10 Best Places to Get Free & Cheap Moving Boxes in Meridian, ID

Are you planning a move in Meridian, ID? Whether you're packing up your home to make a long-distance move across the country or a short-distance move in the city, you'll need to decide if you're going to buy new moving boxes or search for used ones. Check out where you can find free and cheap moving boxes in Meridian, ID to help reduce your moving costs!

Should You Buy or Get Free Moving Boxes?

Deciding whether or not to buy new moving boxes or find new ones will depend on a few factors, including, but not limited to, your moving budget, how fast you're moving, and your specific needs. Each option has its benefits.

If you're moving on short notice, purchasing new moving boxes can simplify the packing process. Buying boxes in standard sizes makes them easier to label, stack, and load into a moving truck. Many retailers also carry specialty boxes like dish packs or wardrobe boxes.

However, if you're looking to reduce moving costs, looking for free moving boxes in Meridian can help you save money for other expenses such as hiring movers. Reusing boxes also helps reduce waste, making for a more environmentally friendly move. Sourcing used cardboard may take more time, but you may find the effort worth it!

Get a Free Moving Box & Packing Supplies Estimate 📦

Wondering how many moving boxes you need? Get a quick, free estimate using our moving box calculator for box size and quantity recommendations, as well as packing supplies suggestions!

Where to Get Free Moving Boxes in Meridian

Residents of Meridian can find free moving boxes at several places including, but not limited to, bookstores, retail shops, recycling locations, and grocery stores. You can also find boxes on online marketplaces and neighborhood groups to find people giving away boxes after their own moves.

Online Exchanges in Meridian

One of the easiest ways to find free boxes in Meridian is by connecting with people in your local community. Many residents give away boxes after unpacking from a recent move, making online marketplaces and neighborhood groups a convenient place to search. Check sites like Meridian Craigslist, Meridian Nextdoor, and Facebook Marketplace as well as local Facebook groups such as Meridian and Boise: Buy, Sell, & Trade and Meridian Idaho Yard Sale. Depending on the listing, you may find boxes available at no cost or bundles of moving supplies for a discounted price. If you arrange a pickup with someone online, choose a safe meeting location and confirm the condition of the boxes before taking them home.

Liquor Stores in Meridian

Liquor stores can be a useful source for durable cardboard boxes, especially if you need containers for heavier or fragile belongings. Boxes used for transporting bottles are typically made from thicker cardboard and may include built-in dividers that can help keep glassware, dishes, and other breakable items protected. In Meridian, reach out to Idaho State Liquor Stores or local shops like A New Vintage Wine Shop to ask whether they have extra boxes from recent shipments that customers can reuse.

Grocery Stores in Meridian

Grocery stores receive regular deliveries, which means they often have a steady supply of cardboard boxes that may otherwise be recycled. Stores throughout Meridian, including Boise Co-op Market in the Village, Albertsons, Fred Meyer, WinCo Foods, and Trader Joe's, may be able to provide boxes for your move. Try to avoid banana boxes as their large ventilation holes may cause items to fall through. Before packing your items, check boxes for spills, moisture, or signs of pests, and avoid using any boxes that appear damaged. Calling ahead can help ensure a store has boxes available when you need them.

Recycling Centers & Dumpsters in Meridian

Recycling locations and cardboard collection areas may have used cardboard boxes available, but always ask for permission before removing anything from a recycling area or dumpster. Meridian residents can check resources like the Waste and Recycling Transfer Station in Meridian and Republic Services' Recycling Center to find used cardboard. If you choose to use cardboard boxes from recycling centers, look for boxes that are clean, dry, and sturdy, and reinforce used boxes with packing tape before filling them.

Other Stores & Retailers in Meridian

Retail stores, bookstores, and pharmacies can be great places to find free moving boxes in Meridian since they often receive shipments in sturdy cardboard packaging. Stores in shopping areas like Boise Towne Square, Meridian Crossroads, Meridian Marketplace, and Eagle Island Marketplace may have extra boxes available. You can also check bookstores like The Book Lounge, Half Price Books, Barnes & Noble, and The Collector’s Outpost, as well as pharmacies like Walgreens, which may have boxes from inventory deliveries.

Where to Buy Cheap Moving Boxes in Meridian

If you're choosing to buy moving boxes in Meridian, there are several places where you can find affordable options. Office supply retailers, big box stores, and self storage facilities carry boxes for all types of needs. Prices will vary depending on the type of moving box and its durability, but shoppers can expect to pay anywhere from $1.12 for a small moving box to $9.99 for a large box.

