10 Best Places to Get Free & Cheap Moving Boxes in Rochester, NY 

Planning a move in Rochester, NY? Whether you're moving across town or cross-country, moving expenses can add up quickly. Keep moving costs low by searching for free or cheap moving boxes. Here are places to find affordable or free moving boxes in Rochester.

Should You Buy or Get Free Moving Boxes?

Before you start packing your belongings, you'll need to decide whether you're buying new cardboard boxes or finding used ones. Both options come with their own advantages and disadvantages.

Those moving on short notice may find purchasing cardboard boxes are the best option. New moving boxes are clean, durable, and uniform in size, making them easier to load onto a moving truck. Plus, you'll have immediate access to a wide selection of sizes and specialty boxes to fit a variety of packing needs in one place.

Finding used moving boxes, on the other hand, can significantly cut moving expenses. The money you save can help offset other expenses, such as hiring movers or renting a moving truck, which is why this option can be best for those planning a move in advance. On top of that, reusing boxes can reduce waste, supporting an eco-friendly move.

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Where to Get Free Moving Boxes in Rochester

You can find free cardboard boxes in various places, including online marketplaces, grocery stores, liquor stores, and recycling centers. Here are some of the places to look for free moving boxes in Rochester.

Online Exchanges in Rochester

Online marketplaces are a great place to start when searching for free moving boxes. Start the search process by looking at Facebook Marketplace or joining online groups like Rochester, NY: Buy/Sell/Trade Community, Rochester, NY | Buy, Sell, & Trade Spot, Rochester Garage Sale - Sell/Buy/Trade Any Items, Rochester Buy Sell and Trade, and Marketplace Rochester, NY - Buy and Sell On Facebook. Or you may be able to find listings on Craigslist, Nextdoor, and Freecycle. For added safety measures, meet sellers in public, well-lit areas and consider bringing a friend along.

Liquor Stores in Rochester

Because liquor store boxes are made to hold heavy glass bottles, they're typically sturdy and durable. Some of the boxes may also come with built-in dividers, making them ideal for packing fragile items. Give liquor stores in Rochester, like Marketview Liquor, The Liquor Warehouse, Pinnacle Wine and Liquor Store, Whitehouse Liquor & Wine, and Irondequoit Liquor, a call before heading there.

Grocery Stores in Rochester

If you're looking for free cardboard boxes, Rochester grocery stores like Wegmans, Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, Tops Friendly Market, and Abundance Food Co-Op receive shipments midweek and may have boxes available for take if you ask. While most boxes are sturdy, banana boxes may not be ideal because their large ventilation holes can allow smaller items to slip through. Before taking, always inspect for signs of pests, damage, stains, and food remnants.

Recycling Centers & Dumpsters in Rochester

If you want free moving boxes, some recycling facilities in Rochester may allow you to take cardboard boxes. Many take their boxes to drop-off sites like ARG Disposal & Transfer and Monroe County ecopark for convenient disposal. Be sure to reach out to facilities to verify before going.

Other Stores & Retailers in Rochester

Several other retailers in the Rochester area may offer you free cardboard boxes. Check with local Ace Hardware locations, such as Mayer Hardware and Hadlock Ace Hardware, or with large retailers such as Costco and Barnes & Noble locations in Pittsford Plaza or the Mall at Greece Ridge Center. In addition, locally-owned restaurants or coffee shops in Rochester, such as Rabbit Hole Tavern or Mercury Coffee Co., can provide you with some boxes.

Where to Buy Cheap Moving Boxes in Rochester

You can find durable, high-quality moving boxes for sale at home improvement stores, national retailers, storage facilities in the Rochester area. Prices range from $1.12 to $5.99, depending on the size and thickness of the box.

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

Walmart

Walmart in Rochester sells a range of moving boxes from 17x11x12 for $1.12 to 27x15x17 for $2.26. With three Walmart locations in the Rochester area, residents can find moving essentials such as packing paper, mattress bags, and more.

Home Depot

Find a range of cardboard boxes at Home Depot, from 10x10x8 for $1.28 to 24x20x20 for $3.98. With four locations in Rochester—one on Jefferson Road, Panorama Trails S, E Ridge Rd, and Buffalo Rd—you can also find moving supplies for sale such as furniture sliders, bubble cushion, and moving blankets near you.

Lowe's

At Lowe's, moving boxes are available in a variety of sizes, from 15x10x12 for $1.78 to 24x18x18 for $2.78. The city's two Lowe's locations on West Ridge Road and Marketplace Drive also carry moving supplies for sale, such as packing foam, moving straps, and moving blankets.

Target

Target locations in Rochester sell moving boxes ranging in size from 16x12 for $1.99 to 24x16 for $3.99. With four locations on Marketplace Dr, Greece Ridge Center Dr, Skyview Centre Pkwy, and Chili Ave, you can buy moving supplies ranging from cushion wrap to packing tape.

Extra Space Storage

You can find moving boxes at Extra Space Storage, ranging in size from 16.6x12.5x12.5 at $2.69 to 24x18x24 at $5.99. Six Extra Space Storage facilities in Rochester sell not only moving boxes but also tie-down rope, dish protection kits, and tape guns.

Where to Recycle Moving Boxes in Rochester

Once you've unpacked your belongings, recycling in Rochester can keep cardboard out of landfills. You can dispose of boxes at one of the recycling centers listed below.

ARG Disposal & Transfer

If you have more cardboard boxes than your recycling bin can hold, take them to ARG Disposal & Transfer at 111 Woodbury Blvd. Serving the Rochester area, the facility accepts flattened boxes. Contact the facility for additional information.

City of Rochester Curbside Recycling

Rochester residents can easily recycle cardboard boxes through the City of Rochester's curbside recycling program. The city provides a 96-gallon recycling container that accepts flattened boxes. Be sure to have your bin at the curb by 6:30 am on pickup day every other week.

Monroe County ecopark

Monroe County residents can recycle their cardboard boxes at ecopark, located at 10 Avion Dr. The recycling center accepts flattened cardboard boxes and offers convenient drop-off services on Wednesdays from 1 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

It's best to get free boxes from stores midweek in the morning, when inventory is being unpacked. It's good idea to call the stores ahead of time to see if they will give you any.

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

Removing boxes from store recycling bins or dumpster without permission may be considered trespassing on private property. Instead, reach out to the retailers to ask about free boxes.

Does Extra Space Storage sell moving boxes and supplies in Rochester, NY?

Yes, Extra Space Storage facilities in Rochester sell a variety of high-quality boxes and moving supplies, including bubble wrap, packing paper, and more. You can purchase at one of our nearby facilities or order from our website for delivery.

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

Our Rochester facilities offer a large selection of moving box sizes, including:

• Small Boxes (1.5 cu ft): A solid choice for heavy items like books, tools, and pantry goods.

• Medium Boxes (3 cu ft): Used for packing items such as decor, toys, and kitchen appliances.

• Large Boxes (4.5-6 cu ft): Best for linens, comforters, and pillows

• Wardrobe Boxes: Designed to hang coats and other clothing to keep them wrinkle-free.

• File Boxes: Great for holding important documents.

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