9 Best Places to Get Free & Cheap Moving Boxes in Newark

Planning a local or long-distance move in Newark? Moving costs can add up fast, but sourcing affordable moving and packing supplies is a great way to keep expenses down and stay within your moving budget. Here are some great options for places to find free and cheap moving boxes in Newark!

Should You Buy or Get Free Moving Boxes?

When planning your move, you'll have to decide whether to buy new moving boxes or find used ones for free. There are benefits and drawbacks to both options.

New moving boxes are a great option for sturdiness, quality, and stacking uniformity—which makes loading a moving truck easier and more efficient. It's also much more convenient buying from retailers that are confirmed to have specific box types you need rather than taking the extra time to source them for free.

However, finding free used moving boxes can be more cost-effective—not to mention the more sustainable option, as you're reusing existing material. If you can confirm the boxes are good quality, it can be a great way to save money during a move.

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Where to Get Free Moving Boxes in Newark

You can usually find free moving boxes in Newark through local online exchanges, liquor stores, grocery stores, and other businesses like clothing retailers, bookstores, and auto parts stores. Read on for more great places to get free moving boxes in Newark!

Online Exchanges in Newark

Online marketplaces and apps are some of the best places to get free moving boxes in Newark from other residents who have recently completed a move. Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, Nextdoor, and groups like Newark Your Village Your Community and Buy Nothing Newark will often have posts from residents giving away or selling used moving boxes in Newark at a high discount. Make sure to meet in public places during the day to safely pick them up—and if they're broken down already, be sure to tape them up to reinforce them before you start packing.

Liquor Stores in Newark

Liquor store boxes are often a sturdy option for free moving boxes in Newark, and plenty come with dividers that can work well for glassware and other fragile items. Locations like LBV Cellars, Brick City Liquor, Home Liquors, and North Newark Wine & Liquors may have boxes available to take, but you'll need to call ahead to confirm and ask them to hold them for you. Most liquor stores in Newark are open seven days a week.

Grocery Stores in Newark

Grocery store boxes can be a great option for moving since they're usually sturdy and resistant to minor impacts to help protect shipments of food and other products. You will need to check these boxes for any food stains or residue, damage, or signs of pests. Not all produce boxes will be suitable for moving, since some—like banana boxes—have large holes for ventilation. Call ahead to grocery stores like Seabra's Market, Garden Farm Market, and ShopRite of Newark, NJ to see if they have boxes in Newark for you to pick up.

Recycling Centers & Dumpsters in Newark

Some recycling centers may be willing to give away boxes for free, but you should always call to confirm first. If you take boxes from recycling centers, make sure they are clean, sturdy, and free of any signs of pests. These boxes will usually be broken down, so you'll likely need to reassemble them and tape them up for reinforcement. Recycling centers in Newark to check for free boxes include South Ward Recycling and the Department of Public Works Service Centers.

Other Stores & Retailers in Newark

Plenty of businesses receive shipments and inventory in sturdy boxes that are great for moving, including hobby stores, clothing retailers, auto parts stores, pharmacies, and bookstores. More specifically, Newark residents have reported local CVS, Walgreens, and Barnes & Noble locations may have good options for free moving boxes in Newark as long as you call ahead. Some auto parts stores like AutoZone and Advance Auto Parts may also offer free moving boxes in Newark, but be sure to call ahead to confirm—and check these boxes for grease and damage before using them.

Where to Buy Cheap Moving Boxes in Newark

You can buy cheap moving boxes in Newark at places like hardware stores, self storage facilities, and local moving companies. Expect to find moving box prices ranging anywhere from $1.28 for small boxes to $5.59 for large boxes, with prices varying by brand, retailer, and box type.

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

Home Depot

Choose from moving boxes ranging between 10x8x10 for $1.28 and 20x24x20 for $3.78 at Home Depot in Newark. There is one Home Depot location in Newark that sells moving boxes. Home Depot also sells other moving supplies like moving kits, mattress bags, packing paper, bubble wrap, packing tape, and stretch wrap.

