11 Best Places to Get Free & Cheap Moving Boxes in Pittsburgh

Are you moving solo or relocating with family in Pittsburgh, PA? Whether you're moving to a new Pittsburgh neighborhood or across the country, you can cut down on moving expenses by using free or affordable moving boxes. Check out our guide to discover where you can find cheap, high-quality moving boxes in the Pittsburgh area!

Should You Buy or Get Free Moving Boxes?

When preparing to move, you'll need to decide if you'll purchase new moving boxes or look for free, used ones. Each option comes with pros and cons.

If you're moving on short notice and looking for a hassle-free way to get boxes, buying new moving boxes might be the way to go. Not only are new boxes easier to find, but you can purchase specific box sizes and types to suit your unique needs—such as dish boxes, wardrobe boxes, or picture boxes. You can even find other moving supplies like packing tape at moving box retailers. Plus, their clean, sturdy build and uniform size help simplify packing, labeling boxes, stacking, and loading on a moving truck.

On the other hand, while searching for free, used cardboard boxes in Pittsburgh can take longer, it's the more affordable option. In addition to helping you save money for other moving expenses, opting for recycled cardboard boxes also promotes sustainability and reduces waste.

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Where to Get Free Moving Boxes in Pittsburgh

If you're moving on a budget, you can find free cardboard boxes in Pittsburgh at grocery stores, liquor stores, recycling sites, and more. Here are some of the best places to look for gently-used boxes for free near you!

Online Exchanges in Pittsburgh

Take the time to search online platforms and marketplaces for cheap or used cardboard boxes in Pittsburgh. Check out Facebook Marketplace Pittsburgh, or request to join local groups like 412 Marketplace or Pittsburgh Area Buy/Sell/Trade. Sites like Craigslist Pittsburgh and Nextdoor Pittsburgh are other great places to find listings for free or discounted cardboard boxes near you. For your safety, it's smart to meet in a public location and bring a friend along when participating in online exchanges. You can also consider asking friends and family on your personal social media to save any boxes they receive from online orders.

Liquor Stores in Pittsburgh

For free, high-quality cardboard boxes, reach out to liquor stores in Pittsburgh. Often equipped with built-in dividers, liquor store boxes are perfect for packing glassware, dishes, and other fragile items. Plus, their heavy-duty build offers a sense of reliability. Call ahead to stores like Fine Wine & Good Spirits, Pennsylvania Libations, or P'Vino to see if they have any boxes to spare for your upcoming move.

Grocery Stores in Pittsburgh

Be sure to check out grocery stores in the Pittsburgh area for free cardboard boxes. These boxes are often sturdy, available in multiple sizes, and may even come with built-in handles. Contact grocery stores like Giant Eagle, ALDI, or Trader Joe's to ask if they'd be willing to set some cardboard boxes aside for you. Before packing any belongings in these boxes, take the time to check for stains and signs of pests. Additionally, consider avoiding banana boxes, which have large holes that may allow smaller items to slip through.

Recycling Centers & Dumpsters in Pittsburgh

Recycling centers in Pittsburgh may allow you to pick up boxes other residents have dropped off. Call ahead to places with recycling bins near you—such as the City of Pittsburgh's drop-off recycling centers—to ask if they'd allow you to take home any boxes you find. Be sure to check all boxes for evidence of pests or stains and ensure they're structurally sound. Since recycling centers typically require boxes to be broken down before drop-off, keep in mind that you may need to tape these boxes back together before use.

Other Stores & Retailers in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh's pharmacies, coffee shops, bookstores, and retail stores can be other great sources for free cardboard boxes. These places typically receive shipments in sturdy boxes, which can give you a variety of options for your upcoming move. Reach out to stores near you—such as CVS, White Whale Bookstore, De Fer Coffee & Tea, or Sam's Club—to see if they have any excess boxes you could drop by to pick up.

Where to Buy Cheap Moving Boxes in Pittsburgh

Office supply retailers, shipping centers, home improvement stores, and storage facilities in Pittsburgh offer affordable moving boxes for purchase. Prices for cardboard boxes in Pittsburgh typically range from $1.00 for small boxes to $5.99 or less for large boxes.

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

Walmart

Walmart in Pittsburgh offers cardboard boxes in sizes ranging from 17x11x13 at $1.00 to 24x16x19 at $2.10. There is one Walmart Supercenter in Pittsburgh where you can moving boxes. They also sell other moving supplies like bubble wrap, tape, and packing paper.

