8 Best Places to Get Free & Cheap Moving Boxes in New Orleans, LA

Thinking of relocating to New Orleans? Whether you’re planning a short-distance or long-distance move out of Louisiana, moving costs can be expensive. If you plan to hire movers or rent a moving truck, those costs will increase even more. Use this guide to save on supplies by finding cheap or free moving boxes in New Orleans.

Should You Buy or Get Free Moving Boxes?

Deciding whether to buy new moving boxes or search for free, used cardboard boxes? Each has its own benefits, and gathering packing supplies is one of the first things you'll have to consider when moving to New Orleans.

Purchasing new cardboard boxes in New Orleans is often the most convenient choice. New boxes are sturdy, clean, and uniform in size, making them great for packing, shipping, and loading a moving truck—especially for a cross-country relocation. You’ll also have access to specialty boxes for items like wardrobes, dishes, or TVs to help protect fragile belongings.

If you’re moving on a budget, however, finding affordable moving supplies and sourcing free or cheap moving boxes can significantly cut overall costs. The savings can be put toward other expenses, such as movers or truck rentals. Reusing boxes also contributes to an eco-friendly move, helping reduce waste and enhancing sustainability.

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Where to Get Free Moving Boxes in New Orleans

Tracking down free moving boxes in New Orleans is simpler than you might expect. From neighborhood retailers and liquor stores to recycling centers and local online groups, there are plenty of places to find sturdy cardboard boxes in New Orleans at no cost. Many businesses receive regular shipments and are often willing to set aside used boxes they would otherwise break down or recycle. Here are some places you can try to find lightly used boxes for free.

Online Exchanges in New Orleans

One of the easiest ways to find free boxes in New Orleans is through local online groups. Platforms like Facebook Marketplace offer moving box listings in your area, as well as access to local, members-only groups like Buy Nothing Uptown/Carrollton, Buy Nothing Mid-City/Fairgrounds, or Sell/Buy/Trade NOLA, where residents may offer free cardboard boxes after a move. Posts on Nextdoor New Orleans, as well as NOLA listings on Craigslist's free section, are alternative online options. When picking up boxes, do it in a public place and with an acquaintance. You might also find luck posting a request on your own social media for friends, neighbors, or coworkers who might be getting rid of moving boxes.

Liquor Stores in New Orleans

Liquor stores are often some of the best places to find moving boxes, since they're typically made from sturdy cardboard designed for various bottle types. Many even include dividers, making them ideal for wine glasses and others breakables. In the New Orleans area, consider calling ahead to places like Total Wine & More, Martin’s Wine & Spirits, Elio’s Wine Warehouse, or Brady’s Wine Warehouse to ask if they have boxes available. As shipment schedules vary, it’s a good idea to check what day deliveries arrive and when staff usually break down boxes so you can pick them up at the right time.

Grocery Stores in New Orleans

Grocery stores are another dependable option for free moving supplies. Grocery store boxes are built to handle light impacts during shipping and are great for packing pantry items and small appliances. Contact Trader Joe's, Rouses Market, Robert Fresh Market, and other New Orleans grocery stores to see if they have free cardboard boxes. Before bringing boxes home, check for food spills, moisture damage, or signs of pests. Keep in mind that some produce boxes, such as banana boxes, have large ventilation holes and may not be ideal for packing smaller or loose items. As always, call ahead, as many managers would be happy to set boxes aside after a shipment with advance notice.

Recycling Centers & Dumpsters in New Orleans

Check recycling centers in New Orleans, as they may have disposed boxes you can repurpose for moving. Call ahead at facilities like Republic Services, or visit community drop-offs, including those offered by Glass Half Full or the City of New Orleans. Each option may have free cardboard boxes in New Orleans, though you should avoid ones with stains, moisture damage, or signs of pests. Make sure any boxes you plan to use are structurally sound, and consider reinforcing with packing tape if needed.

Other Stores & Retailers in New Orleans

New Orleans retailers frequently receive shipments, making them a good source for free moving boxes near you. Politely asking staff—especially during restocking times—can often score you sturdy boxes in a variety of sizes without spending a dime. Check local stores in NOLA, such as CVS, PetSmart, Barnes & Noble, and Dollar General, to see if they have extra boxes available.

Where to Buy Cheap Moving Boxes in New Orleans

Affordable moving supplies and boxes can be found at big-box retailers, home improvement stores, packing stores, and self storage facilities in New Orleans. Prices may range anywhere from $1.73 for small boxes to approximately $5.99 for large boxes, depending on the retailer.

