10 Best Places to Get Free & Cheap Moving Boxes in Minneapolis

Whether you're moving a short distance, moving cross country, or moving out of Minneapolis, moving costs can add up—and saving money is crucial when you can. To help you cut down on moving costs, you can find cheap or free moving boxes from nearby stores, local businesses, or recycling centers. Check out this guide to find affordable moving boxes near you in Minneapolis!

Should You Buy or Get Free Moving Boxes?

You can decide whether you're going to buy new moving boxes or find used ones for free when planning out your Minneapolis move. Each of these options comes with its own set of benefits and considerations.

A few benefits of buying new moving boxes include better uniformity for stacking and consistent labeling, more convenience than finding them for free, and getting to select specific box sizes and types. Buying new moving boxes is more convenient because you don't have to check out multiple locations, you can buy as many as you need, and they're often sold in the same place as other moving supplies like packing tape that you can stock up on. If you're moving on short notice, new moving boxes are guaranteed to be of good quality.

When you're moving on a budget, finding used or free moving boxes in Minneapolis can be a great option. Not only is it more eco-friendly for the environment, but it's also more cost-effective because it can reduce moving expenses.

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Where to Get Free Moving Boxes in Minneapolis

Grocery stores, online exchanges, liquor stores, and recycling centers are some of the best places to search for free moving boxes in Minneapolis. Find reusable moving boxes near you at some of these top spots.

Online Exchanges in Minneapolis

You can find free moving boxes and moving supplies in Minneapolis at a variety of online exchanges and digital marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace Minneapolis, Minneapolis Buy/Sell/Trade, Craigslist Minneapolis, MN Free Items And Things, Freecycle, and Nextdoor Minneapolis. Some moving boxes may be free, or you might have to pay a small fee. Asking family or friends on social media platforms to save any extra moving boxes for you is another great option to collect free moving boxes. When meeting people online, try to meet in a well-lit public place or take someone with you to ensure proper safety.

Liquor Stores in Minneapolis

Consider contacting local liquor stores in Minneapolis to find free moving boxes. Liquor store boxes are often heavy-duty and may include dividers that are perfect for packing fragile items. Contact liquor stores like Surdyk's Liquor & Cheese Shop, Lake Wine & Spirits, South Lyndale Liquors & Market, and Chicago Lake Liquors. You can also find spare moving boxes at Minneapolis breweries like Surly Brewing Co. and Pryes Brewing Company. Try to call ahead to confirm if these liquor stores or breweries give out free moving boxes, and request that the business save boxes for your move.

Grocery Stores in Minneapolis

To find free moving boxes in Minneapolis, consider checking with grocery stores. Before using boxes from Minneapolis grocery stores, check them for food debris, stains, or evidence of pests. Be aware that banana boxes, due to their large side holes, are not suitable for all items. Call ahead to grocery stores in Minneapolis like Lunds & Byerlys, Kowalski's Markets, Cub, Whole Foods, and North Market to ask about moving box availability and the best days for pickup.

Recycling Centers & Dumpsters in Minneapolis

Some recycling centers may give you moving boxes for free, but you may need to call ahead and ask. Check the moving boxes for stains, evidence of pests, and structural damage. A few recycling centers to consider include Hennepin County drop-off facilities, SKB Malcolm Avenue Transfer Station, and the Minneapolis South Transfer Station. If boxes come slightly damaged or flattened, you may need to reassemble and tape them back up for added reinforcement.

Other Stores & Retailers in Minneapolis

You can also find free cardboard moving boxes at various stores in Minneapolis that have durable boxes, perfect for moving heavier items. Consider calling retailers such as Magers & Quinn, Big Hill Books, and Barnes & Noble, or local stores like Walden Coffee, Urban Tails Pet Supply, the Art Cellar, and Moon Palace Books, to inquire if they have any spare cardboard boxes they might offer for free during a move.

Where to Buy Cheap Moving Boxes in Minneapolis

You can buy affordable moving boxes at various locations, from local packing supply stores to national retailers in Minneapolis. Moving box prices in Minneapolis typically range from $0.32 for smaller boxes to $20.20 or less for larger boxes.

