10 Best Places to Get Free & Cheap Moving Boxes in Norfolk, VA

Thinking about a move in Norfolk? Moving costs can add up quickly, whether you're moving long distance or making a short move. Help minimize your moving costs by finding free or cheap moving boxes near you. Learn more about where you can find free and cheap moving boxes in Norfolk, VA, in this helpful guide!

Should You Buy or Get Free Moving Boxes?

When you start to pack your belongings, you'll need to decide where you'll get your moving boxes. You can buy new moving boxes or look for free moving boxes in Norfolk. Both options have their pros and cons, and your final decision will depend on things like your moving budget and your moving timeline.

When you choose to buy new cardboard boxes, you get convenience and consistency in box sizes. This makes them easier to load and stack into moving trucks. You can also choose the type of moving box you need like wardrobe boxes, dish kits, and more.

Choosing to use free moving boxes is an easy way for you to save money. Reusing cardboard boxes is also a sustainable way to move, helping reduce waste by giving boxes a second life before they're recycled. While it may take a little more time to collect enough boxes, the savings can make the extra effort worthwhile.

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Where to Get Free Moving Boxes in Norfolk

Norfolk residents can find free moving boxes at a number of places locally, including grocery stores, liquor stores, bookstores, retail shops, and recycling locations. Online marketplaces and neighborhood groups are also great places to search for used boxes from people looking to pass along leftover moving supplies.

Online Exchanges in Norfolk

Online marketplaces and community groups are great places to find free or low-cost moving boxes from Norfolk residents who no longer need their packing supplies. You can check out the Norfolk Craigslist or Nextdoor Norfolk platforms for used moving boxes. Facebook Marketplace and pages like Norfolk Buy and Sell, The Norfolk VA Trader Buy, Sell & Trade, and Buy Nothing Project Norfolk North often have used cardboard boxes available. Some people may give away boxes for free, while others may sell bundles of boxes and packing materials for a small price. When arranging a pickup with someone online, consider meeting in a public location for your safety.

Liquor Stores in Norfolk

Liquor stores are another great place to find moving boxes. These types of boxes are built to carry heavy glass bottles, making them sturdy enough for packing dishes, glassware, and other fragile belongings. Many also include cardboard dividers that can help protect glassware during your move. In Norfolk, check out Virginia ABC and Total Wine & More to see if they have any extra liquor boxes that they can set aside.

Grocery Stores in Norfolk

Grocery store boxes are often sturdy enough to handle canned goods, kitchen items, and other household belongings, making them a great option for moving. Harris Teeter, The Fresh Market, Piggly Wiggly, Food Lion, and Lidl are grocery stores in Norfolk that may have free cardboard boxes. Before taking any boxes, inspect them for food residue, stains, moisture damage, or signs of rodents, pests, or insects. It's also best to avoid banana boxes since the ventilation holes can cause smaller items to fall out. Be sure to call ahead to ask if stores can set aside boxes for you after receiving shipments.

Recycling Centers & Dumpsters in Norfolk

Some recycling centers and cardboard collection bins may have moving boxes that are still in good condition, but it's always best to call ahead or ask for permission before taking them. You may be able to find used cardboard at the City of Norfolk Waste Management recycling drop-off locations. Inspect any used boxes for stains, moisture damage, signs of pests, or weak spots, and reinforce them with packing tape if needed before packing your belongings.

Other Stores & Retailers in Norfolk

Bookstores and pharmacies often have smaller, durable boxes that work well for packing books, office supplies, toiletries, and other household items. Norfolk bookstores like Book Exchange Norfolk and Wands Books can be potential places to find boxes for your move. Consider contacting pharmacies in Norfolk like Walgreens and CVS to see if they have extra boxes available or can set some aside for you after their next delivery. And if you're a current member of the military or a veteran, you can contact the Navy Exchange Package to see if they have any extra boxes that they can set aside.

Where to Buy Cheap Moving Boxes in Norfolk

If you'd rather purchase new boxes, there are plenty of places to buy cheap moving boxes in Norfolk. Home improvement stores, office supply retailers, big-box stores, and self storage facilities all carry a variety of moving box sizes and packing supplies. Depending on the retailer and box size, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1.12 for a small box to $9.99 for a large box.