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

Walmart

Walmart in New Orleans offers a variety of affordable moving boxes in sizes ranging from 22x13x15 at $1.73 to 27x15x17 at $4.24. In addition to cardboard boxes, you can also find packing tape, bubble wrap, stretch wrap, and corner protectors. With four New Orleans locations, Walmart is a convenient one-stop shop for stocking up on cheap moving supplies near you.

Home Depot

Found at New Orleans Central and I-10 Bullard, Home Depot's two locations carry inexpensive moving boxes in sizes from 16x10x12 at $1.78 to 24x20x21 at $3.78. You can also pick up mattress covers, furniture sliders, moving blankets, and packing tape, gearing you up for a local or long-distance move.

Lowe's

A variety of cheap moving boxes and packing supplies can be found at Lowe's in New Orleans. They offer moving box sizes ranging from 16x12x12 at $1.85 to 24x18x18 at $5.35. Also offering packing tape, bubble wrap, and furniture pads, Lowe’s makes it easy to grab everything you need.

Extra Space Storage

Extra Space Storage has affordable moving boxes ranging from 16.6x12.5x12.5 at $2.69 to 24x18x24 at $5.99 at storage facilities in New Orleans. There are nine Extra Space Storage facilities in New Orleans selling moving boxes in addition to common packing supplies like protective covers, tape, bubble wrap, and more.

NOLA Box Supply

NOLA Box Supply specializes in providing high-quality moving supplies in New Orleans for both residential and commercial moves. They carry sturdy cardboard boxes from as small as 4x4x4 to as large as 30x20x25. They also offer bubble cushioning, mailers, foam shippers, and more. Call ahead to confirm pricing.

Where to Recycle Moving Boxes in New Orleans

Once you’ve unpacked, recycling moving boxes in New Orleans is simple. The city offers several convenient options for dropping off cardboard, including NOLA recycling centers, private recycling facilities, and community drop-off programs. If your boxes are still in good shape, you can also give them a second life by offering them for free or selling them through Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or local Buy Nothing groups.

New Orleans Recycling Drop-Off Center

The City of New Orleans has an official recycling drop-off center, which supports corrugated cardboard as well as packing materials like plastics, newspaper, and more—just be sure to properly separate materials before disposal. Visit Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Find the New Orleans Recycling Drop-Off Center at 2829 Elysian Fields Ave.

Glass Half Full

Glass Half Full has several drop-off locations throughout New Orleans, and while they primarily recycle glass materials, some drop-offs accept non-glass materials. In particular, their main recycling center accepts cardboard, packing paper, shredded paper, and more. This center is open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Wednesday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. Find Glass Half Full's main recycling center at at 3935 Louisa St.

Republic Services

Republic Services is an all-in-one provider for recycling in New Orleans, offering residential and commercial services, including recycling, trash pickup, and dumpster rentals. Cardboard should be dry, flattened, and any plastic bags and liners should be removed. Visit their NOLA recycling center from 4:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday. Find Republic Services at 804 L and A Rd in Metarie.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

In New Orleans, early mornings are ideal for picking up free moving boxes, as stores are busy unpacking overnight shipments and restocking their shelves. Midweek tends to offer the best selection of cardboard boxes for free before they’re broken down or sent for recycling. Getting there early also gives you the best chance of scoring boxes that are still in great condition.

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

It's not recommended to go dumpster diving in New Orleans, as store dumpsters and recycling bins are considered private property. A safer approach is to ask store employees if they have extra boxes, or to check for moving boxes online through social media groups or Buy Nothing New Orleans.

Does Extra Space Storage sell moving boxes and supplies in New Orleans, LA?

Yes! Extra Space Storage in New Orleans carries a wide variety of moving supplies, including boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape, mattress covers, and labels. Buying directly from a nearby facility ensures your packing supplies are sturdy and reliable for a safe, organized move.

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

Extra Space Storage in New Orleans offers multiple box sizes to fit different packing needs:

• Small Boxes (1.5 cu ft): Ideal for heavy items like books, tools, or canned goods

• Medium Boxes (3 cu ft): Great for kitchen items, toys, and everyday household goods

• Large Boxes (4.5 - 6 cu ft): Best for bedding, clothing, & bulky but lightweight items

• Wardrobe Boxes: Designed for hanging clothes to keep them wrinkle-free

• File Boxes: Perfect for organizing & protecting documents & paperwork

With these options, you can stay organized and make your New Orleans move more efficient.

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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 New Orleans! And find more moving resources on our moving hub!