10 Best Places to Get Free & Cheap Moving Boxes in Seattle

One of the things you need to consider when gearing up for a move in Seattle is where to get packing boxes. Whether you're moving by yourself or relocating your family, unexpected moving costs can add up quickly. Check out these places to find free and cheap boxes in Seattle to keep your moving budget on track.

Should You Buy or Get Free Moving Boxes?

When collecting moving boxes for packing, you'll need to decide whether you want to buy moving boxes new, find used cardboard boxes, or use a mixture of both. Both options have pros and cons!

If you buy boxes for moving, you can expect quality. It can also be easier to purchase moving boxes at a local store that could also conveniently carry supplies like packing tape than to spend valuable time tracking down used boxes. The uniformity of new boxes can also help with labeling boxes consistently and stacking when packing your moving truck.

Finding moving boxes for free means saving money, which is especially helpful when you are moving on a budget! Getting free moving boxes also contributes to a more sustainable lifestyle because you are getting more uses out of the boxes rather than letting them go to landfill right away.

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Where to Get Free Moving Boxes in Seattle

There are multiple places you can find free boxes throughout Seattle, including online platforms, liquor stores, grocery stores, recycling centers, and other retailers. All of these places can offer different box types you may find useful when packing specific items.

Online Exchanges in Seattle

Try posting online to social media sites to see if anyone can offer used moving boxes for free or for a discounted price. Check out listings on Facebook Marketplace Seattle, or request to join specific Facebook groups like Buy Nothing Seattle/Community, Seattle Buy and Sell Group, or Seattle WA Buy Sell Trade to see if anyone is giving away boxes. Look at Nextdoor or Craigslist as well to see what's been posted, or ask around for some pointers.

When you go to retrieve boxes from people you met online, exercise extra caution by bringing a friend, meeting in a public place during daylight hours, or sharing your location with someone you trust.

Liquor Stores in Seattle

Check out local liquor stores to see if they have any free cardboard boxes to give away. Because they often have built-in dividers and are made for handling heavy bottles, liquor store boxes are especially great for packing dishes, china, and glassware. In the Seattle area, try visiting Downtown Spirits, Northwest Liquor & Wine, Pete's Market & Wine Shop, West Seattle Liquor & Wine, Greenwood Liquor & Wine, or Total Wine & More. Before you head out, call ahead to see which days they receive shipments and ask if they can hold any boxes aside for you!

Grocery Stores in Seattle

Grocery stores regularly receive shipments in cardboard boxes, so they may be willing to give you some. These sturdy boxes are great for carrying heavy objects and resisting minor impacts. Make sure to check your used boxes for any food remnants, stains, or evidence of pests, and be cautious with boxes with holes in them–like banana boxes–as smaller items could fall out. Call your local Trader Joe's, Costco, Fred Meyer, QFC, Kitchen & Market, or Safeway to ask if they have any boxes they'd be willing to give away.

Recycling Centers & Dumpsters in Seattle

When you need free cardboard moving boxes, you can also check out local recycling centers! Give centers like the North Transfer Station, South Transfer Station, or West Seattle Recycling a call to see if they allow people to take moving boxes that would otherwise be recycled. Be sure check each box for staining, tearing, or proof of pests. Most cardboard boxes here will be flattened for recycling, so you may need to pick up some packing tape to reinforce the sides.

Other Stores & Retailers in Seattle

There are plenty of other locations to consider when you want to find moving boxes! Local bookstores like Elliott Bay Book Company, The Secret Garden Bookshop, and Queen Anne Book Company are good places to check, since these boxes are meant for heavy shipments of books. You can also call or visit retail chains like T.J. Maxx or local pet stores like Wally Pets to see if they have used boxes they're willing to part with.

Where to Buy Cheap Moving Boxes in Seattle

If you want know where to buy moving boxes in Seattle for a low price, many home improvement stores, big box stores, or office supply stores offer cheap moving boxes and other supplies. Cardboard boxes for sale in Seattle range from $1.18 for a small packing box to about $8.99 for large packing boxes.