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

Walmart

Find affordable moving boxes ranging from 17x11x12 for $1.12 to 27x15x17 for $2.26 at Walmart locations in Meridian. There are three Walmart locations in Meridian that sell moving boxes and packing supplies. Walmart also offers stretch wrap, mattress bags, honeycomb packing paper, and other packing essentials to help protect your belongings as you move.

Home Depot

Find moving boxes ranging from 16x10x12 for $1.78 to 24x20x21 for $3.98 at Home Depot in Meridian. There is one Home Depot location in Meridian that sells moving boxes. You can also find other moving supplies at Meridian Home Depot, like markers, mattress bags, and dollies.

Lowe's

Shop for moving boxes ranging from 15x10x12 for $2.09 to 24x18x18 for $4.18 at Lowe's locations in Meridian. There are two Lowe's locations serving the Meridian area that offer moving boxes. You can also purchase moving blankets, moving straps, and hand trucks to help you with your move.

Extra Space Storage

Purchase durable moving boxes ranging from 16.6x12.5x12.5 for $2.69 to 24x18x24 for $5.99 at Extra Space Storage locations in Meridian. There are five Extra Space Storage locations in Meridian that sell moving boxes and packing supplies. In addition to boxes, customers can find stretch film, bubble wrap, moving kits, and other packing materials to help prepare for moving or storing household belongings.

Office Depot

Browse moving boxes ranging from 14x14x14 for $7.74 to 20x20x20 for $9.99 at the Office Depot location in Meridian. There is one Office Depot location in Meridian that carries moving boxes. Office Depot also stocks bubble cushioning, packing peanuts, packing tape, and other shipping supplies for packing fragile or oversized items.

Where to Recycle Moving Boxes in Meridian

Once your move is complete and you've finished unpacking, recycling cardboard boxes is a simple way to reduce waste and keep packing materials out of landfills. Meridian residents can recycle flattened cardboard through local recycling services or drop-off locations like the Meridian Transfer Station. You can also give boxes a second life by donating them to someone preparing for a move or listing them on online platforms like Meridian Craigslist, Nextdoor Meridian, or local Facebook buy-and-sell groups.

Meridian Transfer Station

The Meridian Transfer Station accepts cardboard moving boxes and other recyclable materials from local residents. Before dropping off your boxes, flatten all cardboard and remove packing materials like tape, plastic wrap, and foam inserts. Cardboard should be clean and dry before recycling. Their hours are typically Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Find the Meridian Transfer Station at 2130 W. Franklin Road.

Republic Services' Recycling Center

Republic Services' Recycling Center accepts cardboard moving boxes, plus other moving supplies like packing paper. Empty and flatten cardboard boxes before entering the facility. Their hours are typically 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday. Find Republic Services' Recycling Center at 1990 South Cole Road, just a 15-minute drive from Meridian to Boise.

Curbside Recycling in Meridian

The City of Meridian provides recycling options for residents looking to dispose of cardboard moving boxes and other recyclable materials. Flatten cardboard moving boxes before placing them in your recycling cart, and remove any packing materials, plastic wrap, foam, or excessive tape whenever possible. Recycling carts should be placed at the curb by 6 a.m. on your scheduled collection day. Residents can look up their pickup schedule through the City's online collection calendar.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The best time to ask for free moving boxes is typically weekday mornings, shortly after stores receive and unpack shipments. Calling ahead and asking an employee to set aside sturdy boxes can improve your chances of finding what you need. Visiting early also gives you a better selection before boxes are recycled or compacted.

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

Store dumpsters and recycling bins are often located on private property, so you should always ask for permission before taking cardboard boxes. Many businesses are happy to give away boxes directly if you ask, while others may have store policies that prohibit it. Besides asking store managers directly, you can check out recycling centers or online resale platforms.

Does Extra Space Storage sell moving boxes and supplies in Meridian, ID?

Customers can buy a variety of moving boxes and supplies at our storage facilities in Meridian. You can purchase items like small to extra-large boxes as well as packing tape and other packing kits.

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

At our Meridian self storage facilities, Extra Space Storage offers a wide range of moving boxes:

• Small Boxes (1.5 cu ft): Great for books, small tools, and other compact items.

• Medium Boxes (3.5 cu ft): Perfect for kitchen items and everyday household belongings.

• Large Boxes (4.5–6 cu ft): Ideal for bulky items like pillows, bedding, and lamps.

• Wardrobe Boxes: Designed for hanging clothes, coats, and longer garments.

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

***

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