Moving Guide
11 Best Places to Get Free & Cheap Moving Boxes in Raleigh
Preparing for an upcoming move in Raleigh? Whether you're moving across the country, heading to a different state, or simply relocating to a nearby neighborhood, moving expenses can add up in no time. To cut down on costs, use this guide to find free or affordable moving boxes in Raleigh!
Should You Buy or Get Free Moving Boxes?
When gearing up for a move, one of the decisions you'll need to make is whether to buy moving boxes or search for free boxes near you. Either way, there are a few advantages and disadvantages to keep in mind.
If you buy moving boxes, you can rely on uniformity and sturdiness, which makes it easier to pack, label, and stack your boxes. You'll also be able to find specific box sizes and types to meet your exact needs, and possibly even moving supplies like packing tape. Plus, buying boxes is often a more convenient and straightforward process, so it's worth considering if you need to move on short notice.
For those moving on a budget, however, it might be worth the extra time and effort it takes to secure free, used boxes. Not only does this allow you to save some money, but it's also the more eco-friendly option.
Get a Free Moving Box and Packing Supplies Estimate 📦
Wondering how many moving boxes you need? Get a quick, free estimate using our moving box calculator for box size and quantity recommendations, as well as packing supplies suggestions!
Where to Get Free Moving Boxes in Raleigh
There are plenty of places where you can find free moving boxes in Raleigh, including online exchange platforms, liquor stores, grocery stores, recycling centers, and more. Check out the following places to get started!
Online Exchanges in Raleigh
One of the best ways to find moving boxes in Raleigh is through online marketplaces, where users can list boxes and other moving supplies for free or at a low cost. Browse through Facebook Marketplace Raleigh, or request to join Facebook groups like Buy Nothing Wake County, Raleigh Buy, Sell, Trade, or For Sale or Trade Raleigh, NC. Look through listings on Freecycle Raleigh, Nextdoor Raleigh, or Craigslist Raleigh to see if residents near you are selling or giving away their used cardboard boxes.
When you meet up with people from the internet, always exercise caution by bringing a friend along and choosing a well-lit, neutral space. Alternatively, consider posting on your personal social media platforms, asking friends and family to save any boxes they receive from online deliveries for your upcoming move.
Liquor Stores & Breweries in Raleigh
Liquor stores in Raleigh are another great resource for finding free moving boxes! Liquor store boxes tend to be sturdy and often have dividers to section off bottles, making them perfect for transporting dishes, glassware, and other fragile items. Call Raleigh liquor stores near you—like Wake County ABC, Total Wine & More, or Peace Street Market—to see if they have any boxes available. Or inquire about picking up boxes from Raleigh breweries like Raleigh Brewing Company, Brewery Bhavana, or Ponysaurus Brewing Co.!
Grocery Stores in Raleigh
Grocery stores are sometimes willing to give away moving boxes for free, since they often receive large quantities of stock in sturdy cardboard boxes. To see if they can save some for you, call grocery stores like Food Lion, Sam's Club, Harris Teeter, Wegmans, or Costco. You can also check with locally-owned grocery stores like Larry's Super Market or Weaver Street Market.
Before taking any boxes home, inspect them for food stains, evidence of pests, and damage. Additionally, be aware that certain boxes—like banana boxes—have large built-in holes, so they may not be ideal for transporting small items.
Recycling Centers & Dumpsters in Raleigh
Some cardboard recycling centers in Raleigh may allow you to take home moving boxes for free, but it's best to call ahead to confirm. Contact recycling centers like Sonoco Recycling's Raleigh location to see if they have cardboard they'd be willing to let you pick up. Recycled moving boxes are often flattened before drop off, so you may need to tape them back together for reinforcement. Additionally, remember to check for wear, stains, or evidence of pests.
Other Stores & Retailers in Raleigh
There are plenty of other stores that may have spare cardboard boxes in Raleigh, as many receive their shipments in heavy-duty boxes. Get in touch with local bookstores in the area—like Quail Ridge Books, Beow's Books & Brews, and Reader's Corner—to see if they have any spare boxes laying around. Or check with retail stores near you, like Marshall's, Old Navy, T.J. Maxx, and more.
Where to Buy Cheap Moving Boxes in Raleigh
Find high-quality moving boxes boxes for sale at home improvement stores, local moving box stores, self storage facilities, and more. Moving box prices in Raleigh typically range from as low as $0.89 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.
Best Price Boxes
Purchase new or used cardboard boxes from the Best Price Boxes location in Raleigh. Used boxes typically range from 16x12x12 at $0.89 to 24x18x18 at $1.79, while new boxes vary from 16x12x12 at $2.19 to 20x20x15 at $5.99. In addition to cardboard boxes, they also sell moving supplies like bubble wrap, packing paper, and mattress bags.