ACE Hardware

ACE Hardware in Newark has moving boxes for sale, with options ranging from 10.5x12x12 at $1.99 to 18x24x24 at $5.59. There is one ACE Hardware location in Newark selling moving boxes and other moving supplies—including packing paper, bubble wrap, moving blankets, lifting straps, stretch film, foam cushioning, packing tape, and moving box labels.

Extra Space Storage

Find high-quality moving boxes near you at Extra Space Storage in Newark! There are five Extra Space Storage facilities in Newark where you can purchase moving boxes, ranging from 16.6x12.5x12.5 at $2.69 to 24x18x24 at $5.99. There are also moving supplies like packing tape, bubble wrap, straps, and protection kits available for purchase.

Van Express Moving

Van Express Moving in Newark offers EcoBin rental packages for a week at a time, with options ranging from 15 bins and one box cart at $99 to 70 bins and four box carts at $225. Van Express Moving offers free delivery and pick-up of all its moving supplies in Newark. They also sell other moving supplies like packing tape, wardrobe boxes, and packing paper—and each moving package comes with moving labels and markers.

Where to Recycle Moving Boxes in Newark

After you've moved into your new home and finished unpacking, you'll probably need somewhere to dispose of moving boxes. One eco-friendly option is to resell or give your moving boxes away online through sites like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist so they can be used again. Another green alternative is recycle them through a local recycling center or curbside pickup service.

Interstate Waste Services

Interstate Waste Services is a paid curbside pickup service and dumpster rental service that accepts cardboard moving boxes, plus other moving supplies like packing paper. Their hours are typically Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., with Saturday hours from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Find Interstate Waste Services at 110 Evergreen Ave.

Newark Public Works Curbside Pickup

The Newark Public Works curbside recycling program collects residents' recyclables twice a week, with one day designated for paper and boxes and the other for bottles, cans, and jars. Check the schedule to confirm your specific collection days. Recyclables should be clean, dry, and placed loose in your bin—not bagged. Make sure to flatten all cardboard before placing it in the bin. Set your bin on the curb by 6 p.m. on your collection day, as pickup occurs between 6 p.m. and 2 a.m.

Newark Public Works Service Centers

In addition to its curbside recycling program, the City of Newark also has four Service Centers for trash, yard waste, and recycling drop-off. The centers are open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m, and closed on Sundays. Locations include:

• 61 Verona Ave - North Ward

• 244 S 12th Street - West Ward

• 99 Earl Street - South Ward

• 29 Waydell Street - East Ward

South Ward Recycling

South Ward Recycling accepts cardboard moving boxes, plus other moving supplies like plastic wrap and packing paper. Call ahead to make sure you can drop off your cardboard and to ask about any fees. Their hours are typically Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. Find South Ward Recycling at 142-156 Frelinghuysen Ave.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The best time to get free boxes from stores is typically early morning or late evening when there's less traffic and staff are likely going through shipments. The best days are mid-week, especially Tuesday through Thursday.

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

It is illegal to retrieve boxes or other items from dumpsters or recycling bins on private property in Newark, NJ. However, you can ask the property or business owner if they are willing to set some moving boxes aside for you.

Does Extra Space Storage sell moving boxes and supplies in Newark, NJ?

Extra Space Storage sells moving boxes and packing supplies at storage facilities in Newark, NJ! There are five Extra Space Storage locations offering moving supplies in Newark, carrying boxes of various sizes along with bubble wrap, packing tape, mattress bags, and more.

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

Extra Space Storage in Newark provides a variety of moving box sizes to accommodate all kinds of packing needs. Options include:

• Small Boxes (1.5 cu ft): Ideal for books, tools, and other small, heavy items.

• Medium Boxes (3 cu ft): Great for kitchen appliances, toys, and decor.

• Large Boxes (4.5–6 cu ft): Best for lightweight items like blankets, pillows, linens, and more.

• Wardrobe Boxes: Designed for hanging and transporting clothing.

• File Boxes: Designed to keep files, paperwork, and important records secure and organized.

These moving boxes can help make your Newark move simpler!

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