10 Best Places to Get Free & Cheap Moving Boxes in Naperville, IL 

Planning to move soon? There are often many unexpected moving costs, whether you're relocating locally, out of state, or across the country. However, finding free and cheap moving boxes in Naperville can help offset expenses so you can stay within your budget. Use this guide to help you find free and low-cost boxes near you!

Should You Buy or Get Free Moving Boxes?

Whether you're a first-time mover or a seasoned pro, you'll need to decide between finding free, used boxes or buying new ones. Both options have their pros and cons.

If you need specific box sizes and types for your items, buying new moving boxes is a safe bet. New boxes are typically higher quality, sturdy, and uniform, making it easier to pack them in your moving truck or vehicle. Plus, they are sold at a wide variety of stores and are more convenient to find.

However, finding free, used boxes is a cost-effective option, especially if you're moving on a budget. Not only are they affordable, but they're also an eco-friendly moving supply, since reusing cardboard helps reduce waste.

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Where to Get Free Moving Boxes in Naperville

Online marketplaces, grocery stores, liquor stores, and recycling centers are among the best places to find free Naperville moving boxes. You could also check local coffee shops, bookstores, and other retailers to see if they have boxes available. Here's where you can find free moving boxes near you!

Online Exchanges in Naperville

Online marketplaces and apps are convenient options for finding free moving boxes in Naperville. Browse through online marketplaces like Craigslist, Nextdoor, FreeCycle, and Facebook Marketplace to find free, used boxes near you—or request to join groups like Buy Nothing Naperville North, Buy Nothing Naperville Southwest, or Buy Nothing Naperville Southeast to see if anyone is giving away boxes. You can also check groups like Naperville Area Sell & Trade for low-cost options. When meeting with strangers in person, practice safety measures—take a friend with you, or meet in a public place during the daytime. Can't find the box sizes and types you need? Try reaching out to friends and family on social media to see if anyone has any boxes available!

Liquor Stores in Naperville

Liquor stores are one of the best places to find free, quality Naperville moving boxes, since boxes used for transporting liquor bottles are typically sturdy and sized for easy carrying. Some may even have dividers perfect for transporting fragile items like dishes and wine glasses. Contact liquor stores like JP Liquors, Malloy's Finest, Extra Value Liquors, and Binny's Beverage Depot to see if they have boxes available or if they can hold some for you.

Grocery Stores in Naperville

You can often find free, reliable cardboard moving boxes at grocery stores, since these boxes are made to be resistant to minor impacts during transport. Reach out to local grocery stores like Naperville's Fresh Market—or your nearest Jewel-Osco, H-Mart, or Heinen's Grocery Store—to see if they'll let you pick up boxes after a shipment. Before you take your boxes with you, check to make sure they're free of food stains, remnants, and pests. You may want to avoid banana boxes, as they have large ventilation holes that smaller items can fall through.

Recycling Centers & Dumpsters in Naperville

Recycling centers can be ideal for finding a variety of cardboard moving boxes in Naperville. Many residents drop off used boxes at Naperville Recycling Drop-Off Center—or nearby centers like Fabyan Parkway Recycling Center in Geneva. Reach out before stopping by to confirm you're allowed to take boxes, and be sure to inspect your boxes for stains, pests, and structural integrity before you start packing. You may also need to tape them up for added re-enforcement.

Other Stores & Retailers in Naperville

Chain restaurants, bookstores, and local coffee shops in Naperville are additional places for finding free moving boxes. These places receive regular shipments, making it easier to choose the right box sizes and types for your needs. Look for quality moving boxes at franchises like Culver's and Barnes and Noble. Or contact local coffee shops and bookstores like Sparrow Coffee, Delah Coffee, and Anderson's Bookshops to see if they have the boxes you need—or if they can save some for you.

Where to Buy Cheap Moving Boxes in Naperville

You can find low-cost moving boxes at hardware stores, home improvement stores, self storage facilities, and packaging supply stores. Moving boxes in Naperville typically range from $1.78 to $7.98 per box, depending on the size, type, and retailer.