Home Depot
Get moving boxes in sizes ranging from 15x10x12 at $1.28 to 24x20x21 at $3.78 at one of two Home Depot locations in Raleigh. Home Depot also offers a variety of other moving supplies, including storage bins, furniture sliders, moving blankets, and more.
Lowe's
Find packing boxes at Lowe's sized from 16x12x12 at $1.85 to 22x21.5x22 at $3.85. Raleigh has two Lowe's locations that sell moving boxes and packing supplies like box labels, hand trucks, storage bags, and stretch wrap.
Extra Space Storage
Extra Space Storage offers affordable moving boxes, with sizes ranging from 16.6x12.5x12.5 at $2.69 to 24x18x24 at $5.99. There are 11 Extra Space Storage locations in Raleigh that sell high-quality moving boxes and supplies—including tie downs, protective covers, bubble wrap, and more.
Carolina Packaging & Supply, Inc.
At Carolina Packaging & Supply, Inc., you can order Raleigh moving boxes ranging from 12x12x12 ($65.25 for a bundle of 25) to 24x24x24 ($118.60 for a bundle of ten). They also sell moving supplies like bubble bags, tape, stretch wrap, labels, and more. There is one location in Raleigh offering same-day shipping and will-call pick-ups. Simply give them a call or send an email for a quote.
Ship On Site
Buy moving boxes from Ship On Site in Raleigh, which offers over 32 sizes of boxes. With one location in Raleigh, Ship On Site provides bundle pricing for large orders of moving boxes. They also sell other packing supplies like bubble wrap, tape guns, packing peanuts, and more. For size and pricing details, call them directly.
Find Affordable Self Storage Near You
Extra Space Storage has over 4,000 locations across the U.S. with friendly customer service, advanced security features, and affordable month-to-month rates.
- Save up to 50% off online
Where to Recycle Moving Boxes in Raleigh
Once you're all unpacked and moved in, don't forget to get rid of your cardboard boxes in an eco-friendly way. Start the cycle over by selling or donating your boxes via online marketplaces like Craigslist, Nextdoor, Facebook Marketplace, and more. Or drop your cardboard off at Raleigh recycling centers near you!
Wake County Convenience Centers
Wake County Convenience Centers accept cardboard boxes, along with mixed paper, plastic tubs, and more. All cardboard boxes must be clean, dry, and flattened. While there are 11 total sites in and around the city, there are four located within Raleigh, all open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for easy access:
North Wake Multi-Material Recycling Facility
The North Wake Multi-Material Recycling Facility accepts clean, dry, and flattened cardboard boxes. This drop-off facility is typically available Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Find the North Wake Multi-Material Recycling Facility at 9029 Deponie Dr.
Sonoco Recycling
Sonoco Recycling accepts cardboard moving boxes, as well as other paper products. Their drop-off facility is typically open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Find Sonoco Recycling at 111 S Rogers Ln.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time and day to get free boxes from stores?
In Raleigh, NC, early mornings are the best time to find free moving boxes before they’re flattened or recycled. Visiting during the middle of the week before also increases your chances of finding a wider selection of sturdy boxes that haven't yet been recycled.
Can I legally retrieve boxes from store dumpsters or the recycling bin?
Getting moving boxes from store dumpsters in Raleigh is discouraged, as dumpsters are on private property. Instead, ask store staff to collect boxes for you, or look to neighborhood exchanges where free moving boxes are regularly posted.
Does Extra Space Storage sell moving boxes and supplies in Raleigh, NC?
Yes! Extra Space Storage facilities in Raleigh sell moving boxes, packing tape, cushioning materials, and other supplies to make packing and storage more convenient. Buying from our facilities ensures you'll receive top quality and peace of mind.
What moving box sizes are available at Extra Space Storage in Raleigh?
Extra Space Storage in Raleigh provides a variety of sizes to fit any move:
Small Boxes (1.5 cu ft): For books, fragile keepsakes, or kitchen utensils.
Medium Boxes (3 cu ft): For clothing, dishes, or toys.
Large Boxes (4.5-6 cu ft): For lightweight items like blankets, throw pillows, and soft stuffed toys.
Wardrobe Boxes: For hanging clothes, formalwear, and outerwear.
File Boxes: Designed to keep important records, paperwork, and documents secure and organized.
These box sizes make packing efficient, keeping your Raleigh move on track.
***
Getting ready to move? Extra Space Storage offers a variety of moving boxes and supplies available for in-store pickup at storage facilities in Raleigh!
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.