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

TwinSource Supply

Buy new moving boxes at TwinSource Supply, a local packing and moving supply store in Minneapolis. You'll find moving boxes that range from 4x4x4 at $0.32 to 48x40x36 at $20.20. Moving boxes and supplies need to be purchased in bulk, and you need a minimum of 25 boxes when making a purchase. There's one TwinSource Supply store based in Minneapolis that also sells additional supplies like foam rolls, bubble rolls, and box liners.

Home Depot

Find moving boxes at Home Depot locations in Minneapolis that range from 15x10x12 at $1.28 to 24x20x21 at $3.78. There is one Home Depot location in Minneapolis that sells moving boxes and supplies. Home Depot also sells moving supplies like packing paper, moving blankets, and packing tape.

Office Depot

Boxes at Office Depot in Minneapolis range from 6x6x6 at $1.89 to 20x20x24 at $8.99. There is one Office Depot location in Minneapolis that sells moving boxes. This store also carries moving supplies like packing peanuts, packing tape, and bubble wrap.

Ace Hardware

Ace Hardware offers cardboard boxes in Minneapolis that range from 10x12x12 for $2.39 and 24x18x18 for $5.99. The five Ace Hardware locations throughout Minneapolis provide moving boxes and supplies like bubble wrap, packing paper, moving labels, and tape dispensers.

Extra Space Storage

Your nearest Extra Space Storage facility in Minneapolis offers a variety of moving boxes and supplies available to purchase. Select from boxes ranging from 16.6x12.5x12.5 for $2.69 to 24x18x24 for $5.99. There are four Extra Space Storage locations in Minneapolis that also sell moving boxes and supplies like packing tape, tie downs, stretch wrap, and more.

Where to Recycle Moving Boxes in Minneapolis

After you have finished moving, you'll want to get rid of moving boxes in an eco-friendly way by donating, reselling online, or dropping off used boxes at nearby recycling centers in Minneapolis. There are a few options for reselling moving boxes, such as Minneapolis Buy/Sell/Trade or Facebook Marketplace Minneapolis. Here are a few recycling centers in Minneapolis where you can drop off your used moving boxes.

Hennepin County Drop-Off Facilities

Recycle cardboard moving boxes at one of the Hennepin County drop-off facilities. Cardboard boxes need to be broken down into pieces smaller than 3x3. You can also recycle plastic wrap, but it needs to be separated prior to drop-off. Their hours are typically 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Find Hennepin County drop-off facilities located at 1400 West 96th St in Bloomington, MN and 8100 Jefferson Highway in Brooklyn Park, MN.

SKB Malcolm Avenue Transfer Station

The SKB Malcolm Avenue Transfer Station accepts moving boxes for recycling in an environmentally responsible fashion. Their hours are from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday. Find the SKB Malcolm Avenue Transfer Station at 630 Malcolm Avenue SE.

South Transfer Station

Minneapolis residents can recycle moving boxes and other moving items at Hennepin County's South Transfer Station. This recycling station is only for Minneapolis residents, and you must call prior to drop-off to receive a Minneapolis voucher. Their hours are 12:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. on Saturday. Find the Minneapolis South Transfer Station at 2850 20th Ave S.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

In Minneapolis, MN, the best time to find free moving boxes is early in the morning after stores finish unpacking deliveries. Midweek mornings—especially Tuesday or Wednesday—usually offer the best availability, as stores are typically restocking after the weekend rush. We recommend calling beforehand to ensure availability!

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

Taking boxes from dumpsters in Minneapolis without permission isn’t recommended, as this can be prohibited by local ordinances or considered trespassing on private property. It’s better to contact retailers near you to see if they can save any spare boxes for you to come pick up.

Does Extra Space Storage sell moving boxes and supplies in Minneapolis, MN?

Yes! At Extra Space Storage in Minneapolis, we sell moving boxes, packing tape, and other supplies for smoother moves. Buying directly from Extra Space Storage ensures high-quality, durable materials designed to protect your belongings during transit. If you need last-minute supplies for your move, stop by your nearest facility today!

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

Extra Space Storage in Minneapolis offers several box sizes for efficient packing, including:

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

• Medium Boxes (3 cu ft): Ideal for decor, kitchen appliances, and toys.

• Large Boxes (4.5–6 cu ft): Perfect for bedding, towels, and lightweight items.

• Wardrobe Boxes: Include hanging rods for coats, suits, and other garments.

• File Boxes: Help organize paperwork, records, and important documents.

These boxes make packing for your Minneapolis move simpler and more secure.

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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 Minneapolis!