10 Best Places to Get Free & Cheap Moving Boxes in New York City

Whether you're moving out of New York City to a nearby state, relocating across town, or even moving cross country, moving costs can be expensive. To save some money, it's helpful to opt for free or cheap moving boxes. Check out this guide to find affordable moving boxes near you in NYC!

Should You Buy or Get Free Moving Boxes?

When planning a move, you'll need to decide whether you're going to buy new moving boxes or find used ones for free. Each of these options comes with its own set of benefits and considerations.

One advantage of buying new moving boxes is being able to select specific box sizes and types suited to your items. Plus, new boxes are more uniform, which makes them easier to stack and helps you label boxes more consistently. You can also buy as many boxes as you need without having to spend a significant amount of time or effort searching for them—and if you're moving on short notice, new moving boxes are typically easy to find, reliably good quality, and sold with other moving supplies like packing tape.

If you're moving on a budget, finding free, used moving boxes in NYC can be a better option. Not only is it eco-friendly, but it's also more cost-effective and can reduce your overall moving expenses.

Find How Many Moving Boxes You Need 📦

Get quick recommendations for moving boxes and packing supplies with our moving supplies calculator! Fill out a few details about your move, and we’ll provide a free estimate for how many moving boxes you’ll need, along with supplies like packing tape, bubble pack, and more!

Where to Get Free Moving Boxes in New York City

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

Online Exchanges in New York City

Digital marketplaces are ideal for finding cardboard boxes and moving supplies in NYC, with some boxes available for free, and others for a small fee. Look for moving boxes on platforms like Craigslist New York, Freecycle New York City, and Nextdoor New York City. You can also browse through listings on Facebook Marketplace NYC and public groups like Buy, Sell, and Trade Around New York City—or request to join Buy Nothing groups in your area, such as Buy Nothing Lower East Side/Chinatown, Buy Nothing East Village/Alphabet City, and Buy Nothing Upper East Side. When organizing meetups to get boxes from other NYC residents, it's best to choose a well-lit, public place and take a friend with you for safety purposes. If you'd rather stay within your own circle, consider asking family or friends on your personal social media to save any boxes they receive.

Liquor Stores & Breweries in New York City

For free, sturdy moving boxes in NYC, consider checking with local liquor stores. Their boxes are often heavy-duty and may include dividers—which is ideal when it comes to packing fragile items like wine glasses, dishes, and more. Check out liquor stores near you such as Park Avenue Liquor Shop, 55th Street Wine & Spirits NYC, Bee Wines & Liquors, and NRS Wine & Liquor. You may also be able to secure spare moving boxes from local New York breweries like Torch & Crown Brewing Company or Other Half Brewing in Rockefeller Center. It's best to call ahead to confirm these businesses are willing to give out free moving boxes, then request that they save some for you to pick up later.

Grocery Stores in New York City

To find free moving boxes in New York City, consider checking with grocery stores, as they frequently receive deliveries in sturdy boxes of various sizes. Before using boxes from NYC grocery stores, inspect them for food debris, stains, or evidence of pests. Be aware that banana boxes, due to their large holes, are not suitable for all items. Call ahead to New York City grocery stores such as Westside Market NYC, Essex Market, Trader Joe's, or Key Food Marketplace to ask about moving box availability.

Recycling Centers & Dumpsters in New York City

New York City's recycling centers may be helpful in your search for free cardboard boxes. Call ahead to recycling centers near you like Empire State Cardboard Paper Recycling Corp. to see if they'll allow you to take used boxes home for free. Be sure to check recycled boxes for stains, pests, and structural damage before using them for your move. If any boxes are slightly damaged or flattened, you may need to tape them back together for added reinforcement.

Other Stores & Retailers in New York City

Various other stores in New York City receive shipments in durable cardboard boxes, which can make them great resources for your upcoming move. Consider calling large chain retailers such as Staples, Target, and Barnes & Noble—or local stores like Coffee Project New York, The Pet Market, Soho Art Materials, and Strand Book Store—to ask if they have any spare boxes they'd be willing to give away for free.

Where to Buy Cheap Moving Boxes in New York City

Some of the best places to buy moving boxes in NYC include local packing supply stores, self storage facilities, home improvement stores, and more. Moving box prices in NYC typically range from $1.28 for smaller boxes to $8.99 or less for larger boxes.

