10 Best Places to Get Free & Cheap Moving Boxes in Knoxville

Planning a move from Knoxville? Costs of moving supplies can add up quickly, whether you're moving cross country or moving across town. One of the easiest ways to save money is by finding affordable or free moving boxes. If you're moving on a budgetor looking to ship boxes cost-effectively, use this guide to help find free and low-cost moving boxes near you in Knoxville.

Should You Buy or Get Free Moving Boxes?

Before moving, you'll need a plan for getting moving boxes. Whether you opt to buy moving boxes or track down used boxes for free, each option has its benefits and drawbacks.

Buying moving boxes in Knoxville gives you more control over size and quality. Many moving box sets are designed to be easily stacked, which can help you make the most of your space—whether you're loading up a truck or packing a storage unit. New boxes also tend to be sturdier and more reliable, offering better protection. Additionally, purchasing moving boxes is typically faster and more convenient than hunting down free ones.

Alternatively, finding used moving boxes in Knoxville is a smart way to save on moving costs. Repurposing boxes can significantly cut moving expenses and help reduce waste, making your move more affordable and eco-friendly.

Find How Many Moving Boxes You Need 📦

Use Extra Space Storage’s moving supplies calculator to estimate how many moving boxes you’ll need. Simply insert how many belongings you have and the size of your household to receive a fast recommendation in minutes!

Where to Get Free Moving Boxes in Knoxville

There's no shortage of places to find free moving boxes in Knoxville—including online exchange platforms, grocery stores, liquor stores, and recycling centers.

Online Exchanges in Knoxville

Online marketplaces offer a convenient method for finding cheap or free moving boxes in Knoxville. Browse local listings on Facebook Marketplace Knoxville, join Buy Nothing West Knoxville, or get involved with Knoxville, TN Buy, Sell, Trade. Use Craigslist Knoxville to find other residents willing to give away or sell moving boxes online. Or post a request on apps like Nextdoor Knoxville or Freecycle Knoxville to see if anyone has spare boxes available. When arranging meetups, follow safety practices like bringing a trusted individual with you and meeting in a public place. If you're unable to find options on online marketplaces, try reaching out to friends and family through your social media platforms.

Liquor Stores in Knoxville

Liquor store boxes are perfect for moving, since they're heavy-duty and built to carry fragile items. Local stores like Total Wine, McScrooge's Wines & Spirits, Cedar Bluff Wines & Spirits, and Bob's Liquor & Wine are great options for finding Knoxville moving boxes. Some of these boxes may even come with dividers, which can help protect delicate glasses and other fragile items. Always call ahead to see if and when these locations have free liquor store boxes for moving.

Grocery Stores in Knoxville

If you need free cardboard boxes in Knoxville, grocery stores are another great place to check! Large grocers like Publix, Kroger, and Trader Joe's—as well as local businesses like Three Rivers Market—may give away durable moving boxes after restocking. Inspect grocery store boxes for food residue, stains, or signs of pests, and be mindful of taking banana boxes, as they have large, circular holes where items could spill out. Before stopping by, call in advance to confirm store policies and reserve moving boxes.

Recycling Centers & Dumpsters in Knoxville

There are dumpsters and recycling centers in Knoxville that may allow you to take free cardboard boxes, but you should call ahead and ask first. There are four City of Knoxville Recycling Drop-Off Centers, as well as seven Knox County Convenience Centers and the Public Recycling Drop-Off Center on the UT campus. When using recycled boxes, it's especially important to check for signs of pests, stains, or structural issues that may make them unsuitable. Additionally, since these boxes have likely been broken down, you may need to reassemble them and tape them up for reinforcement.

Other Stores & Retailers in Knoxville

Several Knoxville stores may have free cardboard boxes available from recent shipments, especially if you call ahead to ask. Big-box retailers like TJ Maxx or office supply stores such as Office Depot and Staples often have sturdy boxes they’re willing to give away. Local spots like Agri Feed Pet Supply or larger bookstores like Barnes & Noble are also good places to check, as these businesses regularly receive inventory in boxes that are ideal for moving.

Where to Buy Cheap Moving Boxes in Knoxville

National retailers, self storage facilities, and packing supply stores are good places to buy moving boxes in Knoxville. Depending on the size and type, prices can range from $1.28 for small boxes to $5.99 or less for larger boxes. Here are some of the top places for buying cheap moving boxes near you.

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

Home Depot

Purchase moving boxes ranging from 15x10x12 for $1.28 to 24x20x21 for $3.78 at Home Depot. The city has four Home Depot locations, each carrying cardboard boxes and Knoxville moving supplies like packing paper, mattress bags, and strapping kits. You may even be able to get next-day delivery on your order.

