8 Best Places to Get Free & Cheap Moving Boxes in Scottsdale, AZ

Planning a move from Scottsdale? Whether you're moving locally or making an out-of-state move, there are a lot of moving parts. Unexpected costs can add up after budgeting for hiring movers, travel, and setting up utilities. Don't let the cost of packing supplies be a source of stress. Here's how to find affordable moving boxes in Scottsdale!

Should You Buy or Get Free Moving Boxes?

When planning a move in Scottsdale, it’s worth comparing the convenience of purchasing new boxes against the savings of sourcing free ones. Both options can work depending on your budget, timeline, and priorities. Understanding the pros and cons of each can help you pack smarter and reduce stress as moving day nears.

Buying moving boxes offers several advantages, especially if you value organization and convenience. New boxes are uniform in size, which makes stacking in a moving truck easier and more secure. You can also purchase specific box sizes and specialty types—like wardrobe or dish boxes—to help make your experience easier. Plus, new boxes are guaranteed to be sturdy and clean, saving you time compared to searching multiple places for free options.

Finding free moving boxes is often more cost-effective, which can be appealing given Scottsdale’s higher cost of living. Reusing boxes is also an eco-friendly choice, helping reduce waste and extend the life of boxes already in circulation.

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Where to Get Free Moving Boxes in Scottsdale

Check out Scottsdale grocery stores, coffee shops, liquor stores, recycling centers, local retailers, and online exchange groups to find free moving boxes in the Scottsdale area.

Online Exchanges in Scottsdale

To snag free or budget-friendly moving gear in Scottsdale, consider online marketplaces. Websites like Nextdoor, Facebook Marketplace Scottsdale, Buy Nothing Scottsdale (Central), AZ, and Scottsdale AZ Buy Sell Trade Free often have moving supplies listings—and don't forget to keep an eye on Craigslist. For a more specialized approach, consider platforms like Boxcycle or Repackify. Keep safety in mind and always bring a friend or family member for pickups. It's best to coordinate swaps in well-lit, public spaces.

Liquor Stores in Scottsdale

Call ahead to liquor stores around Scottsdale like Total Wine, BottleBuzz, or Tevor's Liquor to check availability, policies, and to confirm the best pickup times. Liquor store boxes are ideal for packing glassware and other fragile items because they are typically heavy-duty and often include built-in cardboard dividers.

Grocery Stores in Scottsdale

Grocery store boxes are great for moving because they are sturdy and can protect fragile items, like dishes, and transport heavy items. Grocery stores like Albertsons, Safeway, and Fry's Food & Drug are great options for finding free used cardboard in Scottsdale because they're designed to be stacked and withstand jostling. Inspect boxes for food residue, moisture stains, or any signs of pests. Unless you are packing large, non-breakable items, you may want to skip boxes like banana boxes that have holes in the bottom to prevent smaller belongings from slipping out. Call ahead in the mornings to ask when stores receive inventory shipments, availability, and any policies on box donations.

Other Stores & Retailers in Scottsdale

Many other retailers in Scottsdale have free boxes you can pick up. Check with local businesses like Grounds on 2nd, where coffee and supply deliveries are common, or Pet Food Depot, which frequently handles sturdy containers designed for heavy bags of kibble. Bookstores like The Poisoned Pen can also be a good source of durable, uniform boxes for packing. Remember to call ahead to ask about availability.

Where to Buy Cheap Moving Boxes in Scottsdale

Big-box retailers, home improvement centers, and moving and storage companies are reliable sources for affordable packing supplies in Scottsdale. While costs depend on the box's size and strength, typical prices around the Scottsdale area range from approximately $1.28 to $5.19.

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

Home Depot

Find a wide selection of boxes for moving Scottsdale's two Home Depot locations. Box sizes range from $1.28 for 10x8x10, up to $3.78 for 24x20x20. You'll also find additional moving essentials, such as foam for cushioning and bubble wrap.

Walmart

Head to one of Scottdale's two Walmart locations to find a broad selection of affordable moving boxes. Budget-friendly options typically start at $1.96 for 17x11x12 boxes and range up to $2.26 for 27x15x17 boxes. Beyond cardboard, these locations are reliable spots to pick up essential packing supplies like bubble wrap, heavy-duty tape, and permanent markers to keep your move organized.

