10 Best Places to Get Free & Cheap Moving Boxes in McAllen, TX

Whether you're moving locally, to another state, or across the country, costs can add up fast. Finding free or cheap moving boxes is a great way to reduce costs so you have more money left for hiring movers, renting a truck, or covering any unexpected expenses. Here are the best places to find free and cheap moving boxes in McAllen, TX!

Should You Buy or Get Free Moving Boxes?

One of your first decisions when moving will be whether to buy new moving boxes or find used ones for free. Each option has different advantages.

Buying new cardboard moving boxes is great if you want quality materials and uniform box sizes that are easy to pack and stack efficiently. It's also quicker and easier to find cheap moving boxes for sale in stores, especially if you’re moving on a tight schedule.

However, if you're moving on a budget, finding free moving boxes is more cost effective. It's also a more eco-friendly option, since it reduces waste by reusing materials that might otherwise be thrown away.

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Where to Get Free Moving Boxes in McAllen

Some of the best places to get free moving boxes in McAllen are online marketplaces, liquor stores, and grocery stores. Before visiting businesses, it's always best to call ahead to ask if they'll hold boxes for you to pick up. Check the following places to find free boxes near you.

Online Exchanges in McAllen

There are plenty of online marketplaces and apps where McAllen residents can find free moving boxes. Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and Nextdoor are three of the most popular. You can also browse offers and post requests in buy nothing groups like Buy Nothing McAllen, TX. Keep in mind that while many residents offer boxes for free, some may charge a small fee. When picking up moving boxes from strangers, meet in a public place during the day or bring a friend along for safety.

Liquor Stores in McAllen

Liquor store boxes are great for moving—they're made to protect glass bottles during transit, so they're heavy-duty and perfect for packing a variety of items. Some may even come with dividers for packing fragile items like wine glasses. In Texas, liquor stores are closed on Sundays, but Monday through Saturday hours are generally 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Spec's and Total Wine are both great places to check for free moving boxes in McAllen.

Grocery Stores in McAllen

Grocery store boxes are usually sturdy and impact-resistant, built to protect produce and other items during shipment. That said, some boxes—like banana boxes—aren't ideal for moving since they have large holes. Call ahead to see if stores will reserve boxes for you, and always check for food remnants, stains, and pests before using them. Residents recommend H-E-B, Sam's Club, and the Costco in nearby Pharr as good options for finding free moving boxes in the McAllen area.

Recycling Centers & Dumpsters in McAllen

Recycling centers in McAllen—like the City of McAllen Recycling Center—may have free moving boxes available, but it's worth calling ahead to ask. Inspect any boxes for structural integrity, stains, and signs of pests before taking them, and consider taping them up for added reinforcement.

Other Stores & Retailers in McAllen

Certain other stores—like pharmacies and bookstores—also have great boxes for moving. Pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS often receive large shipments of prescriptions and other health items in sturdy boxes. Barnes & Noble is another great option, as book shipments come in sturdy boxes that hold up well with heavier items. As always, call ahead to ask if stores can hold boxes for you.

Where to Buy Cheap Moving Boxes in McAllen

You can buy cheap moving boxes in McAllen, TX at office supply stores, hardware stores, self storage facilities, and more. Expect to pay anywhere from $1.12 to $5.99 for standard moving boxes in McAllen, depending on box size and retailer. Specialty boxes may cost more.

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

Walmart

You can find boxes ranging from 17x11x12 for $1.12 to 27x15x17 for $2.26 at Walmart in McAllen, TX. There are two Walmart Supercenters in McAllen that sell moving boxes, along with other moving supplies like packing labels, packing tape, packing foam, and packing paper.

Home Depot

Home Depot carries moving box sizes ranging from 10x8x10 at $1.28 to 20x24x20 at $3.78. There's one Home Depot location in McAllen that sell moving boxes and other moving supplies—including mattress bags, furniture covers, and moving straps.

Lowe's

Purchase moving boxes in McAllen that range from 15x10x12 for $1.98 to 22x21.5x22 for $3.78 at Lowe's. There is one Lowe's location in McAllen that sells moving boxes. They also carry moving supplies like moving straps, packing tape, and furniture protection kits.

Extra Space Storage

Pick up packing supplies and moving boxes at Extra Space Storage, with box sizes ranging from 16.6x12.5x12.5 for $2.69 to 24x18x24 for $5.99. There are five Extra Space Storage locations in McAllen that sell moving boxes and supplies—including stretch wrap, dish protection kits, and tie-downs.

Office Depot

You can buy moving boxes at Office Depot in McAllen, with options ranging from 6x6x6 at $1.99 to 20x20x24 at $9.49. There are two Office Depot locations in McAllen that sell moving boxes. Office Depot also sells moving supplies like bubble wrap, packing paper, and packing tape.

Where to Recycle Moving Boxes in McAllen

Once you're done moving and have settled into your new home, dispose of your moving boxes in an eco-friendly way. If they're still in good condition, consider passing them on to someone else via platforms like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. Otherwise, recycle them through one of these providers.

City of McAllen Recycling Center

The City of McAllen Recycling Center accepts cardboard moving boxes, plus other moving supplies like newspaper and packing paper. Residents can drop off recycling at the facility for free—and also sign up for regular curbside recycling pickup. Find City of McAllen Recycling Center at 4001 N Bentsen Rd. Hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon. They're closed on Sunday.

EDH International Inc.

EDH International Inc. accepts cardboard moving boxes, plus other moving supplies like newspaper, grocery bags, and packing paper. There's no fee for drop-off—in fact, you weigh your materials and get paid accordingly. Find them at 100 N 26th St. Hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon. They're closed on Sunday.

LoadUp

LoadUp offers curbside pickup for cardboard moving boxes and other moving supplies in McAllen. Pricing varies depending on your location and how much cardboard you have. Hours are typically 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. For more information about services and pricing, call (844) 860-2201 or book directly on their website.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The best time to look for free moving boxes is generally early to mid-morning, after new shipments have been unloaded. Midweek—Tuesday through Thursday—tends to be the best days. That said, it's always worth calling ahead to ask what works best for that particular store.

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

It's best not to take boxes from store dumpsters or recycling bins, as they may technically be on private property. Instead, call ahead to ask if stores can hold boxes for you—or check online platforms to see if any of your neighbors are giving away boxes.

Does Extra Space Storage sell moving boxes and supplies in McAllen, TX?

Yes, Extra Space Storage facilities sell moving supplies in McAllen, TX! We offer boxes in plenty of sizes, as well as packing paper, furniture protection kits, tie-downs, and more. This makes it easy and convenient to pick up affordable, high-quality supplies for your move.

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

Extra Space Storage facilities in McAllen offer a variety of moving box sizes, including:

• Small Boxes (1.5 cu ft): Perfect for small, heavy items like books and dishes.

• Medium Boxes (3 cu ft): Ideal packing solution for small appliances and home decor.

• Large Boxes (4.5 cu ft): Great for bulky yet lightweight items, like lampshades and bedding.

• Wardrobe Boxes: A convenient and efficient way to hang your clothes.

• File Boxes: Securely pack important documents and papers.

If you have a question about moving box sizes or other moving supplies, contact the store manager at your local facility!

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