, finding places to save on moving expenses is crucial. Finding free boxes or cheap ones can help you stay within your moving budget. Use this guide to help you find free and cheap moving boxes in Kent, WA!

Should You Buy or Get Free Moving Boxes?

Moving boxes are one of the top unexpected costs of moving. You'll need to determine if you want to find boxes for free or buy them new. Both options come with their own set of pros and cons.

Buying new moving boxes is typically more convenient than finding free ones, as many stores in Kent—and surrounding areas—carry them. New moving boxes also come in a variety of sizes and types, making it easier for you to find the boxes you need. Plus, they are guaranteed to be high-quality and uniform for stacking in a moving truck.

However, if you're moving on a budget, finding free moving boxes in Kent is a safe alternative that can help manage moving anxiety. Not only are they cost-effective, but you can recycle them once you're done, making them a sustainable moving solution.

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Where to Get Free Moving Boxes in Kent

You can find free moving boxes in Kent at liquor stores, grocery stores, recycling centers, local bookstores, and more. Online exchanges and apps may also offer moving boxes in Kent for free or low cost.

Online Exchanges in Kent

Online marketplaces and apps are a simple, budget-friendly solution for finding free moving boxes in Kent. Browse through Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist to see if anyone is giving away moving boxes for free. You could also join local Buy Nothing groups—like Buy Nothing Kent (Central), Washington USA, and Buy Nothing Kent (Southeast), WA—to see if you can find the boxes you need. Additionally, residents on apps like Nextdoor and Trash Nothing may offer moving boxes for free or cheap. When meeting up with strangers you spoke to online, make sure to take safety precautions like meeting in a crowded area during the day, ideally bringing another person with you. Alternatively, consider reaching out to friends on social media if you're unable to find the boxes you need.

Liquor Stores in Kent

Liquor stores are one of the top places for finding free moving boxes in Kent. These boxes are ideal for moving, as they are heavy-duty and often come with dividers for safely transporting large and fragile items, such as wine glasses and drinking glasses. Check area liquor stores like Des Moines Liquors & Wine or Renton Liquor & Wine. There are also several Total Wine & More locations near Kent—including ones in Tukwila, Federal Way, and West Seattle—that may allow you to take moving boxes, but it's best to call ahead and ask.

Grocery Stores in Kent

Grocery store boxes are perfect for packing your belongings, as they are known to be sturdy and resistant to minor impacts. Try contacting QFC, WinCo Foods, Safeway, or Trader Joe's to see if they have boxes available or can hold some for you. Before taking your boxes with you, be sure to first check them for food stains, odors, and evidence of pests. You may want to avoid banana boxes, as they have large ventilation holes that smaller items may fall through during transport.

Recycling Centers & Dumpsters in Kent

You may be able to find free moving boxes at dumpsters and recycling centers in Kent, as many people get rid of their used moving boxes there. Some recycling centers in and near Kent, like Bow Lake Recycling & Transfer Station and Styro Recycle, may give you boxes for free, but it's best to call ahead and ask. If you do take boxes, inspect them for stains, evidence of pests, and structural integrity before using them for moving. You'll likely have to tape them back up for reinforcement.

Other Stores & Retailers in Kent

You can find reliable, free moving boxes at local bookshops, gift shops, furniture stores, and pet stores in Kent. These stores typically receive mid-week shipments, so it may be easier to find the box sizes and types you need if you visit on those days. Contact Page Turner Books, Sweet Kitty, IKEA, and Petco to see if they have boxes available for you to take.

Where to Buy Cheap Moving Boxes in Kent

You can buy low-cost moving boxes in Kent at hardware stores, big-box retailers, and self storage facilities. Kent moving boxes typically range in price from $1.28 to $5.99, depending on the type and size. Stop by these businesses for affordable moving boxes in Kent.

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

Home Depot

You can find boxes in sizes from 10x8x10 at $1.28 to 24x20x20 at $3.78 at Home Depot in Kent. There is one Home Depot location in Kent that sells moving boxes, plus other moving supplies like mattress bags, stretch wrap, and packing paper.

Target

Find moving boxes ranging from 16x12x12 at $1.99 to 24x16x19 at $3.99 at Target in Kent. There is one Target location in Kent that sells moving boxes, plus other moving supplies like glass packing kits, packing tape, and bubble cushion.

Lowe's

Find a variety of moving boxes ranging from 16x12x12 at $1.85 to 24x18x18 at $5.35 at Lowe's in Kent. There is one Lowe's location in Kent that sells moving boxes, as well as other moving supplies like dollies, stretch wrap, and furniture sliders.

Extra Space Storage

Find reliable moving boxes at Extra Space Storage in Kent. We offer moving boxes ranging in size from 16.6x12.5x12.5 at $2.69 to 24x18x24 at $5.99. There are two Extra Space Storage locations in Kent that sell moving boxes, as well as other moving supplies like tape, bubble cushion, and sofa covers.

Where to Recycle Moving Boxes in Kent

Once you've finished unpacking your new home, consider recycling your moving boxes at recycling centers near Kent like Bow Lake Recycling & Transfer Station and Styro Recycle. Another eco-friendly moving trend is to resell your moving boxes online on Nextdoor, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace.

Bow Lake Recycling & Transfer Station

Bow Lake Recycling & Transfer Station accepts cardboard moving boxes, plus other moving supplies like packing paper and newspaper. There are no fees for dropping off common recyclables. Their hours are typically Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Find Bow Lake Recycling & Transfer Station at 18800 Orillia Rd S in nearby Tukwila, WA.

Styro Recycle

Styro Recycle accepts cardboard moving boxes, as well as other moving supplies like bubble cushion, stretch wrap, and packing peanuts. Ensure your supplies are clean and dry before dropping them off. Their hours are typically Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Find Styro Recycle at 23418 68th Ave S.

City of Kent Curbside Recycling

The City of Kent partners with Republic Services to offer curbside recycling. They accept cardboard, plus other moving supplies like packing paper. Inspect your cardboard boxes for residue and flatten them before placing them in your bin. Check the City of Kent's website to see when your neighborhood pick-up day is.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

In Kent, WA, midweek mornings and late evenings are the best time to find free moving boxes from stores. Stores typically receive new shipments during this time, offering a wide range of types and sizes to choose from.

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

Retrieving boxes from store dumpsters and recycling bins may violate private property laws. It's better to ask a store worker or manager before taking boxes. Alternatively, browse through online marketplaces and apps to see if anyone is giving away the boxes you need for free.

Does Extra Space Storage sell moving boxes and supplies in Kent, WA?

Extra Space Storage facilities in Kent, WA offer a variety of high-quality moving supplies—including protective kits, bubble cushion, and packing tape. Visit your nearest Extra Space Storage facility to get your moving supplies!

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

Extra Space Storage in Kent offers a variety of box sizes to meet all needs:

• Small Boxes (1.5 cu ft): Suitable for heavy items like dishes and books

• Medium Boxes (3 cu ft): Great for kitchen goods and picture frames

• Large Boxes (4.5-6.1 cu ft): Ideal for comforters, speakers, and more

• Wardrobe Boxes: Hang your coats, sweaters, and other clothing

• File Boxes: For important documents and papers

These moving boxes can help you have a smoother and easier relocation.

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