Moving Supplies

8 Best Places to Get Free & Cheap Moving Boxes in Smyrna, TN

Written By Quinn Johnson

Last Updated June 17, 2026

Grassy bank with green trees against a large body of water on a partly cloudy day.

Preparing to relocate in Smyrna, TN? Whether you're moving a short distance or across the country, moving costs have a way of adding up. Looking for affordable or free moving boxes near you can be a great way to save money on your relocation. In this guide, discover the best places to get free and cheap moving boxes in Smyrna!

Should You Buy or Get Free Moving Boxes?

As you plan your move, you'll need to decide whether you want to buy new moving boxes or hunt down free, used boxes near you. Each option comes with its own benefits and drawbacks.

Purchasing new boxes allows you to pick specific box sizes and types suited to your belongings, and they're easy to find at stores near you—ideal if you need to move in a hurry. New boxes are also sturdy and uniform, making them easier to pack and load onto a moving truck.

On the other hand, finding used boxes is best if you're on a tight budget—allowing you to cut costs and allocate more of your budget to other parts of your move. Reusing boxes is also more eco-friendly.

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Where to Get Free Moving Boxes in Smyrna

If you're looking for free moving boxes in Smyrna, great places to check include online platforms, grocery and liquor stores, and other local retailers. Here's where to find free boxes near you.

Online Exchanges in Smyrna

Online marketplaces and community groups are some of the best places to find free boxes in Smyrna. Scroll through Facebook Marketplace, or request to join local groups like Smyrna Buy/Sell/Trade to find posts from locals looking to give away their used boxes or sell them at a low cost. Nextdoor, Craigslist, and Freecycle are other great places to find affordable moving box listings. When meeting up with someone you've met online to pick up boxes, arrange the exchange in a public place and bring a friend along, if possible, for your safety. Or make a post on your personal social media to see if anyone you know has boxes to spare from recent moves or deliveries.

Liquor Stores in Smyrna

Liquor store boxes are often ideal for moving because they're designed to hold heavy belongings, and some even come with cardboard dividers that can help protect fragile items like glassware, dishes, and china. Call ahead to liquor stores near you like Smyrna's Divine Wine & Spirits, Junction Liquors, and Legacy Wine & Spirits to see if they have boxes available from recent shipments.

Grocery Stores in Smyrna

Grocery stores are another popular source for free cardboard boxes in Smyrna. These boxes are known for being fairly sturdy, making them useful for packing a variety of household items. Reach out to local grocery stores like Kroger, Publix, and Food Lion to see if they have any boxes they'd be willing to give away. Remember to check each box for food remnants, stains, and signs of pests before taking them home. Note that banana boxes often contain large ventilation holes, so they may not be suitable for packing smaller belongings.

Other Stores & Retailers in Smyrna

Local establishments like pharmacies, bookstores, and pet supply stores often receive regular shipments in sturdy boxes—and they may be willing to give you some for your upcoming move if you call ahead. Contact stores near you like CVS, The Spine Bookshop, or PetSmart to see if they have any boxes they could save for you.

Where to Buy Cheap Moving Boxes in Smyrna

A variety of department stores, hardware stores, and self storage facilities in Smyrna offer affordable moving boxes. Box prices generally range from $1.12 to $5.99, depending on size, type, and retailer.

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

Walmart

Find boxes ranging in size from 17x11x12 for $1.12 to 27x15x17 for $2.26 at the Walmart Supercenter in Smyrna. In addition to cardboard boxes, this Walmart location in Smyrna also sells moving supplies like bubble wrap, packing tape, and furniture covers.

Lowe's

At the only Lowe's in Smyrna, get moving boxes in sizes ranging from 16x12x12 for $1.85 to 22x21.5x22 for $3.85. This Lowe's location also carries packing tape, stretch wrap, moving blankets, and more.

Target

Get moving boxes sized from 16x12x12 for $1.99 to 18x18x16 for $4.19 at Target in Smyrna. At the Industrial Blvd location, you'll also be able to purchase other moving essentials, including compression bags, dish packing kits, and corner protectors.

Extra Space Storage

Extra Space Storage provides a wide variety of moving box sizes, ranging from 16.6x12.5x12.5 for $2.69 to 24x18x24 for $5.99. There are two Extra Space Storage locations in Smyrna that sell moving boxes, plus tie-down rope, mattress bags, bubble wrap, and more.

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Where to Recycle Moving Boxes in Smyrna

After unpacking, consider donating or reselling gently-used boxes through online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. Or dispose of boxes using one of these Smyrna recycling options.

Rutherford County Convenience Centers

Rutherford County operates multiple convenience centers that accept cardboard boxes, plus moving supplies like newspaper and packing paper. Before dropping boxes off, break them down and remove any packing materials or labels. There are two drop-off locations within the City of Smyrna—the Almaville Convenience Center at 7693 Almaville Rd, and the Smyrna Convenience Center at 112 G St. Their hours are typically Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Waste Management

Waste Management provides curbside recycling services in Smyrna, allowing you to recycle cardboard boxes, as well as packing paper and newspaper. All cardboard should be flattened and placed within your recycling bin. Residents can verify the collection schedule online.

LoadUp

LoadUp offers cardboard recycling services in Smyrna, making it easy to dispose of boxes after your move. Pricing for their curbside pickup services depends on your location and the amount of cardboard you need removed. LoadUp typically operates daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Schedule a pickup or learn more by calling (844) 239-7711.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

In Smyrna, the best time to get free moving boxes is during the middle of the week, particularly in the morning after stores have unpacked new inventory. It's always a good idea to call ahead to see if boxes are available and can be set aside for you to pick up.

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

It's not recommended to take boxes from dumpsters or recycling bins in Smyrna without permission, as they're typically located on private property—which could lead to trespassing issues. Instead, contact store employees to ask if they can save some boxes for you.

Does Extra Space Storage sell moving boxes and supplies in Smyrna, TN?

Extra Space Storage locations in Smyrna sell durable cardboard boxes, as well as other moving supplies—like packing tape, furniture covers, tie-down rope, and more. Purchasing directly from a storage facility helps guarantee high-quality supplies for your relocation.

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

Extra Space Storage in Smyrna offers several box sizes to accommodate various packing needs, including:

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

  • Medium Boxes (3 cu ft): Ideal for kitchenware, decorations, toys, and other everyday items.

  • Large Boxes (4.5–6 cu ft): Perfect for lightweight, bulky belongings like linens, pillows, and bedding.

  • Wardrobe Boxes: Allow you to hang clothes to help prevent wrinkles during transport.

  • File Boxes: Convenient for organizing paperwork, financial records, photos, and other 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 Smyrna! And find more moving resources on our moving hub!

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Author Profile

Quinn Johnson

Quinn Johnson is a moving expert and author for Extra Space Storage. He's moved over 15 times, including internationally, and helped countless others between their own homes. He's happy to lift some boxes for a friend as long as he's paid in pizza. As a writer and content creator for Extra Space Storage since 2019, Quinn shares helpful moving tips and info to alleviate the common stresses of moving.

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Quinn Johnson, moving content author and marketing manager for Extra Space Storage.