Moving Supplies
10 Best Places to Get Free & Cheap Moving Boxes in Palm Springs, CA
Preparing for a move in Palm Springs, CA? Whether it's a local relocation or cross-country move, expenses can add up in no time. If you want to keep costs low, looking for free or cheap moving supplies can help. Here's where to find affordable or free moving boxes in Palm Springs!
Should You Buy or Get Free Moving Boxes?
When you're ready to start packing up your home, you'll have to decide between buying new moving boxes or searching for free, used boxes. Both options offer unique advantages and disadvantages.
If you're on a tight moving timeline and need supplies quickly, purchasing cardboard boxes is the more convenient option. Because new boxes are clean, durable, and uniform in size, they're often easier to stack and load onto a moving truck. Another benefit of purchasing new boxes is that you can choose from a range of sizes and types to match your needs.
On the other hand, taking the time to find used boxes for free is a great way to cut costs—allowing you to put those savings toward other priorities, such as hiring movers or renting a moving truck. Reusing cardboard boxes also reduces waste, making your move more eco-friendly.
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Where to Get Free Moving Boxes in Palm Springs
To find free cardboard boxes near you, check online marketplaces, recycling centers, grocery stores, liquor stores, and other retailers. Here are some of the best places to find free moving boxes in Palm Springs.
Online Exchanges in Palm Springs
Searching online marketplaces can be a great way to score free moving boxes. Browse through Facebook Marketplace, or join local groups like Palm Springs California Buy Sell Trade, Palm Springs Buy Sell Trade, Palm Springs Garage Sale, or Palm Springs Free Classifieds to connect with locals looking to get rid of used moving boxes for free. You may also be able to find listings on Craigslist, Nextdoor, and Freecycle. Always keep your safety in mind when arranging pickups—meet in a well-lit, public area and consider bringing a friend with you. If you'd rather stay within your own network, use your social media to see if any friends have boxes to spare.
Liquor Stores in Palm Springs
Liquor stores in Palm Springs, such as Perry's Fine Wine & Liquors, Mirage Wine & Liquor, BevMo!, and Palm Canyon Liquors & Deli, may have sturdy cardboard boxes available—but it's best to call ahead to see if they can set some aside for you. Liquor store boxes often come with built-in dividers, making them great for packing fragile items like dishes and glassware.
Grocery Stores in Palm Springs
Other good places to find strong cardboard boxes include Palm Springs grocery stores like Ralphs, Albertsons, Jensen's, Vons, and Stater Bros Market. Give these stores a call to see if they'd be willing to save some boxes for you. Grocery store boxes tend to be durable and able to withstand minor impacts, making them ideal for packing a variety of belongings. That said, banana boxes may not be the best option, as they have large ventilation holes that could allow smaller items to fall out. Before taking any boxes home, always check for stains, food remnants, and signs of pests.
Recycling Centers & Dumpsters in Palm Springs
It's possible to find cardboard boxes in dumpsters and recycling centers in Palm Springs. Before showing up, it's best to confirm with individual facilities that you're allowed to remove any boxes you find. The Palm Springs Disposal Services Recycling Drop-Off may be worth checking. Be sure all boxes are free of pests and stains before you start packing. Note that you may need to use packing tape to reinforce recycled boxes.
Other Stores & Retailers in Palm Springs
Various other retailers may be willing to give you used boxes for free, especially if they receive frequent deliveries. Some Palm Springs businesses to ask include local coffee shops like Ernest Coffee and Koffi, as well as bookstores like The Best Bookstore in Palm Springs. Contact them ahead of time to see if they have boxes available and can set some aside for you.
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Where to Buy Cheap Moving Boxes in Palm Springs
You can purchase cardboard boxes from national retailers, home improvement stores, and self storage facilities in Palm Springs. Prices typically range from $1.12 for small boxes to $5.99 for larger boxes, varying based on the box type and seller.
Please note that listed dimensions for boxes with precise measurements are rounded to the nearest tenth.
Walmart
Find high-quality, affordable moving boxes ranging from 17x11x12 for $1.12 to 27x15x17 for $2.26 at the city's single Walmart Supercenter on E Ramon Rd. You'll also be able to purchase moving supplies like packing tape, bubble cushion, furniture sliders, and more.
