10 Best Places to Get Free & Cheap Moving Boxes in Mobile, AL

Moving to Mobile soon? Whether you're moving locally, out of state, or cross-country, moving can be expensive. One place you can save some money is by finding free or affordable moving boxes. Use this guide to help you find free and cheap moving boxes in Mobile!

Should You Buy or Get Free Moving Boxes?

Moving boxes are one of the top unexpected costs of moving that people forget to plan for, making the decision to buy new or find free used ones an important consideration. There are pros and cons to both paths.

Especially if you're moving on short notice, buying new moving boxes is a safe bet. Not only are they uniform for stacking in a moving truck, but they are guaranteed to be good quality—so you can pack and label your boxes with ease. New moving boxes are also available for purchase at a variety of local and big-box stores, making them convenient to find.

If you're relocating on a tighter budget and have more time to prepare for your move, sourcing free moving boxes is a cost-effective option. Plus, it's an eco-friendly moving solution, as you are giving materials a second life—if they're still in good condition at the end, you can even pass your boxes off to someone else who can use them.

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 Mobile

To find free moving boxes in Mobile, check online exchanges—or your nearest retailer, liquor store, grocery store, recycling center, and more. Here are some of the top spots to find free boxes.

Online Exchanges in Mobile

Online marketplaces and apps are some of the best places to find free Mobile moving boxes. Start browsing for cardboard boxes through websites like Craigslist, Nextdoor, Freecycle, and Facebook Marketplace. There are also several Mobile Facebook groups you can check out for help—including Buy Nothing-Mobile, AL; Mobile, Al Buy, Sell, Trade; Mobile County. Buy, Sell, and Trade; Mobile BUY SELL TRADE Group; and Mobile Alabama Word of Mouth. If you're having trouble finding the boxes you need through these means, you can also consider reaching out to friends on your personal social media accounts. When meeting up for moving box exchanges with people you've spoken to online, make sure to practice safety measures like bringing along a friend and meeting in public areas during daylight hours.

Liquor Stores in Mobile

Liquor stores are one of the top places to find free moving boxes in Mobile. Since liquor store boxes are designed to protect heavy bottles, they are sturdy, compact for transportation, and typically come with dividers—perfect for packing fragile items like wine glasses, drinking glasses, dishes, or china. Contact Mobile liquor stores like Liquor Bank, Spring Hill Liquors, and The Southern Liquors to see if they have boxes available that they could set aside for you.

Grocery Stores in Mobile

Grocery stores in Mobile are a safe bet for finding reliable moving boxes. They are typically resistant to minor impacts and can hold a variety of household or fragile items. You may want to avoid banana boxes, as smaller items may fall through the ventilation holes in the side. Contact your nearest Publix, Greer's, Rouses Market, or The Fresh Market to see if they have any spare cardboard boxes to give away. Make sure to check any boxes you take for odors, stains, or evidence of pests before using them for packing.

Recycling Centers & Dumpsters in Mobile

Recycling centers in Mobile like the Mobile County Recycling Center and City of Mobile Recycling Drop-Off locations may allow you to take used cardboard boxes, but it's best to call ahead and confirm before trying to take any. Be sure to examine your boxes for cleanliness and structural integrity—you'll likely need to tape them back up for added reinforcement.

Other Stores & Retailers in Mobile

You can find free Mobile moving boxes at businesses like bookstores, vintage stores, coffee shops, and more. These kinds of stores receive new shipments throughout the week, so they likely have various sizes and types they need to recycle. Stores like The Haunted Book Shop, Nova Espresso, Mobile's House of Vintage, Michaels, and pOpshelf may give away cardboard boxes for free, but make sure to call ahead and ask before visiting.

Where to Buy Cheap Moving Boxes in Mobile

Big-box stores, home improvement stores, hardware stores, and self storage facilities are some of the best places to find cheap moving boxes in Mobile. Mobile moving boxes range from $1.12 to $5.99, depending on the size and type. Here are some of the places to find low-cost moving boxes near you.

