8 Best Places to Get Free & Cheap Moving Boxes in Reno, NV

Gearing up for a move in Reno, NV? Whether you're planning to move locally or across the country, one of the best ways to cut costs is by finding cheap or free packing materials near you. Use this guide to learn where you can get free and affordable moving boxes in Reno!

Should You Buy or Get Free Moving Boxes?

When preparing for your move, one of the first decisions you'll need to make is whether to invest in new moving boxes or take the time to search for free, used ones. Both options come with advantages and disadvantages.

Purchasing new boxes might make more sense if you're moving on a tight deadline, as it tends to be more straightforward. Additionally, new boxes are clean, sturdy, and uniform in size—making them easier to pack and stack. This option also gives you access to a wide range of box sizes and types, so you can choose ones suited to your specific needs.

That said, tracking down used boxes for free is the more cost-effective option, leaving you with more money to put toward other moving needs—such as hiring movers or renting a moving truck. Plus, reusing boxes is more eco-friendly.

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Where to Get Free Moving Boxes in Reno

Some of the best places to look for free boxes in Reno include online marketplaces, liquor stores, grocery stores, and other local retailers. Check the following spots for free boxes near you!

Online Exchanges in Reno

Online marketplaces can be excellent resources for finding affordable packing supplies near you. Browse through listings on Craigslist, Nextdoor, and Facebook Marketplace, or join groups like Reno, NV Buy/Sell/Trade, Absolutely Free Reno, or Reno Free Stuff to see if any locals are offering free or low-cost moving supplies. For your safety, arrange swaps in well-lit, populated areas and bring a friend along if possible. If you'd prefer to stay within your immediate network, you can also post on your personal social media to see if anyone you know has spare boxes they could give you.

Liquor Stores in Reno

Make sure to check local liquor stores for heavy-duty moving boxes! In addition to being sturdy, liquor store boxes often come with built-in dividers, which can come in handy for packing fragile items like glassware and dishes. Call ahead to stores like Total Wine & More, Ben's Fine Wine & Spirits, and Lee's Discount Liquor to see if they have any boxes available.

Grocery Stores in Reno

Grocery stores frequently receive large shipments in sturdy boxes, so they may be willing to give you some for your upcoming move. Contact Reno grocery stores near you like WinCo Foods, Safeway, or Smith's to see if you can pick up some boxes. Inspect all boxes for food residue, stains, and signs of pests. Depending on what you're planning to pack, you may also want to stay away from banana boxes, as they have large ventilation holes that could allow smaller items to fall out.

Other Stores & Retailers in Reno

Other places to check for free cardboard boxes include sporting goods stores, craft stores, bookstores, and coffee shops. These spots tend to receive regular deliveries and may have leftover boxes they'd be willing to give you. Contact stores like Nevada Fine Arts, Grassroots Books, The Radical Cat, Pangolin Cafe, or Scheels to see if they can set some boxes aside for you to pick up.

Where to Buy Cheap Moving Boxes in Reno

If you want to purchase new boxes, you can find affordable options in Reno at big-box retailers, home improvement stores, self storage facilities, and more. Costs usually range from $1.12 for small boxes to $5.99 for large boxes, though this varies by box type and seller.

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

Walmart

At Walmart in Reno, get boxes sized from 17x11x12 at $1.12 to 27x15x17 at $2.26. There are five Walmart Supercenter locations in Reno that sell affordable cardboard boxes, plus moving essentials like heavy-duty packing tape, permanent markers, and stretch wrap.

Home Depot

Home Depot in Reno offers moving boxes ranging from 10x8x10 at $1.28 to 20x24x20 at $3.78. There are four Home Depot locations in Reno that sell boxes, along with moving supplies like dollies, lifting straps, foam cushioning, and more.

Lowe's

Buy boxes ranging in size from 16x12x12 at $1.85 to 22x21.5x22 at $3.85 at Lowe's in Reno. In addition to sturdy cardboard boxes, the city's single Lowe's location on Kietzke Ln also offers packing supplies like moving blankets, bubble wrap, and packing paper.

Extra Space Storage

Find durable moving boxes at Extra Space Storage in Reno, with sizes ranging from 16.6x12.5x12.5 at $2.69 to 24x18x24 at $5.99. There are four Extra Space Storage locations in Reno that sell cardboard boxes, as well as tie-down ropes, dish protection kits, tape guns, and other helpful moving supplies.

Where to Recycle Moving Boxes in Reno

Once you're all unpacked, you'll likely want to dispose of your moving boxes. If they're still in decent shape, consider reselling or giving them away through online exchanges like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. Or utilize one of the convenient Reno recycling options below!

Nevada Recycling & Salvage

Nevada Recycling & Salvage accepts cardboard moving boxes, as well as other packing supplies like newspaper. Ensure cardboard is clean and dry before dropping it off. Their hours are typically Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. Find Nevada Recycling & Salvage at 1085 Telegraph St.

Waste Management Sage Street Transfer Station

The Sage Street Transfer Station—operated by Waste Management (WM)—accepts cardboard moving boxes. Closed-toe shoes are required when visiting the facility. Their hours are typically Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Find the Sage Street Transfer Station's cardboard recycling drop-off area at 1100 E Commercial Row.

Waste Management Curbside Pickup

Waste Management (WM) accepts cardboard moving boxes—plus other moving supplies like newspaper—through its curbside recycling services. Recyclables should be clean, dry, and placed loosely in your cart. Break down cardboard so it fits within your cart with the lid closed to avoid fees. On your scheduled pickup day, set your cart at the curb—handles facing away from the street—with three feet of clearance from other objects. Recycling is collected bi-weekly, and 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 usually the best time to get free boxes from local stores. Around this time, stores have usually just finished unpacking and restocking, so they may have empty boxes to give you. However, it's best to call before stopping by to ensure availability.

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

Taking boxes from store dumpsters or recycling bins in Reno isn't recommended, as it's often considered trespassing. A better alternative is to ask the staff at local stores if they could save some boxes for you. You can also browse online platforms to find listings of free moving supplies near you.

Does Extra Space Storage sell moving boxes and supplies in Reno, NV?

Extra Space Storage sells a variety of moving supplies at its Reno storage facilities—including sturdy cardboard boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, furniture covers, and more. Buying from a storage facility helps guarantee dependable materials for your upcoming move.

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

Extra Space Storage locations in Reno offer a variety of boxes to fit your needs, including:

• Small Boxes (1.5 cu ft): Great for heavy belongings like books, tools, and canned goods.

• Medium Boxes (3 cu ft): Ideal for everyday items like toys, decor, and kitchenware.

• Large Boxes (4.5–6 cu ft): Best for lightweight, bulky belongings like bedding and pillows.

• Wardrobe Boxes: Come with a rod for hanging clothes to help prevent wrinkles during transit.

• File Boxes: Designed to keep important paperwork and records orderly and secure.

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