9 Best Places to Get Free & Cheap Moving Boxes in Louisville

Preparing to relocate in Louisville, KY? Whether you're moving across the city or across the country, moving can come with some unexpected expenses. Using cheap or free boxes is a great way to save some money during the moving process. Here's your go-to guide to finding free and low-cost moving boxes near you in Louisville!

Should You Buy or Get Free Moving Boxes?

When it comes time to pack your belongings, you'll need to decide whether to buy moving boxes or find used ones for free. Both options come with benefits and drawbacks.

Buying moving boxes offers a quality guarantee. Not only are new boxes sturdy and durable, but they'll also be more uniform, which is better for stacking and labeling boxes consistently. Plus, you'll be able to choose the sizes and types of boxes that fit your belongings best, and you'll probably find other moving supplies you need like packing tape sold in the same place. Finding places to buy moving boxes is also a quicker, more straightforward process than searching for free boxes—which is handy if you're moving on short notice.

On the other hand, opting to find free moving boxes is the more sustainable option, as you're reusing material and reducing waste. Not to mention, it can help you move on a budget!

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Where to Get Free Moving Boxes in Louisville

You can find free moving boxes in Louisville on online exchanges, as well as at liquor stores, grocery stores, recycling centers, and more. These are some of the best places to look for free cardboard boxes in Louisville, KY.

Online Exchanges in Louisville

Online marketplaces can be a great resource for finding free or low-cost moving boxes in Louisville. Search for free moving boxes on Craigslist Louisville, Nextdoor Louisville, or Facebook Marketplace Louisville to find residents near you who are giving away used cardboard boxes. Groups like Buy Nothing Louisville are other great places to look. When scheduling the pick-up of your boxes, be sure to prioritize your safety by bringing a friend along and choosing a well-lit, neutral place to meet. If you'd rather stay within your immediate network, you can also use your personal social media platforms to ask friends to save any boxes they receive from deliveries.

Liquor Stores in Louisville

Liquor store boxes are great for moving due to their sturdiness. Because many come with built-in dividers, these boxes are ideal for packing fragile items like glasses, dishes, fine china, and more. Liquor stores like Total Wine & More, Liquor Outlet, and Liquor Barn may be willing to give away cardboard boxes in Louisville—but it's best to call in advance to double-check. Keep in mind that Louisville has restrictions on liquor stores on Sundays, prohibiting them from opening before 1 p.m.

Grocery Stores in Louisville

Grocery stores are fantastic places to check for free boxes in Louisville, as their boxes tend to be sturdy and able to withstand small impacts. However, before using these boxes, you'll need to thoroughly check for food remnants, evidence of pests, and other signs of damage. You may also need to be more selective with the boxes you take, as some options—like banana boxes—have large holes that could allow smaller items to slip through. Call ahead to grocery stores in Louisville like Costco, ALDI, Kroger, and ValuMarket to see if they have boxes they can set aside for you to come pick up.

Recycling Centers & Dumpsters in Louisville

If you're willing to do a bit of digging, there are plenty of recycling drop-off sites that may have broken down cardboard boxes—though it's best to call ahead to Louisville recycling centers near you to ask if you can take any boxes you find home. The recycling drop-off locations with the Louisville Department of Public Works are a great place to start. You can also consider checking the dumpsters behind stores like Dollar Tree and Hallmark for free cardboard boxes in Louisville. Before using these boxes, make sure to check for staining and evidence of pests, then tape them up for added stability.

Other Stores & Retailers in Louisville

If you haven't had luck finding free moving boxes in Louisville, KY, there are plenty of other stores that may be willing to donate their spare boxes to your upcoming move. Coffee shops like Starbucks, retail stores like Target and Dollar General, and pet stores like Petco and Sandy's Pet Shop usually receive regular shipments of new supplies in heavy-duty boxes. Contact these stores to see if they can save some boxes for you.

Where to Buy Cheap Moving Boxes in Louisville

You can buy quality moving boxes and packing supplies in Louisville, KY, at a variety of hardware stores, office supply stores, self storage facilities, and general department stores. Find moving boxes in Louisville ranging from small boxes for $1.00 to large boxes for $8.99 or less.

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

Walmart

Moving boxes range in size from 17x11x13 at $1.00 to 24x16x19 at $2.10 at Walmart in Louisville. There are seven Walmart locations in Louisville that sell moving boxes. Walmart also sells a variety of other moving supplies, like bubble wrap, packing tape, plastic wrap, mattress bags, and furniture covers.

