Moving Guide
11 Best Places to Get Free & Cheap Moving Boxes in Long Beach
Relocating in the Long Beach area? When you start the process of moving across the country or locally in town, you might run into some unexpected moving costs that tighten your budget more than you anticipate—like shipping moving boxes. A great way to save money while moving is to use free or cheap cardboard boxes. Use this guide to learn the best places to find low-cost or free moving boxes in Long Beach near you!
Should You Buy or Get Free Moving Boxes?
As you plan your move, you'll need to decide if you want to buy new moving boxes in Long Beach or find free ones in your area. The choice you make will depend on your priorities, as both options come with unique benefits and drawbacks.
One advantage of buying moving boxes in Long Beach is knowing with confidence that they're sturdy and high quality. It's also more convenient to find new boxes than it is to spend time hunting down used ones, which can be helpful when navigating a short-notice move. With that, you'll be able to acquire specific box sizes and types that better suit what you need to transport. Plus, new Long Beach moving boxes are more uniform, which can make them easier to pack and stack.
If you're moving on a tight budget, however, finding free Long Beach moving boxes keeps more money in your pockets. Reusing old cardboard boxes also reduces landfill waste, making your move more environmentally friendly.
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Where to Get Free Moving Boxes in Long Beach
You can search for free, used moving boxes in Long Beach at grocery and liquor stores, in addition to recycling centers, online platforms, and more. Here are some of the best places to find free moving boxes in Long Beach, CA!
Online Exchanges in Long Beach
Browsing through online exchanges and social media platforms can be a great way to start your search for free or cheap moving boxes in Long Beach. Reach out to your friends and family on various social media platforms to see if they have any boxes you can take. Once you've exhausted your personal network, take time to search through Facebook Marketplace Long Beach, or request to join online groups like Buy Nothing Long Beach and Free Stuff in Long Beach, CA. Other online exchanges that may have free or reduced-cost moving boxes in Long Beach include Freecycle Long Beach, Craigslist Long Beach, and Nextdoor Long Beach. When you meet up with someone from online, be sure to follow safety tips like meeting in a public space, bringing a friend along, and conducting the exchange during daylight hours.
Liquor Stores in Long Beach
If you're looking for free moving boxes in Long Beach, local liquor stores are a fantastic resource. The boxes you'll find at liquor stores are likely to be sturdy, and some even come with built-in dividers that are perfect for packing wine glasses, china, and dishes. To inquire about free boxes for your move, call Long Beach liquor stores near you, like Odyssey Liquor, Squire Liquor, Total Wine & More, and Mike's Liquor Store.
Grocery Stores in Long Beach
Local grocery stores may have heavy-duty, free cardboard boxes for your upcoming move. Contact grocery stores like Gelson's Long Beach, Food 4 Less, and Superior Grocers to see if they have—and would be willing to set aside—boxes for you to come pick up. Take time to check grocery store boxes for signs of pests, stains, or any other damage before bringing them home. With that, you might want to avoid using banana boxes since they have holes that smaller items could slip through while in transit.
Recycling Centers & Dumpsters in Long Beach
Since many people drop off used cardboard boxes at Long Beach recycling centers, these locations can be great spots for you to check out during your search. Be sure to call ahead of time to local recycling centers in Long Beach, such as Leyva Topline Recycling Center, Corridor Recycling, and Conservation Corps of Long Beach Recycling Center, to see if they'd allow you to take any cardboard home. Take time to inspect used moving boxes for damage, signs of pests, or stains. Additionally, keep in mind that you might need tape to reinforce old moving boxes if they've been broken down.
Other Stores & Retailers in Long Beach
You might be able to find free moving boxes at various local stores in Long Beach, including bookstores, coffee shops, crafting supply stores, and more. These retail locations tend to get shipments in sturdy boxes, which can give you a range of box sizes to choose from for your upcoming move. Stores in Long Beach like Page Against The Machine, Bel Canto Books, Barnes & Noble, Wood Coffee Co., and Fabric Barn Inc. may be willing to give you free boxes. Call them in advance to ask if they can set some aside for you to pick up later!
Where to Buy Cheap Moving Boxes in Long Beach
You can buy new moving boxes in Long Beach at a variety of places, including national chains, office supply stores, self storage facilities, and more. Prices typically range from small boxes for $1.00 to large boxes selling for $8.99 or less.
Please note that listed dimensions for boxes with precise measurements are rounded to the nearest tenth.
