Are you moving in Memphis, TN? Whether you're moving solo or relocating with family, one of the best ways to cut down on moving costs is to use free or low-cost moving boxes. Check out our guide to find free and affordable cardboard boxes near you in Memphis!

Should You Buy or Get Free Moving Boxes?

No matter if you're relocating to a Memphis neighborhood nearby or moving across the country, you'll need to decide whether you want to purchase new boxes or look for free, used ones. Each option comes with pros and cons.

Buying new cardboard boxes in Memphis is a good choice if you're looking for specific box types and sizes and guaranteed durability. Because new boxes are sturdy and uniform, they're often easier to pack, stack, organize on a moving truck, and label consistently. Plus, it's less time-consuming to find new boxes than it is to hunt down used ones and you'll often find other moving supplies you need like packing tape sold in the same place—which can be an important factor if you're moving on short notice.

However, opting for used boxes is ideal if you're working with a strict moving budget and want to reduce your overall moving expenses. Reusing cardboard boxes also reduces waste, making your Memphis move more sustainable!

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It can be difficult to know exactly how many moving boxes you’ll need. Our free moving supplies calculator does the math for you, giving you recommendations for box sizes, quantities, and packing supplies based on your home and belongings.

Where to Get Free Moving Boxes in Memphis

If you're looking for free Memphis boxes, there are a variety of places you can check—including liquor stores, grocery stores, recycling centers, and even online marketplaces. These are some great places to start your search for free, used moving boxes near you!

Online Exchanges in Memphis

One of the best ways to find free or cheap moving boxes in Memphis, TN is to browse online marketplaces. Check out listings on Facebook Marketplace Memphis, or request to join groups like Memphis TN Buy, Sell, Trade or Buy Nothing - Midtown/Downtown; Memphis, TN. Post a request for gently-used boxes on Freecycle Memphis, or search for used boxes on platforms like Craigslist Memphis and Nextdoor Memphis. When meeting up with people from online, be sure to follow the proper safety precautions—choose a well-lit, public area and bring a friend along. Don't forget that you can also use your personal social media platforms to ask friends and family if they have any boxes you can take off their hands!

Liquor Stores in Memphis

For high-quality moving boxes in Memphis, check out your local liquor stores. Made to carry heavy bottles, liquor store boxes are heavy-duty and often come with built-in dividers—perfect for packing glassware, dishes, and other fragile items. Contact liquor stores like Buster's Liquors & Wines, Parkway Wine & Liquor, and Great Wine & Spirits of Memphis to ask if they can set some boxes aside for you.

Grocery Stores in Memphis

Local grocery stores in Memphis can be great places to find free cardboard boxes near you. Grocery store boxes come in different sizes and are typically sturdy enough to pack heavy items. Some boxes come with built-in handles that make carrying the box easier, too. Reach out to grocery stores like The Fresh Market, Whole Foods Market, and South Point Grocery to see if they have any cardboard boxes you can pick up. Before taking any home, give the boxes a glance over for stains, moisture, food remnants, or signs of pests. Be cautious about using banana boxes, as their large holes may allow smaller items to fall out.

Recycling Centers & Dumpsters in Memphis

Residents in Memphis can drop off their cardboard boxes at recycling centers like Memphis Recycling Services, Dixie Waste Paper Company, and more—making them fantastic spots to search for free, used boxes for your upcoming move. It's best to call these recycling centers in advance to confirm that they will allow you to take any boxes you find home. Be sure to take time to inspect all boxes for stains, durability, and pests. Because recycling centers usually require boxes to be flattened before drop off, keep in mind that you may need to reinforce boxes with tape before using them.

Other Stores & Retailers in Memphis

Other great resources for free, used boxes include big-box retailers, coffee shops, and bookstores in Memphis. These places typically receive their shipments in sturdy boxes of differing sizes, which can give you a variety of options to choose from for your move. Reach out to major retailers near you like Costco, Sam's Club, or Barnes & Noble, local bookstores like novel., or coffee shops like Otherlands Coffee Bar to see if they have any spare boxes they'd be willing to hand off.

Where to Buy Cheap Moving Boxes in Memphis

You can buy cardboard moving boxes at home improvement stores, self storage facilities, office supply stores, and more. Prices typically range from small boxes starting at $1.28 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.