Lowe's

Lowe's in the Scottsdale metro offers moving boxes in various sizes, ranging from $1.98 for 15x10x12 boxes to $3.85 for 22x21.5x22 boxes. The two locations in Scottsdale proper also provide additional moving supplies like moving blankets and specialty moving boxes for TVs and wardrobe boxes.

Office Depot

You can find boxes ranging from $1.99 for a 6x6x6 to $5.49 for a 18x12x12 at Office Depot/OfficeMax in Scottsdale, AZ. Office Depot/OfficeMax also sells a full range of other moving and shipping supplies like packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, mattress bags, labels, and box kits. Their stores also typically offer same-day pickup for online orders.

Extra Space Storage

Find reliable moving boxes and moving supplies at any Scottsdale Extra Space Storage location! There are 15 facilities in Scottsdale where you can purchase individual boxes ranging from $2.69 for 16.6x12.5x12.5 to $5.19 for 24x18x24. Stores also offer professional-grade moving materials, including tie-downs, packing tape, packing paper, and more. Call a facility near you to check on availability!

Where to Recycle Moving Boxes in Scottsdale

After settling into your new home, dispose of cardboard with Scottsdale recycling options. Recycling your moving boxes once you’re done with them is a simple way to reduce waste and make your move more environmentally friendly. Another way to keep things green is by reselling your moving boxes online via Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, Nextdoor, or by donating them to the Buy Nothing Project.

City of Scottsdale Bulk Collection for New Residents

For new residents, Scottsdale City Services has a dedicated collection service for moving boxes. You can schedule a pickup on their website. To ensure your moving materials are collected, make sure they're fully emptied and flattened. Place all boxes at the front edge of your property. Any boxes containing lingering debris will not be picked up. For the associated packing materials, dispose of packing paper in your residential mauve container and place styrofoam in your residential black container.

City of Scottsdale Curbside Recycling

Curbside recycling is available through the City of Scottsdale. Residents are provided a mauve or pink recycling bin that’s collected on the same weekly schedule as trash, and flattened corrugated cardboard boxes, paperboard, and other clean, dry paper products are accepted in that bin when placed curbside by 5 a.m. on your collection day. To make sure your cardboard gets picked up properly, break down and flatten boxes before setting them out so they fit inside the recycling cart and don’t jam the lid or sorting equipment.

Resident Landfill Program

Since the public recycling drop-off locations have been permanently removed, the City of Scottsdale partnered with Salt River Landfill to be the primary destination for drop-off recycling and bulk trash. If you are a city trash customer, you can participate in this Resident Landfill Program and haul up to 2,000 lbs of material (trash or recycling) for free once per calendar week. Located at 13602 E. Beeline Hwy, Salt River Landfill accepts a variety of materials. Be aware of several rules to follow. Tarping is mandatory. Even if you are hauling "clean" cardboard, your load must be secured with a tarp or tie-downs. Failure to do so results in a $20 fine. You must also present the required documents: The top portion of your current City of Scottsdale utility bill (printed—no digital copies) and a valid driver’s license that matches the name and address on the bill are required.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best day and time to pick up free boxes from stores?

Aim for midweek mornings—specifically Tuesday through Thursday—when local grocery stores receive their largest deliveries. Stopping by shortly after they open gives you the best chance to intercept sturdy, high-quality boxes before they are crushed and loaded into the recycling for the day.

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

While the legality of entering a dumpster in Scottsdale is somewhat unclear, it is generally considered illegal or a violation of local ordinances in most practical situations. Because most retail dumpsters are located on private property, entering them can be considered trespassing, and many municipal codes specifically prohibit "scavenging" or the unauthorized removal of materials once they are placed in a waste or recycling bin.

Does Extra Space Storage sell moving boxes and supplies in Scottsdale?

Extra Space Storage sells a variety of moving boxes and supplies directly at its Scottsdale storage facilities. You can purchase items like small to extra-large boxes, wardrobe boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and protective furniture covers in-store or order them online for delivery.

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

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

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

• Medium Boxes (3 cu ft): Ideal for folded clothes, decor, and kitchen items.

• Large Boxes (4.5–6 cu ft): Best for bedding, pillows, and lightweight household goods.

• Wardrobe Boxes: Designed for hanging clothes and longer garments.

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

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Looking for more space while moving or downsizing in Scottsdale? Extra Space Storage offers a variety of moving boxes and supplies available for in-store pickup at storage facilities in Scottsdale. And find more moving resources on our moving hub!