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

Walmart

Pick up moving boxes ranging in size from 17x11x12 at $1.12 to 27x15x17 at $2.26 at Walmart locations in Norfolk. There are two Walmart locations in Norfolk that sell moving boxes and packing supplies. Walmart also carries packing paper, bubble wrap, stretch wrap, and packing tape

Target

You can find cardboard boxes ranging from 16x12x12 at $1.99 to 24x16x19 at $3.99 at the Target location in Norfolk. There is one Target location in Norfolk that offers moving boxes. Target also offers compression bags, bubble wrap, and dish packing kits to help protect your belongings while packing.

Lowe's

Buy affordable moving boxes as small as 15x10x12 at $2.09 and as large as 24x18x18 at $5.68 at the Lowe's location in Norfolk. There is one Lowe's location in Norfolk that sells moving boxes. Lowe's also sells moving blankets, furniture sliders, and stretch wrap for packing and transporting larger items.

Extra Space Storage

Choose sturdy moving boxes from 16.6x12.5x12.5 at $2.69 to 24x18x24 at $5.99 at Extra Space Storage locations in Norfolk. There are seven Extra Space Storage locations in Norfolk that have moving boxes. You can also find bubble wrap, storage bags, and stretch film at Extra Space Storage to help prepare your items for moving or storage.

Office Depot

Find reliable moving boxes from 14x14x14 at $7.74 to 20x20x20 at $9.99 at the Office Depot location in Norfolk. There is one Office Depot location in Norfolk that sells moving boxes. Office Depot also carries packing peanuts, bubble wrap, and packing tape.

Where to Recycle Moving Boxes in Norfolk

Once your move is complete and you're done unpacking, recycling your cardboard boxes is an easy way to dispose of them responsibly and reduce waste. Norfolk residents can recycle moving boxes through local options like City of Norfolk Waste Management and the Norfolk Recycling Drop-Off Sites. You can also resell them on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist.

Norfolk Curbside Recycling

Norfolk residents can recycle moving boxes through the City of Norfolk's curbside recycling program. Cardboard boxes should be flattened before being placed in your recycling container, and any packing materials, plastic wrap, foam, or excessive tape should be removed whenever possible. Curbside recycling is available as part of the city's residential waste collection services. Residents should place their recycling bins at the curb by 7 a.m. on their scheduled collection day. You can find your recycling pickup schedule by using the City of Norfolk's collection schedule search tool.

Norfolk Recycling Drop-Off Sites

Norfolk Recycling Drop-Off Sites accept flattened cardboard moving boxes, paper, glass bottles and jars, plastic bottles, magazines, newspapers, and mail. There is no fee for residents using drop-off sites to recycle their old moving boxes. These recycling sites are open 24 hours a day seven days a week. Find Norfolk Recycling Drop-Off Sites at 1176 Pineridge Rd and 1188-A Lance Rd.

LoadUp

LoadUp Norfolk offers a convenient way to get rid of cardboard boxes. With LoadUp, you can have people pick-up your cardboard at your house—and if you need the help, they can even break down the boxes for you. Services start at $75, and you can even get same-day pick-up if you book before noon. Book online or call (303) 223-2638.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The best time to ask stores for free moving boxes is typically early in the week and earlier in the day. You can try visiting stores shortly after they receive shipments, such as in the morning, and call ahead to ask if they have boxes available that they can set aside for you.

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

While some businesses may allow people to take discarded cardboard boxes, it's recommended that you ask an employee or manager before taking any boxes, as they may be on private property. If you're able to get used cardboard, avoid taking boxes that are wet, damaged, or contaminated with food or pests.

Does Extra Space Storage sell moving boxes and supplies in Norfolk, VA?

Extra Space Storage facilities in Norfolk do sell a variety of moving boxes and affordable moving supplies. Purchasing boxes from a storage facility is a convenient way to get durable packing materials while you're preparing for a move or organizing your storage unit.

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

Extra Space Storage in Norfolk offers a large selection of box sizes to help make your move more organized:

• Small Boxes (1.5 cu ft): Good for heavier belongings, including books, canned goods, and smaller household items.

• Medium Boxes (3 cu ft): Designed for items like kitchen supplies and other household essentials.

• Large Boxes (4.5-6 cu ft): Best suited for lighter, larger belongings such as bedding, towels, and seasonal clothing.

• Wardrobe Boxes: Keeps garments hanging upright and reduces wrinkles during transport.

• File Boxes: Helps keep important documents, records, and paperwork organized while moving or storing your belongings.

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