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

Home Depot

Find moving boxes at Home Depot in New York City ranging from 15x10x12 at $1.28 to 24x20x21 at $3.78. There are around 20 Home Depot locations in New York City that sell moving boxes. Home Depot also sells additional moving supplies like packing paper, moving blankets, and packing tape.

Lowe's

Purchase moving boxes that range in size from 16x12x12 at $1.78 to 22x21.5x22 at $3.78 at Lowe’s in New York City. There are four Lowe’s locations in NYC where you can buy boxes and other moving supplies—including moving box kits, dollies, hand trucks, furniture sliders, and more.

New York Box

Buy moving boxes in NYC that range from 10x8x6 for $2.50 to 24x18x18 for $6.00—plus even larger options for unique needs—at New York Box. There is one New York Box location in New York City. Other packing supplies available for purchase include foam peanuts, foam sheets, stretch wrap, and bubble roll.

Extra Space Storage

Extra Space Storage in New York City offers affordable moving boxes near you, with sizes ranging from 16.6x12.5x12.5 at $2.69 to 24x18x24 at $5.99. There are 52 Extra Space Storage locations in NYC that sell moving boxes, plus helpful moving supplies like bubble wrap, storage bags, stretch wrap, and more.

Ace Hardware

Ace Hardware offers cardboard boxes in NYC sized from 10.5x12x12 at $2.99 to 18x24x24 at $8.99. There are over 15 Ace Hardware locations in New York City with moving boxes for sale. Ace Hardware also provides other moving supplies, such as bubble wrap, lifting straps, moving labels, and stretch film.

Where to Recycle Moving Boxes in New York City

After you've finished unpacking, dispose of your moving boxes in an eco-friendly way. Resell them via online platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist, or reach out to local NYC charities to see if they're in need of any boxes. Or use one of the following recycling centers or pickup services in New York City to get rid of your cardboard boxes!

Empire State Cardboard Paper Recycling Corp.

Empire State Cardboard Paper Recycling Corp. accepts cardboard, as well as newspaper and other paper supplies. You'll need to contact the office to set up an account in order to recycle here—and don't forget to ask about hours, as well. When you arrive at the facility, call the office and wait for instructions. Find Empire State Cardboard Paper Recycling Corp. at 3 Railroad Pl, Maspeth, NY.

Waste Connections of New York

Waste Connections of New York accepts cardboard moving boxes, newspaper, and plastics, offering scheduled curbside pick-up services for a low fee. They ask you to clean all items before recycling them, flatten your boxes, and if any cardboard doesn't fit into your bin, bundle it and tie it together with twine. Their hours are typically Monday through Friday from 7 a.m to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 7 a.m to 10 a.m. Waste Connections can be contacted at (844) 708-7274 for more information or to set up service.

NYC Department of Sanitation

The NYC Department of Sanitation provides curbside recycling services to New York City residents, allowing you to recycle cardboard boxes, packing paper, and plastic. To ensure proper collection, place your recyclables in a labeled bin (55 gallons or smaller) with a secure lid, and set it at your curb between 6:00 p.m. and midnight on your scheduled pickup day. You can use your own bin or order a bin if needed. Cardboard should be flattened, bundled, tied with twine, and set out next to your bin. Consult the collection schedule to verify your exact pick-up day.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

In New York City, NY, mornings are ideal for finding free moving boxes, especially right after stores restock inventory overnight. Midweek mornings are best since most stores have fewer customers and freshly unpacked boxes available.

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

In NYC, dumpsters and recycling bins are typically private property, so it’s not legal to remove boxes without permission. Instead, ask store staff if they’ll save boxes or find listings through local online networks where residents give away boxes.

Does Extra Space Storage sell moving boxes and supplies in New York City, NY?

Yes, Extra Space Storage locations across New York City sell moving boxes, packing tape, and cushioning materials to simplify your move. You’ll find everything needed to keep your belongings safe while relocating or storing.

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

Extra Space Storage in NYC offers multiple box sizes for convenient packing:

• Small Boxes (1.5 cu ft): For heavy or compact items like tools or books.

• Medium Boxes (3 cu ft): For kitchen supplies, toys, and household goods.

• Large Boxes (4.5–6 cu ft): For bedding, clothing, or bulky soft items.

• Wardrobe Boxes: For hanging and protecting garments.

• File Boxes: For paperwork, records, and important documents.

These sizes make it easier to manage moves across the city efficiently.

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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 York City!