Office Depot

Find Louisville moving boxes ranging from 6x6x6 at $1.89 to 20x20x24 at $8.99 at Office Depot in Louisville. There are two Office Depot locations in Louisville that sell moving boxes and other moving supplies, including packing paper, stretch wrap, dollies, packing peanuts, and more.

Ace Hardware

Browse cardboard boxes in Louisville ranging from 10.5x12x12 at $2.39 to 24x18x18 at $5.99 at Ace Hardware in Louisville. There are six Ace Hardware locations in Louisville that sell moving boxes, along with storage bags, bubble wrap, moving straps, moving blankets, and other moving supplies. If you need tools to disassemble or reassemble furniture during your move, Ace Hardware is also a great place to find those.

Extra Space Storage

Purchase high-quality moving boxes sized from 16.6x12.5x12.5 at $2.69 to 24x18x24 at $5.99 at Extra Space Storage in Louisville. There are 15 Extra Space Storage locations in Louisville that sell moving boxes. Extra Space Storage also provides other affordable moving supplies, including bubble wrap, storage bags, stretch wrap, tie downs, and more.

Where to Recycle Moving Boxes in Louisville

When you've finished unpacking in your new home, don't forget to dispose of your moving boxes in an eco-conscious manner. Consider donating your boxes to organizations like Goodwill, Catholic Charities of Louisville, or Habitat ReStore. You can also resell your moving boxes online via platforms like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and more. Or simply drop your cardboard boxes off at recycling centers in Louisville near you!

Louisville Department of Public Works Unstaffed Drop-Off Locations

Unstaffed recycling drop-off locations with the Louisville Department of Public Works accept cardboard moving boxes (flattened), plus other moving supplies like plastic bins, newspaper, and more. There are a variety of unstaffed drop-off locations throughout the city—and the following locations are accessible 24/7:

• Beechmont Community Center: 205 W Wellington Ave

• Louisville Fire Station: 235 E Jefferson St

• Mary T. Meagher Park: 201 Reservoir Ave

• Fairdale: 10618 W Manslick Rd

• Fern Creek Fire Station: 7700 Routt Rd

• A. B. Sawyer Park: 9200 Whipps Mill Rd

• Louisville Fire Station: 2900 Hikes Ln

• Cyril Allgeier Community Center: 4101 Cadillac Ct

• Bowman Field Drivers License Branch: 3501 Roger E. Schupp St

• Sun Valley Community Center: 6505 Bethany Ln

• Aiken Road: 13312 Aiken Rd

Louisville Department of Public Works Staffed Drop-Off Locations

Staffed recycling drop-off locations with the Louisville Department of Public Works accept cardboard boxes (flattened), as well as newspaper, plastic bins, and more. Upon arrival, simply pull up and a staff member will assist you. Their hours are typically Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There are three staffed drop-off centers in Louisville, which you'll find at the following locations:

• Southwest Government Center: 7219 Dixie Hwy

• Central Government Center: 7201 Outer Loop

• East District Public Works: 595 N Hubbards Ln

Smurfit WestRock Louisville Recycling

Smurfit WestRock Louisville Recycling accepts cardboard moving boxes, along with other moving supplies like packing paper. Their drop-off facility is typically open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Find Smurfit WestRock Louisville Recycling at 2000 Industrial Blvd.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Mornings are the best time to ask for free boxes in Louisville, KY, as stores typically unpack new stock early in the day. Going on mid-week mornings gives you the highest chance of finding clean, reusable boxes before they’re recycled.

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

It’s not advisable to remove boxes from dumpsters in Louisville without permission, since most are private property and doing so could be considered trespassing. Instead, ask employees if they can give you some—or use local community groups that often list free moving boxes.

Does Extra Space Storage sell moving boxes and supplies in Louisville, KY?

Yes! Extra Space Storage facilities in Louisville sell moving boxes, packing materials, and other supplies that can simplify your move. Buying from our facilities ensures you get moving supplies made from sturdy materials.

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

Extra Space Storage in Louisville offers several options:

• Small Boxes (1.5 cu ft): For items like heavy books, breakables, or kitchen goods and utensils.

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

• Large Boxes (4.5-6 cu ft): For lightweight items like blankets, pillows, and other linens.

• Wardrobe Boxes: For hanging outerwear and other clothes.

• File Boxes: Designed to keep paperwork, files, and other important documents organized and secure.

These different moving box sizes make packing for your Louisville move simple and stress-free.

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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 Louisville!