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

Home Depot

There is one Home Depot location in Naperville that sells moving boxes, with options ranging from 16x10x12 for $1.78 to 24x20x20 for $3.98. In addition to moving boxes, Home Depot also carries packing supplies like stretch wrap, packing foam, and furniture sliders.

Lowe's

Purchase low-cost Naperville moving boxes at Lowe's—with sizes as small as 16x12x12 for $1.98 and as large as 22x21.5x22 for $4.08. There is one Lowe's location in Naperville that sells moving boxes, plus other reliable moving supplies like moving straps, hand trucks, and moving blankets.

Extra Space Storage

Find affordable, high-quality moving boxes at Extra Space Storage in Naperville, with options as small as 16.6x12.5x12.5 for $2.69 and as large as 24x18x24 for $5.99. There are five Extra Space Storage locations in Naperville that sell moving boxes and other packing & moving supplies—including bubble wrap, protective covers, stretch film, and more.

Ace Hardware

Find low-cost moving boxes in Naperville at Ace Hardware—varying in size from 10.5x12x12 for $2.59 to 24x18x18 for $6.59. There are four Ace Hardware locations where you can find moving boxes, plus reliable moving supplies like lifting straps, moving blankets, and packing paper.

The Boxes Etc.

The Boxes Etc. offers over 200 box sizes in a variety of types—including single-wall and double-wall corrugated cardboard boxes—at affordable prices. Stop by their lone Naperville location to find the box types and sizes you need, plus other moving supplies like bubble wrap, packing tape, and box inserts. Contact The Boxes Etc. for more information on pricing.

Where to Recycle Moving Boxes in Naperville

Once you're settled into your new home, get rid of your boxes in a sustainable way! You can give them away or resell them via platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, and Craigslist, or recycle them using one of the options below.

Naperville Recycling Drop-Off Center

The Naperville Recycling Drop-Off Center accepts cardboard boxes, plus other moving supplies like newspaper. Make sure your cardboard boxes are flattened before dropping them off. Find Naperville Recycling Drop-Off Center at 156 Fort Hill Drive, near Naperville Public Works. They are typically open only on Wednesdays and Saturdays, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

City of Naperville Curbside Recycling

The City of Naperville offers curbside recycling, contracted by Groot Industries. They accept cardboard boxes and other moving supplies like packing paper and newspaper. Place recyclables in your city-issued recycling cart and have it out on the curb by 6 a.m. on your collection day. If you're recycling mixed paper, make sure to place it in a separate bin or paper bag. View the map on their website to find your collection day!

Fabyan Parkway Recycling Center

Fabyan Parkway Recycling Center accepts cardboard moving boxes—just be sure to flatten your boxes before dropping them off. Their hours are typically Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a 24/7 self-service kiosk for select items. Find Fabyan Parkway Recycling Center at 517 E Fabyan Pkwy in Geneva.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Early mornings on weekdays are generally the best time to get free boxes from stores in Naperville, IL, since many stores receive and unload shipments during the week. Call ahead to improve your chances of finding the box sizes and types you need before they are recycled.

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

Illinois state laws don't explicitly ban dumpster diving, but taking boxes from store dumpsters and recycling containers may violate local private property laws. Ask a store employee before taking boxes, or browse through online marketplaces and Facebook groups to find the boxes you need.

Does Extra Space Storage sell moving boxes and supplies in Naperville, IL?

Extra Space Storage locations in Naperville offer a variety of moving boxes, labeling supplies, packing tape, and more to make your move easier. Purchasing your boxes and supplies on-site allows you to ensure they are durable and reliable for your relocation.

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

Extra Space Storage in Naperville offers a variety of moving box sizes, including:

• Small Boxes (1.5 cu ft): For smaller, heavier, or fragile items like books and dishes.

• Medium Boxes (3 cu ft): Perfect for small appliances, electronics, and other common household items.

• Large Boxes (4.5-6.1 cu ft): Great for oddly-shaped or bulky yet lightweight items like lamp shades and bedding.

• Wardrobe Boxes: Hang your clothing for easy, wrinkle-free transport.

• File Boxes: Keep track of important documents.

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