10 Best Places to Get Free & Cheap Moving Boxes in Portland

Moving in Portland, OR? Moving expenses can quickly add up, whether you're moving out of state or across town to another Portland neighborhood. Help reduce your moving costs by using this guide to find cheap or free moving boxes in Portland!

Should You Buy or Get Free Moving Boxes?

When planning a move, you'll need to decide whether to purchase new boxes or take the time to find free moving boxes. Each of these options comes with pros and cons to consider.

If you need specific sizes and types of boxes to pack your belongings, purchasing moving boxes is a great option. New boxes are durable, clean, and consistently sized, allowing easier labeling of boxes and loading onto the moving truck or into your personal vehicle. Buying new boxes also saves you time from having to go out and search for used ones, and the store you visit can be a one-stop shop for other moving supplies like packing tape.

However, finding free moving boxes in Portland is a smart way to cut costs, allowing you to allocate more of your budget to other moving essentials. Opting for free or used moving boxes is also an eco-friendly and sustainable moving option, as it helps reduce waste.

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Where to Get Free Moving Boxes in Portland

You can find free, used cardboard boxes at local Portland grocery stores, liquor stores, recycling centers, and other retailers, as well as through online exchange platforms. If you're moving on a budget, these options can help you source boxes at no cost.

Online Exchanges in Portland

Free moving boxes and supplies are available on a variety of online marketplaces in Portland. Try checking Facebook Marketplace—including the free page—and Facebook groups in Portland such as Buy/Sell/Trade/Portland, OR and Buy Nothing Portland Oregon. Sites like Craigslist Portland, Nextdoor Portland, and Freecycle Portland are other great options for free or significantly discounted cardboard boxes. When participating in online exchanges, remember to meet in a public location and bring a friend along for extra security. Additionally, consider asking friends and family on social media to save any boxes they receive from online orders.

Liquor Stores in Portland

For heavy-duty moving boxes, check with local liquor stores in the area. Cardboard liquor boxes are designed to carry heavy bottles, making them sturdy and an excellent option for packing glasses, dishes, and other kitchenware. Some boxes may even include dividers to help prevent items from shifting. Contact local Portland liquor stores like Tenth Avenue Liquor, Hollywood Beverage, or Pearl Specialty to see if they have free boxes available.

Grocery Stores in Portland

Portland grocery stores are another great option for finding free moving boxes. Cardboard boxes from grocery stores are often sturdy, come in various sizes, and might even come with built-in handles, making it easier to carry heavy items. Reach out to your nearest Safeway, Fred Meyer, or local grocery stores like New Seasons Market and Beaumont Market to see if they would set some cardboard boxes aside for you. When picking up boxes from grocery stores, check for stains or signs of pests, ensuring that they're safe to pack your belongings in. Additionally, be mindful of certain product boxes—like banana boxes—which have large holes that may allow smaller items to fall through.

Recycling Centers & Dumpsters in Portland

Many Portland residents drop off their used cardboard boxes at local local recycling centers like Metro Central or Columbia Recycling PDX. Before visiting a center near you, call ahead to check if they allow free box pickups. When selecting recycled boxes, remember to inspect them for stains, durability, and pests. Since recycling centers require boxes to be flattened, you may need to reassemble and reinforce them with tape before use.

Other Stores & Retailers in Portland

If you need additional places to find free moving boxes, check out other Portland retailers and convenience stores. These businesses receive large inventory shipments and may have excess cardboard boxes they will give away for free. Stores like Ross Dress For Less, Plaid Pantry, and local bookstores like Powell's City of Books and Broadway Books are great places to ask.

Where to Buy Cheap Moving Boxes in Portland

Some of the best places to buy affordable moving boxes in Portland include self storage facilities, office supply stores, and home improvement stores. Rose City residents can find cardboard moving boxes in various sizes, with prices typically ranging from $1.28 for small boxes to $8.99 for large boxes.

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

Home Depot

You can find moving boxes in various sizes—from 15x10x12 at $1.28 to 27x15x16 at $2.58—at Home Depot in Portland. With four locations in PDX, Home Depot offers moving boxes and other moving supplies—including bubble cushion, moving blankets, and packing foam.

Lowe's

Purchase Portland moving boxes in sizes from 16x12x12 for $1.75 to 22x21.5x22 for $3.75 at Lowe's, which has one store in the Portland area. Lowe's also sells several other moving supplies, such as packing paper, stretch wrap, and packing tape.

Office Depot

Boxes at Office Depot in Portland range from 6x6x6 at $1.89 to 20x20x24 at $8.99. There are two Office Depot locations in Portland that sell moving boxes. These stores also carry supplies like packing peanuts, packing tape, and more.

Ace Hardware

Moving boxes are available in sizes from 10.5x12x12 for $2.59 to 16x15x16 for $7.59 at Ace Hardware in Portland. With eight locations throughout the city, this home improvement store also sells lifting straps, moving labels, bubble wrap, and other moving supplies.

Extra Space Storage

Extra Space Storage in Portland sells a variety of high-quality packing and moving supplies. Buy cheap moving boxes ranging from 16.6x12.5x12.5 at $2.69 to 24x18x24 at $5.99, along with moving supplies like dish protection kits, stretch wrap, and tie downs. There are six Extra Space Storage locations in the city of Portland.

Where to Recycle Moving Boxes in Portland

After you move and have started to settle into your new city, you'll likely want to dispose of your empty boxes. Stay eco-friendly by giving them away to someone else, reselling them online through platforms like Nextdoor or Craigslist, or recycling them at Portland recycling centers like the ones listed below!

Columbia Recycling PDX

Recycle cardboard moving boxes for free at Columbia Recycling PDX—and be sure to remove any plastic packaging, tape, and styrofoam from your boxes prior to drop-off. Their business hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday. Find Columbia Recycling PDX located at 11402 NE Marx St.

Metro Central

Metro Central accepts corrugated cardboard boxes and other moving supplies like newspaper, plastic tubs, and glass jars. These items and many others can be recycled at no cost—though fees may be charged for certain items. Metro Central's hours are typically Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Find their facility at 6161 NW 61st Ave.

Environmentally Conscious Recycling (ECR)

Environmentally Conscious Recycling (ECR) accepts cardboard moving boxes and packing paper for a $50 minimum charge. You can drop off your moving boxes at their facility Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., or Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ECR is located at 12409 NE San Rafael.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

In Portland, OR, mornings are the best time to check for free boxes, right after restocking and deliveries. Stores often discard boxes early in the day, so visiting midweek mornings increases your chances of finding sturdy cartons.

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

Taking boxes from dumpsters in Portland isn’t recommended since dumpsters are private property. Instead, ask store staff or use neighborhood exchange groups to find free, pre-used boxes safely.

Does Extra Space Storage sell moving boxes and supplies in Portland, OR?

Yes, Extra Space Storage facilities across Portland sell moving boxes, packing tape, and cushioning materials. You can pick up everything you need on-site, making your moving process more efficient.

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

Extra Space Storage in Portland offers several box sizes to simplify your move:

• Small Boxes: For books, canned goods, and office supplies.

• Medium Boxes: For cookware, small electronics, or folded clothing.

• Large Boxes: For pillows, bedding, and soft household goods.

• Wardrobe Boxes: Designed for hanging clothes, coats, or uniforms.

• Dish/Glass Boxes: Include partitions for dishes, cups, and glass items.

These box options help protect your items while keeping packing organized and stress-free.

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Getting ready to move? Extra Storage offers a large selection of moving boxes and supplies available for in-store pickup at storage facilities in Portland!