Planning a move in Montgomery, AL? Whether it's a short-distance or cross-country move, costs can add up quickly—especially if you're renting a moving truck or hiring movers. Finding free or cheap moving boxes near you is a great way to save money. In this guide, learn where to get affordable or free moving boxes in Montgomery!

Should You Buy or Get Free Moving Boxes?

One of the first decisions you need to make when planning a move is whether to purchase new moving boxes or hunt down free, used boxes near you. Each option comes with its own benefits and drawbacks.

If you're moving on short notice, buying new boxes is often more convenient. New boxes are clean, uniform in size, and guaranteed to be sturdy—making it easier to pack and load your moving truck. Plus, you can choose specific box types and sizes that suit your needs.

Alternatively, opting for free, used boxes is ideal if you're moving on a budget. Not only does this option help you save money, but it also reduces waste—making it the more eco-friendly choice.

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Where to Get Free Moving Boxes in Montgomery

If you're looking to get free moving boxes in Montgomery, you have plenty of options—from local stores to online marketplaces. Here are the best places to find free boxes near you.

Online Exchanges in Montgomery

One of the easiest ways to find free moving boxes in Montgomery is by looking at online marketplaces. Browse Facebook Marketplace or join local groups like Sell, Trade, & Buy AL Montgomery or Free Stuff in Tri-County Area—where locals often post used moving boxes for free or at a low cost. You can also connect with residents giving away moving supplies through platforms like Nextdoor, Craigslist, and Freecycle. When picking up boxes from someone you've met online, be sure to choose a well-lit, public meeting spot, and consider bringing a friend along for your safety. Alternatively, ask if any of your immediate social media connections have spare moving boxes from recent deliveries or moves that they could give you.

Liquor Stores in Montgomery

Liquor store boxes are a reliable option when moving due to their sturdiness. Some boxes even come with built-in dividers, which can help you safely pack fragile items like dishes and glassware. Call ahead to local Montgomery liquor stores like Tobacco N Beverage, Rusty Barrel, or ABC Select Spirits to see if they have any boxes they could set aside for you to pick up.

Grocery Stores in Montgomery

Montgomery grocery stores are great places to check for free cardboard boxes, as they tend to be durable and resistant to minor impacts. Reach out to grocery stores like The Fresh Market, Renfroe's Market, Publix, or Piggly Wiggly to ask if they can save some boxes for you. Before taking any boxes home, inspect them for food remnants, stains, and signs of pests. Additionally, be mindful when using banana boxes, as they have small holes that may allow small items to slip out.

Recycling Centers & Dumpsters in Montgomery

Some dumpsters and recycling centers in Montgomery—including RePower South—may have cardboard boxes, but it's best to call ahead to ensure you're allowed to take them. Inspect all recycled boxes for structural damage, signs of pests, and stains. Note that you may need to use packing tape to reinforce any boxes that have been broken down.

Other Stores & Retailers in Montgomery

Other local stores that receive regular shipments—including bookstores, coffee shops, and pet stores—may also be willing to give you cardboard boxes. Contact employees at businesses like The NewSouth Bookstore, Prevail Coffee, or Pet Supermarket to see if they'd be willing to set some boxes aside for you.

Where to Buy Cheap Moving Boxes in Montgomery

There are a variety of places where you can purchase affordable moving boxes in Montgomery, including big-box stores, hardware stores, and self storage facilities. Prices typically range from $1.12 for small boxes to $5.99 for larger boxes, depending on the box type and seller.

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

Walmart

Find boxes ranging from 17x11x12 for $1.12 to 27x15x17 for $2.26 at Walmart in Montgomery. There are four Walmart Supercenters in Montgomery that sell moving boxes, along with packing tape, bubble wrap, furniture sliders, and more.

Home Depot

Get cardboard boxes sized from 10x8x10 for $1.28 to 20x24x20 for $3.78 at one of two Home Depot locations in Montgomery. In addition to affordable moving boxes, Home Depot offers moving supplies like mattress bags, moving blankets, and hand trucks.

Lowe's

Lowe's in Montgomery provides moving boxes ranging in size from 16x12x12 for $1.85 to 22x21.5x22 for $3.85. The city's single Lowe's location on Eastern Blvd sells boxes, as well as dish packing kits, furniture covers, stretch wrap, and other packing materials.

Target

Purchase boxes near you at Target in Montgomery—with sizes ranging from 16x12x12 for $1.99 to 24x16x19 for $3.99. There is one Target location in Montgomery that sells boxes, plus storage bins, moving labels, packing tape, and other essentials.

Extra Space Storage

Extra Space Storage in Montgomery provides sturdy moving boxes ranging in size from 16.6x12.5x12.5 for $2.69 to 24x18x24 for $5.99. There are 14 Extra Space Storage locations in Montgomery where you can buy moving boxes near you, as well as tie-down rope, bubble wrap, packing paper, and more.

Where to Recycle Moving Boxes in Montgomery

Once you're finished unpacking after your move, get rid of your cardboard boxes responsibly. If your boxes are still in good shape, consider donating or reselling them through platforms like Nextdoor or Facebook Marketplace. Or drop them off at a convenient Montgomery recycling center near you!

RePower South

RePower South accepts cardboard moving boxes, plus other moving supplies like paper. Their drop-off hours are typically Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Find RePower South at 1551 Louisville St.

LoadUp

LoadUp accepts cardboard moving boxes for a small upfront fee with their curbside pickup services. Their hours are typically 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week. Contact LoadUp at (844) 239-7711 for details on pricing and availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The best time to get free moving boxes in Montgomery is typically early in the morning during the middle of the week, as this gives stores enough time to finish unpacking shipments following the weekend rush. That said, it's always a good idea to call ahead to ensure boxes are available before stopping by.

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

It's not recommended to retrieve boxes from recycling bins or store dumpsters in Montgomery, as many are located on private property—which could lead to trespassing issues. Instead, reach out to store employees to see if they can set some boxes aside for you, or check online exchanges to find free box listings.

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

Extra Space Storage locations in Montgomery offer a variety of affordable moving supplies, including durable cardboard boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, dish protection kits, and more. Buying directly from a storage facility helps ensure high-quality packing materials for your upcoming move.

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

Extra Space Storage facilities in Montgomery provide a range of box sizes to meet your needs, including:

• Small Boxes (1.5 cu ft): Ideal for heavier belongings like books, tools, and small appliances.

• Medium Boxes (3 cu ft): Suited for toys, decor, and kitchenware.

• Large Boxes (4.5-6 cu ft): Best for lightweight, bulky items like towels, bedding, and pillows.

• Wardrobe Boxes: Offer a built-in hanging rod to help keep clothes wrinkle-free.

• File Boxes: Great for organizing and protecting important documents and paperwork.

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