10 Best Places to Get Free & Cheap Moving Boxes in Lakewood, CO

Relocating in Lakewood can get expensive fast. Whether you're moving a short distance or relocating out of state, movers, truck rentals, utility deposits, and other unexpected moving costs can add up. One of the easiest ways to stretch your budget to save money on moving is by finding free or affordable moving boxes before moving day.

Should You Buy or Get Free Moving Boxes?

The best way to pack for your move depends on your timeline, budget, and how much effort you're willing to invest before moving day arrives.

If you're on a strict timeline or planning a long-distance move, purchasing new moving boxes is often worth the investment. New boxes are uniform in size, stack efficiently in a moving truck, and come in specialty styles for dishes, wardrobe items, TVs, and other fragile belongings. They also provide greater reliability if any of your boxes need to be placed in self storage.

If you have more leeway in your timeline and want to prioritize cutting costs, free moving boxes are an excellent alternative. Lakewood has plenty of options for finding used cardboard boxes, and residents frequently give away free moving supplies through various neighborhood groups. In addition to reducing moving costs, finding free moving boxes is also the more sustainable choice, giving perfectly usable cardboard a second life.

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Where to Get Free Moving Boxes in Lakewood

If you know where to look, finding free moving boxes in Lakewood can be simple. From online community groups to grocery stores receiving daily shipments, there are plenty of ways to find used cardboard boxes at no cost. These are some of the best places to find free moving boxes.

Online Exchanges in Lakewood

Check online marketplaces for free moving boxes, as many people regularly make listings for used moving supplies. Websites like Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, Freecycle, and Craigslist—as well as online community groups like Buy Nothing Lakewood—often have listings from residents who have recently unpacked and want their boxes gone. You can also post on your own social media accounts, as friends, neighbors, or coworkers may have free empty boxes they'd be happy to pass along. Make sure to arrange pick-ups in well-lit public places, ideally bringing another person with you for safety.

Liquor Stores in Lakewood

Some of the best places to get moving boxes in Lakewood are liquor stores. Liquor store boxes are heavy-duty and often include cardboard dividers that work well for packing wine glasses, drinking glasses, mugs, collectibles, and kitchenware. Check with Lakewood liquor stores like Atlas Wine & Liquors, Philnor Liquor, Mile High Wine and Liquor, Total Wine & More, or Union Wine & Spirits to see if they have any empty cardboard boxes available. Calling ahead and asking employees if they can save boxes from their next delivery will likely yield the best results.

Grocery Stores in Lakewood

Grocery stores receive fresh shipments nearly every day, making them a reliable source for free cardboard boxes in Lakewood. Lakewood grocery stores, such as King Soopers,Natural Grocers, Safeway, and Sprouts Farmers Market, may be willing to give you boxes if you ask politely. Medium-sized pantry boxes are ideal for books, kitchen items, and small appliances, while produce boxes can work well for large, durable items—make sure not to use banana boxes for small items, as they have large ventilation holes. Be sure to avoid boxes that show signs of moisture, food residue, pests, or damage.

Recycling Centers & Dumpsters in Lakewood

Recycling centers in Lakewood, namely the Quail Street Recycling Center, are worth checking for free moving boxes. Call ahead to confirm that pulling boxes for personal use is allowed. Before taking any boxes home, check them over for cleanliness, making sure they're free of stains, odors, or signs of pests. Flattened boxes pulled from a recycling bin will likely need packing tape applied to restore structural integrity.

Other Stores & Retailers in Lakewood

Many stores receive daily deliveries and are happy to give away cardboard boxes for free instead of sending them to recycling. Retailers like Walgreens, CVS, and Dollar Tree often accumulate recyclable cardboard from shipments, as do specialty stores like Petco and Barnes & Noble. Calling to give notice—typically during mid-week when restocking happens—can save you a trip and give employees a chance to set boxes aside for you to pick up.

Where to Buy Cheap Moving Boxes in Lakewood

There are plenty of places around Lakewood where you can buy affordable moving boxes and packing supplies. Home improvement stores, big-box retailers, and self-storage facilities carry boxes in a variety of sizes, with most standard boxes costing between $1.12 and $9.49 each.