Home Depot

Buy moving boxes sized from 10x8x10 at $1.18 to 24x20x21 at $3.78 at Home Depot in Pittsburgh. With five locations in the Pittsburgh area, Home Depot sells standard moving boxes, as well as wardrobe boxes, mattress bags, moving blankets, stretch wrap, and other packing supplies.

Ace Hardware

Purchase Pittsburgh moving boxes ranging in size from 10.5x12x12 at $1.99 to 24x18x18 at $5.59 at Ace Hardware in Pittsburgh. There are two Ace Hardware locations in the Pittsburgh area that sell cardboard boxes—along with other moving supplies like bubble wrap, packing tape, moving labels, and more.

Extra Space Storage

Find high-quality moving boxes ranging from 16.6x12.5x12.5 at $2.69 to 24x18x24 at $5.99 at Extra Space Storage in Pittsburgh. There are ten Extra Space Storage locations in Pittsburgh that sell cardboard boxes, as well as other moving supplies—including dish protection kits, bubble wrap, tie downs, and more.

Sharpsburg Pack & Ship

Browse over 200 sizes and types of standard and specialty cardboard boxes at Sharpsburg Pack & Ship—and give them a call for more details on sizing and pricing. There is one Sharpsburg Pack & Ship location in Pittsburgh. In addition to moving boxes, Sharpsburg Pack & Ship also sells other packing supplies, like tape, packing peanuts, bubble wrap, and more. They also offer bundle pricing on large orders.

The M. Mallinger Company

Get affordable moving boxes in differing sizes at The M. Mallinger Company. They have one warehouse in Pittsburgh. The M. Mallinger Company offers high-quality, repurposed cardboard boxes, as well as various packing supplies. Fill out a contact form or call them directly to verify specific prices and box sizes.

Where to Recycle Moving Boxes in Pittsburgh

After you've unpacked and organized your new home, don't forget to find an eco-friendly way to dispose of your cardboard boxes. Donate or resell your boxes through an online exchange platform like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. Or utilize one of Pittsburgh's cardboard recycling services!

City of Pittsburgh Recycling Centers

The City of Pittsburgh's drop-off recycling centers accept cardboard boxes, along with other moving supplies like newspaper and paper. Be sure to flatten all boxes before dropping them off at any of the following recycling locations in Pittsburgh:

• East End at 6814 Hamilton Ave; open Monday – Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

• Hazelwood at 40 Melanchton St; open Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

• West End at 1330 Hassler St; open Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Strip District at 3001 Railroad St; open all hours

• North Pointe Breeze at 214 N Lexington St; open Monday – Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

City of Pittsburgh Curbside Recycling

In addition to drop-off recycling centers, the City of Pittsburgh also offers curbside pickup services. They accept cardboard, plus other packing supplies like paper and newspaper. All cardboard boxes must be clean and flattened before being placed in your 32-gallon blue recycling bin. Curbside recycling collection occurs bi-weekly, so be sure to check the online tool to verify your exact collection schedule.

Michael Brothers' Waste Transfer Stations

Michael Brothers' Waste Transfer Stations accept cardboard, as well as other moving supplies like paper. Their recycling drop-off hours are typically Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Find Michael Brothers' Waste Transfer Stations at 901 Horning Rd and 408 Hoffman Rd.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

In Pittsburgh, PA, the best time to get free moving boxes from stores is midweek—early in the morning. This is ideal as restocks typically happen after weekend rushes. However, calling local retailers ahead of time to confirm they have boxes available is recommended!

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

Taking boxes from dumpsters in Pittsburgh without permission can be considered trespassing if they are located on private property. There may also be local ordinances prohibiting dumpster diving. To be safe, it's best to call ahead of time to see if stores would be willing to set some boxes aside for you.

Does Extra Space Storage sell moving boxes and supplies in Pittsburgh, PA?

Yes! For your convenience, Extra Space Storage facilities in Pittsburgh sell high-quality moving boxes, as well as tape, bubble wrap, and other packing materials. Purchasing from your local facility is smart as it ensures you’re using strong, reliable materials to safeguard your items.

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

Extra Space Storage in Pittsburgh provides several box options, including:

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

• Medium Boxes (3 cu ft): Can hold decor, kitchen appliances, toys, and more.

• Large Boxes (4.5–6 cu ft): Great for bedding, lamps, and lightweight goods.

• Wardrobe Boxes: Come with a metal rod for hanging clothing and coats.

• File Boxes: Secure and organize loose papers, records, and important documents.

These boxes are designed to help you stay organized and keep your belongings safe during your Pittsburgh move.

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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 Pittsburgh!