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

Getting ready to move in San Bernardino? Moving costs can add up quickly, regardless of whether you're moving across town, out of state, or across the country. Fortunately, moving boxes are one area where you can save. Use our guide below to explore the best places to get free or cheap moving boxes in San Bernardino, CA!

Should You Buy or Get Free Moving Boxes?

As you're planning your relocation, you'll need to decide whether to buy new moving boxes or track down free, used ones. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages.

Purchasing new guarantees you'll get durable, high-quality boxes that are uniform in size, making them easier to pack, stack, and load onto a moving truck. Plus, you'll be able to easily find specific box types and sizes to match your packing needs. Buying new boxes is also the quicker, more convenient option for those moving on a tight schedule.

However, if you're looking to save money on your move, finding free boxes is a budget-friendly alternative. Though it usually requires more time and planning, reusing cardboard boxes also helps reduce waste, making your move more environmentally friendly.

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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 San Bernardino

Free moving boxes can be found through online marketplaces, as well as at local grocery stores, liquor stores, and recycling centers. Here are some places to search for free boxes in San Bernardino.

Online Exchanges in San Bernardino

For free boxes near you, online exchanges are a great place to start. Scroll through listings on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, OfferUp, and Freecycle, or join groups like San Bernardino Buy/Sell/Trade and Buy Nothing San Bernardino to see if anyone in your area is giving away boxes for free or a low cost. When picking up boxes from someone you don't know, make sure to meet in a public location during daylight hours—and bring a friend along for added safety.

Liquor Stores in San Bernardino

Because they're designed to carry heavy glass bottles, liquor store boxes are among the best free moving box options available. Many even include cardboard dividers that are useful for packing dishes, china, wine glasses, and other fragile belongings. Call ahead to San Bernardino liquor stores like Gene's Liquor, Jimmy's Liquor, and Pierce's Liquor to see if they can set aside some boxes for you to pick up.

Grocery Stores in San Bernardino

Grocery stores usually receive shipments in sturdy cardboard boxes in various sizes, which can allow you to safely pack a range of household items. Stores like Ralphs, Stater Bros. Markets, Food 4 Less, and ALDI may be willing to reserve boxes for you if you call ahead. Before taking any boxes home, inspect them for food residue, stains, and evidence of pests. It's best to avoid banana boxes when packing small belongings, as the large ventilation holes could let them slip out during transit.

Recycling Centers & Dumpsters in San Bernardino

Recycling centers and waste disposal sites can be good places to check for used cardboard boxes. Before taking any boxes from San Bernardino Waste Disposal Sites, Main Street Fibers, or other spots, it's best to call ahead and confirm this is allowed. Check all boxes for stains, signs of pests, and structural integrity before using them. Some boxes may already be flattened, so you'll need to reinforce them with packing tape to make sure they're suitable for packing your belongings.

Other Stores & Retailers in San Bernardino

There are many other businesses in San Bernardino that get regular deliveries and may be willing to give you some empty boxes for free. Try calling coffee shops like Bear & Kono's Coffee, pet stores like Abe's Pet Place and PetSmart, or pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens to see if they have any clean, leftover boxes you could come get.

Where to Buy Cheap Moving Boxes in San Bernardino

Find moving boxes for sale in San Bernardino at big-box retailers, home improvement stores, self storage facilities, and more. Prices typically range from $1.12 to $5.99, depending on box type and retailer.

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

Walmart

Get boxes ranging from 17x11x12 at $1.12 to 27x15x17 at $2.26 at Walmart in San Bernardino. There is one Walmart location in San Bernardino that sells moving boxes, as well as other helpful materials like packing tape, moving blankets, labels, and more.

Home Depot

Buy cardboard moving boxes in sizes ranging from 10x8x10 at $1.28 to 24x20x20 at $3.98 at Home Depot in San Bernardino. There are two Home Depot locations in San Bernardino where you can buy boxes, plus supplies like packing paper, bubble wrap, and mattress bags.

Target

Sized from 16x12x12 at $1.99 to 24x16x19 at $3.99, various moving boxes are sold at Target in San Bernardino. The city's single Target location on W Orange Show Rd offers affordable boxes, along with moving essentials like dish packing kits, foam wrap, and storage totes.

Extra Space Storage

Purchase high-quality moving boxes from Extra Space Storage in San Bernardino, with sizes ranging from 16.5x12.5x12.5 at $2.69 to 24x18x24 at $5.99. There are five Extra Space Storage facilities in San Bernardino with moving boxes for sale. You'll also find moving supplies like tie-down ropes, bubble wrap, furniture covers, and more.

Where to Recycle Moving Boxes in San Bernardino

Once you've unpacked, consider getting rid of your boxes in an eco-friendly way. Give gently-used boxes a second life by listing them on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or other online exchanges. Or utilize one of these convenient San Bernardino recycling options.

Main Street Fibers

Main Street Fibers accepts cardboard moving boxes at their drop-off location, as well as other moving materials like newspaper. Their 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 Ontario, CA—approximately 30 minutes from San Bernardino.

City of San Bernardino Curbside Recycling

The City of San Bernardino's curbside recycling program accepts flattened cardboard boxes, plus other moving supplies like newspaper. Contact the Solid Waste Management Division for more details about this program, including when your recycling collection days are.

City Recycling Recyclable Materials Pickups

City Recycling Center offers recycling pickup services in San Bernardino, allowing residents to recycle cardboard boxes and other paper products. Remember to flatten boxes and remove any tape. Hours are typically Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. To arrange your pickup, call (909) 888-5700.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The best time to get free boxes in San Bernardino is usually early in the morning during the middle of the week, shortly after stores finish unpacking shipments from the weekend. Calling stores ahead of time is a great way to ensure boxes are available when you stop by.

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

It's not recommended to take boxes from store dumpsters or recycling bins in San Bernardino without permission—as they're often located on private property, which can lead to trespassing issues. Instead, ask store employees directly if they can set aside some boxes for you, or check local online marketplaces and community groups where residents frequently give away used moving boxes for free.

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

Extra Space Storage locations in the San Bernardino area sell moving boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, furniture covers, mattress bags, and other moving supplies to help make your move easier. Stop by your nearest location to browse available products.

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

To suit your unique packing needs, Extra Space Storage in San Bernardino offers a variety of moving box sizes, including:

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

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

• Large Boxes (4.5–6 cu ft): Perfect for bedding, pillows, towels, and other lightweight, bulky items.

• Wardrobe Boxes: Come with a hanging bar to transport clothing efficiently while preventing wrinkles.

• File Boxes: Help you keep important paperwork, records, and photos 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 San Bernardino! And find more moving resources on our moving hub!