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

Walmart

Boxes typically range in sizes from 17x11x12 at $1.12 to 27x15x17 at $2.26 at Walmart locations in Lakewood. There are two Walmart Supercenters in Lakewood that sell affordable moving boxes, as well as other moving supplies like packing tape, mattress bags, bubble wrap, and moving blankets.

Home Depot

Find moving box sizes from 10x8x10 at $1.28 to 24x20x20 at $3.98 at Home Depot locations in Lakewood. There are two Home Depot stores in Lakewood that sell moving boxes, plus other moving supplies like furniture covers, hand trucks, and dollies.

Lowe's

Choose from moving boxes ranging from 16x12x12 at $1.98 to 24x18x18 at $2.98 at Lowe's in Lakewood. There is one Lowe's location in Lakewood that sells moving boxes, as well as other packing supplies like bubble cushion, foam cushioning, packing paper, and other protective materials to help safeguard fragile belongings.

Office Depot

You can find inexpensive moving boxes sized from 6x6x6 at $1.99 to 24x20x20 at $9.49 at Office Depot in Lakewood. There is one Office Depot store in Lakewood that sells moving boxes, plus other products like banker boxes, file storage cartons, shipping supplies, and packing materials.

Extra Space Storage

Extra Space Storage in Lakewood is a convenient place to pick up inexpensive moving supplies. There are six Extra Space Storage facilities in Lakewood, with most carrying moving boxes from 16.6x12.5x12.5 at $2.69 to 24x18x24 at $5.99, as well as other moving essentials like packing tape, dish protection kits, and tie-down rope.

Where to Recycle Moving Boxes in Lakewood

Once you've unpacked your home, consider giving away moving boxes that are still in good condition through Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, or Craigslist. If they're too worn to reuse, Lakewood and its surrounding areas offer several convenient options for recycling moving boxes.

Quail Street Recycling Center

Quail Street Recycling Center accepts cardboard moving boxes, plus other moving supplies like packing paper. The center accepts cardboard at no charge and is an easy option if you've accumulated more boxes than your curbside recycling service can handle. Their hours are typically Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. and 1:15 p.m. to 4 p.m. Find Quail Street Recycling Center at 1068 Quail St.

SustainAbility Recycling

With two locations within 30 minutes of Lakewood, SustainAbility Recycling accepts cardboard moving boxes, along with a wide variety of other recyclables. Both facilities' drop-off hours are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. You can find the Arvada location at 6340 W 56th Ave and the Westminster location at 6020 W 91st Ave.

Summit Waste & Recycling

You can dispose of cardboard moving boxes by signing up for paid curbside recycling services through Summit Waste & Recycling. You can sign up for services and inquire about rates on their website.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The best time to get free boxes from stores in Lakewood is usually on weekday mornings, shortly after stores receive deliveries but before employees flatten boxes for recycling. Calling ahead can save you a trip—many stores will be willing to hold boxes for a period of time if you ask in advance.

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

Store dumpsters and recycling containers are generally located on private property, so taking boxes without permission may be considered trespassing. It's always best to ask an employee or store manager directly if they have extra boxes available—or check local giveaway sites like Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, Craigslist, or Freecycle.

Does Extra Space Storage sell moving boxes and supplies in Lakewood, CO?

Extra Space Storage locations in Lakewood sell a variety of moving boxes, along with packing tape, bubble wrap, furniture covers, and other moving supplies. It's a convenient option if you're already renting a storage unit or want to pick up all your packing materials in one place.

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

Extra Space Storage in Lakewood offers several box sizes and specialty options, including:

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

• Medium Boxes (3 cu ft): Great for kitchenware, toys, and decor.

• Large Boxes (4.5 - 6 cu ft): Best for bedding, pillows, and other bulky, lightweight items.

• Wardrobe Boxes: Designed for hanging clothes to keep them wrinkle-free during transit.

• File Boxes: Perfect for organizing and protecting documents and paperwork.

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Thinking of moving in Lakewood? Extra Space Storage offers a variety of moving boxes and supplies available for in-store pickup at storage facilities in Lakewood! And find more moving resources on our moving hub!