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

Home Depot

You can find cheap boxes ranging from 10x8x10 for $1.18 to 24x20x21 for $3.78 at Home Depot locations in Seattle. There are three Home Depot locations in Seattle that sell moving boxes. Home Depot locations also sell moving supplies like moving blankets, bungee cords, and packing tape.

Lowe's

Find cheap boxes for moving ranging in size from 16x12x12 for $1.85 to 22x21.5x22 for $3.85 at Lowe's locations in Seattle. There are two Lowe's locations in Seattle that sell moving boxes. Lowe's locations also sell other moving supplies like furniture sliders, hand trucks, and moving straps.

Extra Space Storage

Find reliable cardboard boxes for sale ranging from 16.6x12.5x12.5 at $2.69 to 24x18x24 at $5.99 at Extra Space Storage locations in Seattle. There are five Extra Space Storage locations in Seattle that sell moving boxes. Extra Space Storage locations also sell other moving supplies like tie downs, bubble wrap, protective covers, and more.

Office Depot

Get moving boxes ranging in size from 12x12x12 for $3.09 to 20x20x24 for $8.99 at Office Depot locations in Seattle. Three Office Depot locations in Seattle sell moving boxes—as well as other moving supplies like stretch wrap film, bubble cushioning, furniture covers, and more.

HiveBoxx

For a more sustainable option while maintaining easy stacking in a moving truck, try reusable moving boxes which can be rented and returned from Hiveboxx in Seattle. Hiveboxx offers pricing for the number of bedrooms you may have, ranging from 20 boxes for $205 to 100 boxes for $675.

Where to Recycle Moving Boxes in Seattle

Once you have unpacked after a move and broken down all of your cardboard boxes, visit a Seattle recycling center. Seattle has recycling facilities like DTG Recycle, West Seattle Recycling, and the Seattle Transfer Stations. Or, donate or resell your useable cardboard boxes on Craigslist, Nextdoor, Facebook, or to friends who need them.

DTG Recycle

DTG Recycle accepts cardboard moving boxes, plus other moving supplies like mixed paper and styrofoam. DTG asks that all cardboard be clean, dry, and flattened when you drop it off. Their hours are typically 5 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on Monday, 24 hours a day from Tuesday through Friday, and 12 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. They are closed on Sundays. Find DTG Recycle at 74 S Hudson St.

West Seattle Recycling

West Seattle Recycling accepts cardboard moving boxes, plus other moving supplies like newspaper and mixed paper. Their hours are typically Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Find West Seattle Recycling at 3881 16th Ave SW.

Seattle Transfer Stations

Seattle's North and South transfer stations accept cardboard moving boxes, plus other moving supplies like packing paper. Both transfer stations are typically open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Sunday—with the exception of the first Wednesday of the month, which has hours of 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The stations recommend people visit Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays because they have fewer visitors on those days. Find the North Transfer Station at 1350 N 34th St, and find the South Transfer Station at 130 South Kenyon St.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

In Seattle, WA, midweek mornings tend to be the best time to find free moving boxes. This is because many retailers receive large shipments and restock after weekend rushes. To make sure boxes are available when you stop by, it's smart to contact local stores ahead of time.

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

It’s best not to take boxes from dumpsters in Seattle without permission—especially if they're located on private property, as this can be considered trespassing. Instead, consider reaching out to local grocery or liquor stores to see if they have any boxes they could set aside.

Does Extra Space Storage sell moving boxes and supplies in Seattle, WA?

Yes! Extra Space Storage locations in Seattle sell moving boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and other high-quality packing supplies. Buying from a storage facility means you can be confident you're getting durable, high-quality materials. For availability and pricing details, just head to your nearest Seattle Extra Space Storage facility!

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

To accommodate all kinds of packing needs, Extra Space Storage in Seattle offers:

• Small Boxes (1.5 cu ft): Great for books, kitchen goods, or small electronics.

• Medium Boxes (3 cu ft): Suitable for folded clothing, toys, or decorations.

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

• Wardrobe Boxes: Have a metal hanging rod for clothing and coats.

• File Boxes: Built for organizing paperwork, records, and important documents.

These box types are designed to make your Seattle move more 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 Seattle!