Lowe's

Lowe's moving boxes come in sizes that range from 16x12x12 at $1.85 to 24x18x18 at $5.35. There are four Lowe's locations in Knoxville, selling boxes and other moving supplies. If you need moving blankets, packing tape, bungee cords, and more, you can find them at this home improvement store.

Target

Five Target locations in Knoxville sell moving boxes near you. Target moving boxes come in sizes from 16x12x12 at $1.99 to 24x16x19 at $2.99. This retailer also offers packing paper, stretch wrap, and several types of moving equipment to help with your move.

Extra Space Storage

Find affordable, high-quality moving boxes by visiting Extra Space Storage in Knoxville. With boxes as small as 16.6x12.5x12.5 for $2.69 and as large as 24x18x24 for $5.99, you can find options at any of the 15 storage facilities in Knoxville. Extra Space Storage also sells moving supplies like bubble wrap, protective covers, tie-downs, and protection kits.

The UPS Store

With nine locations throughout the city, The UPS Store in Knoxville is another great source for moving boxes. They offer sizes from 6x6x6 to 24x24x24—call a location near you for pricing details. Other moving supplies at Knoxville UPS Stores include bubble cushioning, stretch tape, and custom packaging kits.

Where to Recycle Moving Boxes in Knoxville

Recycling moving boxes after using them is one way to make your move more eco-friendly. After you've unpacked and organized your new home, pass your boxes on to someone else using platforms like Nextdoor, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace—or drop your boxes off at one of the following Knoxville recycling centers.

City of Knoxville Recycling Drop-Off Centers

There are four City of Knoxville Recycling Drop-Off Centers attended by Goodwill, located in the north, south, east, and west of the city. These locations can handle recyclables like glass, mixed paper, metals, and flattened cardboard. Each operates seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Visit one of the four convenient drop-off locations:

• North: Goodwill location at 5412 Pleasant Ridge Rd

• South: Chapman Highway location at 225 W Moody Ave

• East: Chilhowee Park/Magnolia Ave location at 210 Alice St

• West: Cedar Bluff location at 341 Parkvillage Rd

Knox County Convenience Centers

In addition to the City recycling centers, there are also seven Knox County Convenience Centers where county residents can drop off recycling. These locations accept recyclables like paper, plastic, aluminum, and cardboard free of charge. The convenience centers typically operate 8:00 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. They are closed Wednesdays, Sundays, and holidays. Find Knox County Convenience Centers at these locations:

• Carter: 8815 Asheville Hwy

• Dutchtown: 10618 Dutchtown Road

• Halls: 3608 Neal Drive

• John Sevier: 1950 W. Governor John Sevier Highway

• Karns: 6930 Karns Crossing Lane

• Powell: 7311 Morton View Lane

• Tazewell Pike / Gibbs: 7201 Tazewell Pike

UT Knoxville Recycling Center

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville is home to a Public Recycling Drop-Off Center, which is a great resource for students and Knoxville residents alike. This location has bins for disposing of cans, plastic, glass, cardboard, and more. The UT Knoxville recycling center is open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and can be found on 2121 Stephenson Dr, Dock 24.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

In Knoxville, TN, early mornings are usually the best time for collecting free moving boxes from stores, as shipments are often unpacked before opening. Visiting mid-week gives you the best opportunity to find a selection of sturdy boxes that haven't yet been recycled.

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

In Knoxville, store dumpsters are private property, so removing boxes without permission could be considered trespassing. It’s better to ask store clerks for boxes or look in local online forums, where people often list free or cheap moving supplies.

Does Extra Space Storage sell moving boxes and supplies in Knoxville, TN?

Yes! Extra Space Storage facilities across Knoxville carry moving boxes, labels, bubble wrap, packing tape, and more. Buying from our local facilities means you’re getting durable, moving-grade materials designed to withstand your move.

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

Extra Space Storage in Knoxville provides several options:

• Small Boxes (1.5 cu ft): For dense items like books, fragile keepsakes, or kitchen goods.

• Medium Boxes (3 cu ft): For clothing, dish sets, or toys.

• Large Boxes (4.5-6 cu ft): For lightweight items like decorative pillows, throw blankets, and stuffed animals.

• Wardrobe Boxes: For hanging clothes and coats.

• File Boxes: For keeping paperwork, records, and important documents organized and secure.

These box sizes make moving in Knoxville simple 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 Knoxville!