Walmart
Buy standard moving boxes ranging from 17x11x13 at $1.00 to 24x16x19 at $2.10 at Walmart in Long Beach. Two Walmart locations in Long Beach sell moving boxes, where you can also purchase other moving supplies, including tape guns, bubble pouches, mattress bags, and more.
Home Depot
Get boxes ranging in size from 15x10x12 at $1.28 to 24x20x21 at $3.78 at one of two Home Depot locations in the Long Beach area. In addition to moving boxes, Home Depot offers moving supplies like hand trucks, moving blankets, packing tape, and more.
Lowe's
Browse moving boxes sized from 16x12x12 at $1.78 to 22x21.5x22 at $3.48 at Lowe's in Long Beach. With two locations throughout the city, Lowe's also sells bubble cushion, stretch wrap, packing paper, and other packing supplies.
Office Depot
At Office Depot, you'll find moving boxes ranging in size from 6x6x6 at $1.89 to 20x20x24 at $8.99. There is one Office Depot location in the Long Beach area that sells moving boxes as well as other moving supplies like packing tape, packing peanuts, and furniture covers.
Extra Space Storage
Extra Space Storage provides affordable cardboard moving boxes sized from 16.6x12.5x12.5 at $2.69 to 24x18x24 at $5.99. There are five Extra Space Storage locations in Long Beach that offer high-quality moving boxes, along with other packing supplies—like protection kits, storage bags, bubble wrap, and more.
Out of the Box
Purchase new moving boxes in Long Beach from Out of the Box, with over 20 different box sizes to choose from—in addition to specialty boxes for unique items. There is one Out of the Box location in Long Beach with cardboard moving boxes. They also offer moving supplies like packing peanuts, bubble wrap, tape guns, mailing tubes, and more. Contact them directly for specific pricing and box size details.
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Where to Recycle Moving Boxes in Long Beach
Once you're done unpacking and organizing your new home, consider cardboard recycling in Long Beach to get rid of your used moving boxes in an eco-friendly way. You can resell or donate your moving boxes online via Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, Nextdoor, and more—or simply drop off your cardboard at Long Beach recycling facilities near you!
Leyva Topline Recycling Center
Leyva Topline Recycling Center accepts cardboard moving boxes, plus other moving supplies like packing paper. They offer a drive-through system in addition to warehouse parking, and their on-site staff can assist you in weighing your items. They may pay for large recycling loads—though it's best to call ahead for pricing details. Their hours are typically Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Find Leyva Topline Recycling Center at 5674 Cherry Ave.
Corridor Recycling
Corridor Recycling accepts cardboard, along with other moving supplies like newsprint, paper, and plastic totes. After you park, an on-site staff member will help you unload recyclables from your vehicle—and they may purchase bulk loads. Their hours are typically Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Find Corridor Recycling at 22500 Alameda St.
Conservation Corps of Long Beach Recycling Center
The Conservation Corps of Long Beach Recycling Center accepts cardboard, paper, magazines, and newspapers. All cardboard boxes must be broken down upon drop-off. Their recycling drop-off center is open 24/7 and available for public use. Find the Conservation Corps of Long Beach Recycling Center at 340 Nieto Ave (located on the south side of the building).
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time and day to get free boxes from stores?
In Long Beach, CA, mornings are the ideal time to find free moving boxes because most stores unpack shipments overnight. Visiting midweek—especially Tuesday or Wednesday—helps you find strong boxes before recycling crews arrive.
Can I legally retrieve boxes from store dumpsters or the recycling bin?
Taking boxes from dumpsters in Long Beach without permission isn’t recommended, as dumpsters are on private property. A better approach is to ask employees if boxes are available or check online communities for free moving box listings.
Does Extra Space Storage sell moving boxes and supplies in Long Beach, CA?
Yes! Extra Space Storage facilities in Long Beach sell moving boxes, packing tape, and other supplies, like markers for labeling moving boxes, to make relocating easier. Purchasing directly from the facility ensures quality and convenience.
What moving box sizes are available at Extra Space Storage in Long Beach?
Extra Space Storage in Long Beach offers a variety of sizes:
Small Boxes (1.5 cu ft): For heavy books, fragile items, or kitchen utensils.
Medium Boxes (3 cu ft): For clothing, toys, and dishware.
Large Boxes (4.5-6 cu ft): For items like quilts, pillows, and lightweight food containers.
Wardrobe Boxes: For hanging clothes and outerwear.
File Boxes: Designed to keep records, files, paperwork, and important documents organized and secure.
These options help you pack efficiently for your Long Beach move.
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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 Long Beach!
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.