Home Depot
Home Depot in Palm Springs sells moving boxes sized from 10x8x10 for $1.28 to 24x20x20 for $3.78. In addition to cardboard boxes, the city's single Home Depot location on E Ramon Rd provides moving materials such as packing foam, mattress bags, and dollies.
Lowe's
At Lowe's in Palm Springs, get boxes ranging in size from 16x12x12 for $1.85 to 22x21.5x22 for $3.85. The city's single Lowe's location also sells moving essentials like moving blankets, packing paper, and packing tape.
Target
Purchase moving boxes sized from 16x12x12 for $1.99 to 19x14x17 for $2.99 at Target in Palm Springs. There is one Target location near Palm Springs that sells moving boxes, plus other packing supplies like packing tape, bubble cushion, and packing paper.
Extra Space Storage
Get durable moving boxes ranging in size from 16.6x12.5x12.5 for $2.69 to 24x18x24 for $5.99 at one of two Extra Space Storage facilities in Palm Springs. Along with sturdy moving boxes, Extra Space Storage sells tie-down rope, mattress bags, stretch film, and more.
Where to Recycle Moving Boxes in Palm Springs
Once your home is unpacked, get rid of your cardboard boxes responsibly. Give away or sell gently-used boxes via online marketplaces like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. Or dispose of your boxes using one of the convenient Palm Springs recycling options below.
Palm Springs Disposal Services Recycling Drop-Off
Palm Springs Disposal Services Recycling Drop-Off accepts cardboard boxes. All boxes should be broken down and free of tape. Their drop-off hours are typically Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Find Palm Springs Disposal Services Recycling Drop-Off at 4690 E Mesquite Ave.
Desert Arc Recycling Services
Desert Arc Recycling Services accepts cardboard moving boxes at its Indio facility. Their hours are typically Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Find Desert Arc Recycling Services' drop-off location at 45875 Commerce St in nearby Indio, CA.
City of Palm Springs Curbside Pickup
The City of Palm Springs, in partnership with Palm Springs Disposal Services, offers weekly curbside recycling. Accepted materials include cardboard boxes and newspaper. Break down all boxes before placing them in your blue cart. Place your cart on the curb on your scheduled collection day, at least four feet from obstacles and with handles facing away from the street. Residents can verify the pickup schedule online.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time and day to get free boxes from stores?
Midweek mornings are often the best time to get free boxes, as this is when stores are usually finishing unpacking deliveries from the weekend. That said, it's always a good idea to call ahead to confirm boxes are available.
Can I legally retrieve boxes from store dumpsters or the recycling bin?
Taking boxes from store dumpsters or recycling bins in Palm Springs is discouraged, as this may be considered trespassing on private property. Instead, ask store managers if they'd be willing to set some boxes aside for you, or browse online marketplaces for free boxes near you.
Does Extra Space Storage sell moving boxes and supplies in Palm Springs, CA?
Extra Space Storage in Palm Springs sells an array of moving essentials, including sturdy cardboard boxes, stretch wrap, furniture covers, dish protection kits, and more. Purchasing directly from a storage facility helps guarantee high-quality materials for your upcoming move.
What moving box sizes are available at Extra Space Storage in Palm Springs?
Extra Space Storage locations in Palm Springs offer a wide selection of cardboard box sizes to suit a variety of needs, including:
Small Boxes (1.5 cu ft): Best for heavier belongings like hand tools, canned goods, and books.
Medium Boxes (3 cu ft): Perfect for toys, decor, and kitchen appliances.
Large Boxes (4.5-6 cu ft): Suited for lightweight, bulky items like bedding, towels, and pillows.
Wardrobe Boxes: Built to help prevent hanging garments from wrinkling.
File Boxes: Designed to organize and secure important paperwork, documents, and files.
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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 Palm Springs! And find more moving resources on our moving hub!
Author Profile
Quinn Johnson
Quinn Johnson is a moving expert and author for Extra Space Storage. He's moved over 15 times, including internationally, and helped countless others between their own homes. He's happy to lift some boxes for a friend as long as he's paid in pizza. As a writer and content creator for Extra Space Storage since 2019, Quinn shares helpful moving tips and info to alleviate the common stresses of moving.