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

Walmart

Find boxes ranging from 17x11x12 at $1.12 to 27x15x17 at $2.26 at Walmart locations in Mobile. There are nine Walmart locations in Mobile that sell moving boxes, as well as other moving supplies like bubble cushion, packing tape, and stretch wrap for a smoother relocation.

Home Depot

You can find boxes as small as 10x8x10 at $1.28 and as large as 24x20x20 at $3.78 at Home Depot locations in Mobile. There are two Home Depot locations in Mobile that sell moving boxes, as well as other handy moving supplies like packing paper, mattress bags, and moving straps.

Lowe's

Find moving boxes as small as 16x12x12 at $1.85 and as large as 22x21.5x22 at $3.85 at Lowe's locations in Mobile. There are three Lowe's locations in Mobile that sell moving boxes, as well as other moving supplies like dollies, furniture sliders, and packing tape.

Ace Hardware

Look for affordable moving boxes ranging from 10.5x12x12 at $2.59 to 24x18x18 at $6.59 at Ace Hardware locations in Mobile. There are five Ace Hardware locations in Mobile that sell moving boxes, plus other moving supplies like packing paper, lifting straps, and moving blankets so you can safely transport your belongings.

Extra Space Storage

You can buy a variety of moving boxes in sizes ranging from 16.6x12.5x12.5 at $2.69 to 24x18x24 at $5.99 at Extra Space Storage locations in Mobile. There are four Extra Space Storage locations in Mobile that sell moving boxes, in addition to other moving supplies like packing tape, tie-down products, and moving kits to make your move easier.

Where to Recycle Moving Boxes in Mobile

Once you're done unpacking after your move, consider recycling your moving boxes. Mobile has options like the Mobile County Recycling Center and City of Mobile drop-off locations—plus, curbside recycling services through Waste Management (WM). You can also resell or give away your moving boxes on Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, or Craigslist.

City of Mobile Recycling Drop-Off

The City of Mobile's Recycling Drop-Off locations accept cardboard moving boxes, plus other moving supplies like packing paper. You must be a resident to use these drop-off locations, so you may be asked to provide proof of residence. Their hours are typically Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. The City of Mobile offers three drop-off locations, which can be found at:

• 4851 Museum Drive

• 308 Pinehill Drive

• 1750 Dauphin Island Parkway

Mobile County Recycling Center

The Mobile County Recycling Center accepts cardboard moving boxes, plus other moving supplies like packing paper and newspaper. Make sure your recyclable boxes are clean and flat before placing them into bins. Their hours are typically Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Find Mobile County Recycling Center at 7450 Hitt Road.

Waste Management (WM)

Waste Management (WM) offers curbside recycling services in Mobile, accepting cardboard moving boxes and other moving supplies like newspaper. Place your cart curbside by 6 a.m. on your collection day, and make sure that the lid can close completely. Visit Waste Management's website to find out when your collection day is.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The best time to find free boxes from stores in Mobile, AL is early morning, as many businesses receive overnight shipments. Going mid-week rather than on busy weekend days will also give you a better chance of getting help from store employees to find free boxes.

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

Retrieving boxes from store dumpsters and recycling bins in Mobile without permission is not recommended, as it may violate private property laws. It's best to ask a store employee or manager directly if they'd be able to help you find boxes. Alternatively, consider checking online sources like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist for free or cheap moving boxes.

Does Extra Space Storage sell moving boxes and supplies in Mobile, AL?

Extra Space Storage does sell moving boxes and supplies in Mobile, AL. We offer a variety of box sizes and types—and supplies like moving kits, protective covers, and packing tape—to make your relocation go smoothly.

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

Extra Space Storage in Mobile offers a range of box sizes for all moving needs, including:

• Small Boxes: Perfect for small, fragile, or heavy items like books and dishes.

• Medium Boxes: Ideal for decor, toys, and kitchen utensils.

• Large Boxes: Great for oddly-shaped or large items like computers and lamp shades.

• Wardrobe Boxes: Safely transport your clothes by hanging them.

• File Boxes: Keep important papers and documents secure during your move.

***

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