Home Depot

Home Depot in Memphis offers moving boxes ranging in size from 15x10x12 at $1.28 to 24x20x21 at $3.78. There are five Home Depot locations in Memphis that sell moving boxes. Home Depot also provides other moving supplies, including mattress bags, packing foam, stretch wrap, and more.

Lowe's

Find cardboard boxes in sizes ranging from 16x12x12 at $1.78 to 22x21.5x22 at $3.68 at Lowe's in Memphis. There are two Lowe's locations in Memphis that sell moving boxes. Lowe's also offers other moving supplies in Memphis, such as moving blankets, stretch wrap, and packing paper.

Office Depot

You can purchase moving boxes sized from 6x6x6 at $1.89 to 20x20x24 at $8.99 at Office Depot in Memphis, with two locations in the city. Office Depot also sells a variety of other moving supplies, like foam packing sheets, furniture covers, packing tape, and more.

Extra Space Storage

Extra Space Storage in Memphis offers affordable moving boxes ranging in size from 16.6x12.5x12.5 at $2.69 to 24x18x24 at $5.99. There are 23 Extra Space Storage locations in Memphis where you can buy high-quality cardboard boxes and other helpful moving supplies—including packing tape, moving box labels, tie downs, and more.

Ace Hardware

Browse moving boxes in sizes ranging from 14x14x14 at $2.79 to 24x18x18 at $6.59 at Ace Hardware in Memphis. With two Ace Hardware locations in Memphis, you can purchase hand trucks, lifting straps, bubble wrap, and more.

Where to Recycle Moving Boxes in Memphis

After you've unpacked, get rid of your used moving boxes in an eco-friendly way. Donate or resell your moving boxes through platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and more. Or recycle your cardboard in Memphis at drop-off centers near you!

Dixie Waste Paper Company

Dixie Waste Paper Company accepts cardboard moving boxes, plus other moving supplies like paper. They may pay you for select drop-off materials—call in advance for more details. Their hours are typically Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Find Dixie Waste Paper Company at 2747 Jackson Ave.

Memphis Recycling Services

Memphis Recycling Services accepts cardboard boxes, along with other packing supplies like newspaper. They have public drop-off bins located at the front of their Memphis locations. Their drop-off recycling centers are typically open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Find Memphis Recycling Services at 1131 Agnes Pl and 4379 Old Lamar Ave.

City of Memphis Curbside Recycling

While the City of Memphis' drop-off recycling centers do not accept cardboard, the city provides curbside recycling services in Memphis—accepting cardboard, as well as newspaper, paper, and plastic containers. To ensure proper collection, all cardboard must be clean, empty, and flattened before being placed in your 96-gallon recycling cart. You can utilize the collection schedule tool to find your exact pickup dates.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

In Memphis, TN, mornings—especially midweek—are the best time to find free boxes, as stores have usually recently unpacked deliveries. Arriving early helps ensure you find boxes before they’re broken down. It's best to call ahead and ask when their shipments arrive for the best luck.

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

Taking boxes from dumpsters in Memphis without permission may be considered trespassing on private property. The best approach is to ask employees if boxes are available—many local grocery stores and other retailers are happy to set aside boxes for customers in advance.

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

Yes! Extra Space Storage facilities in Memphis sell moving boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape, and other supplies to help with your move. Buying directly from the facility when you're on site is not only convenient, but also guarantees you're getting durable, high-quality materials. Stop by your nearest Memphis Extra Space Storage location to check availability and pricing.

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

To accommodate a variety of packing needs, Extra Space Storage in Memphis offers multiple moving box options:

• Small Boxes (1.5 cu ft): Great for small, dense items like books, tools, and more.

• Medium Boxes (3 cu ft): Perfect for kitchen utensils, toys, and decorative items.

• Large Boxes (4.5–6 cu ft): Ideal for pillows, linens, and lightweight decor.

• Wardrobe Boxes: Come with a metal hanging bar for clothing or coats.

• File Boxes: Help keep paperwork, records, and important documents organized and secure.

Our moving box options help Memphis movers protect their belongings and pack efficiently.

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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 Memphis!