9 Best Places to Get Free & Cheap Moving Boxes in Riverside, CA

Gearing up for a move in Riverside? Whether you're relocating locally or across the country, the cost of movers, renting a moving truck, and other demands can add up fast. Finding moving boxes for free or cheap is a great way to save money. In this guide, discover the best places to get affordable or free moving boxes in Riverside, CA.

Should You Buy or Get Free Moving Boxes?

When preparing to relocate, one of the first decisions you'll need to make is whether to buy new moving boxes or find used ones for free. Each option comes with unique advantages and disadvantages.

Opting to purchase new boxes guarantees they'll be clean, sturdy, and uniform in size—making them easier to pack and stack. You'll also be able to get specific sizes and types of boxes that suit your belongings. Plus, new boxes are easier to find—ideal if you're on a tight schedule.

On the other hand, taking the time to search for free moving boxes is more cost-effective, which can help you stick to your moving budget. Finding used boxes is also a more eco-friendly choice.

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Where to Get Free Moving Boxes in Riverside

You can get free moving boxes in Riverside from online exchanges, liquor stores, grocery stores, and other retailers. These are some of the best places to look for free boxes near you.

Online Exchanges in Riverside

There are plenty of online marketplaces where you can find free moving boxes in Riverside. Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and Nextdoor are great places to start. Locals might also post listings for free or low-cost moving boxes in groups like Buy Nothing Inland Empire, Buy Nothing Riverside, CA, and Buy Nothing Riverside County. When meeting up with someone you don't know to pick up boxes, choose a well-lit, public place, and bring a friend along for your safety. Or, if you'd rather stay within your own personal network, make a post on social media to see if your friends or family members have any boxes to spare.

Liquor Stores in Riverside

Liquor store boxes are generally heavy-duty, and many come with dividers that are great for packing glassware and other fragile items. Call ahead to liquor stores in Riverside like La Bodega, BevMo!, and World Liquor to ask if they can hold some boxes for you.

Grocery Stores in Riverside

Grocery store boxes work great for moving as they're typically sturdy and built to withstand minor impacts. Contact local grocers like Ralphs, Albertsons, and Trader Joe's to see if they have boxes you can pick up. Be sure to check all boxes for food remnants, stains, and signs of pests before taking them home. Consider avoiding banana boxes, as they have large holes that could allow smaller items to slip through.

Other Stores & Retailers in Riverside

Other stores that receive frequent shipments may be willing to give away boxes for your upcoming move. Check with pharmacies like CVS, bookstores like Cellar Door Bookstore and Barnes & Noble, or coffee shops like Starbucks to see if they have any boxes available.

Where to Buy Cheap Moving Boxes in Riverside

Find affordable moving boxes near you at local hardware stores, big-box retailers, and self storage facilities. Moving box prices vary by type and retailer, but generally range from $1.12 to $6.59.

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

Walmart

Walmart in Riverside offers sturdy moving boxes sized from 17x11x12 at $1.12 to 27x15x17 at $2.26. There are two Walmart Supercenters in Riverside that sell moving boxes, along with moving essentials like mattress bags, moving labels, bubble wrap, and more.

Home Depot

Purchase moving boxes ranging from 10x8x10 at $1.28 to 20x24x20 at $3.78 at Home Depot. There is one Home Depot location in Riverside that carries moving boxes. You'll also find other moving supplies for sale, including packing tape, stretch wrap, and dollies.

Lowe's

Get cardboard boxes ranging in size from 16x12x12 at $2.08 to 22x21.5x22 at $4.08 at the city's single Lowe's location on Magnolia Ave. In addition to moving boxes, you can pick up moving materials like stretch wrap, furniture sliders, moving straps, and more.

Ace Hardware

At Ace Hardware in Riverside, buy boxes in sizes ranging from 10.5x12x12 at $2.59 to 24x18x18 at $6.59. There is one Ace Hardware location in Riverside that sells moving boxes, as well as moving dollies, packing paper, moving straps, and other packing supplies.

Extra Space Storage

Extra Space Storage offers high-quality moving boxes sized from 16.6x12.5x12.5 at $2.69 to 24x18x24 at $5.99. There are five Extra Space Storage locations in Riverside that sell cardboard boxes, plus dish protection kits, tie-down rope, tape guns, and more.

Where to Recycle Moving Boxes in Riverside

When you've finished unpacking, get rid of your cardboard boxes in an eco-friendly way. Consider donating or reselling them via online exchanges like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, or take advantage of one of the convenient Riverside recycling options below.

Cash4Cans

Cash4Cans accepts cardboard moving boxes. All cardboard should be clean and flattened. Their drop-off hours are typically Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Find Cash4Cans at 7633 Cypress Ave.

Main Street Fibers

Main Street Fibers accepts cardboard boxes, plus other moving supplies like newspaper. Their drop-off hours are typically Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Find Main Street Fibers at 608 E Main St in nearby Ontario, CA.

City of Riverside Curbside Recycling

The City of Riverside accepts cardboard moving boxes—along with other packing materials like newspaper and styrofoam—through its curbside recycling program. All materials must be clean and fit inside your blue recycling cart. Residents can verify the pickup schedule online.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The best time to get free boxes is generally mid-morning during the middle of the week. Around then, you'll have a better chance of catching stores right after they've finished restocking—meaning they may have some empty boxes you can take off their hands.

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

Generally, it's not recommended to remove anything from store dumpsters or recycling bins in Riverside, as this may be considered trespassing on private property. A good rule of thumb is to always check with a store manager first—or consider calling stores ahead of time to see if they can set aside some boxes for you to pick up.

Does Extra Space Storage sell moving boxes and supplies in Riverside, CA?

Extra Space Storage sells a wide range of moving supplies in Riverside—including sturdy cardboard boxes, as well as stretch wrap, packing paper, tie-down rope, dish protection kits, and more. Purchasing packing materials directly from a storage facility can give you more peace of mind about the security of your belongings.

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

Moving boxes at Extra Space Storage in Riverside are available in a variety of sizes, including:

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

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

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

• Wardrobe Boxes: Suited for hanging everyday clothes and coats to help keep them wrinkle-free.

• File Boxes: Designed for keeping paperwork and important files organized 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 Riverside! And find more moving resources on our moving hub!