10 Best Places to Get Free & Cheap Moving Boxes in Spokane, WA

Moving in or out of Spokane, WA? While moving costs can add up quickly, finding free or cheap moving boxes near you can help you stick to your budget. Here's where to get affordable or free cardboard boxes in Spokane.

Should You Buy or Get Free Moving Boxes?

Whether you're relocating across town or moving long distance, one of the first decisions you'll need to make is whether to buy new boxes or search for free ones. Both options have benefits and drawbacks, so the right choice will depend on your timeline, budget, and specific packing needs.

New boxes are guaranteed to be clean, durable, and uniform in size, which can make them easier to pack and load onto your moving truck. They're also available at a variety of stores, which is convenient when you're moving on short notice. Plus, you'll be able to choose box sizes and types suited to your items.

That said, searching for free boxes can be a great way to save money, allowing you to spend more on other parts of your move—such as hiring movers or renting a truck. Reusing cardboard boxes is also the more eco-friendly choice.

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Where to Get Free Moving Boxes in Spokane

You can find free moving boxes in Spokane via online marketplaces, as well as at local grocery stores, liquor stores, recycling centers, and other stores that receive regular shipments. Here's where to find free boxes near you.

Online Exchanges in Spokane

Online communities can be great places to look for used cardboard moving boxes. Platforms like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and Nextdoor are good places to start. You may also be able to find secondhand moving boxes through local community groups like Spokane Free Stuff, Buy Nothing Spokane County, and Spokane Helping Neighbors & Free Stuff. When planning to meet up with someone you've met online to pick up boxes, be sure to choose a well-lit, public location, and bring a friend or family member along for your safety. Or, if you'd rather stick to your own personal network, consider making a post on social media to see if anyone you know has boxes to spare.

Liquor Stores in Spokane

Liquor stores in Spokane often have heavy-duty cardboard boxes left over from recent deliveries—and many boxes come with built-in dividers, ideal for packing fragile belongings like dishes and wine glasses. Call liquor stores near you—such as Bulldog Liquor & Wine, Sunset Grocery, or Total Wine & More—to ask if they could set aside some boxes for you to pick up.

Grocery Stores in Spokane

Spokane grocery stores—like Rosauers Supermarkets, Safeway, and Yoke's Fresh Market—may be willing to give you sturdy cardboard boxes if you give them a call before stopping by. Be sure to check all grocery store boxes for stains, food residue, and signs of pests. Additionally, be mindful if you choose to use any banana boxes, as they contain large ventilation holes that could allow smaller belongings to slip out during transport.

Recycling Centers & Dumpsters in Spokane

Spokane recycling centers and dumpsters may contain cardboard boxes, but it's best to call ahead to ensure you're allowed to take them for your own use. There are several drop-off recycling locations near Spokane that you can contact to ask about their policies. Be sure to check all recycled boxes for stains and signs of pests before taking them home. Keep in mind that boxes are often broken down before being dropped off, so you'll likely need to reassemble them and use packing tape for added reinforcement.

Other Stores & Retailers in Spokane

Other retailers in Spokane that receive regular shipments may be willing to give you a few boxes for free, but it's best to call ahead to double check. Contact stores near you, like Dutch Bros, Starbucks, and Dollar Tree, to see if they can set aside some boxes for you to come pick up.

Where to Buy Cheap Moving Boxes in Spokane

Several places sell affordable moving boxes in Spokane, including big-box retailers, home improvement stores, and self storage facilities. Prices typically range from $1.12 for small boxes to $5.99 for large boxes, varying by box type and retailer.

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

Walmart

Walmart sells boxes sized from 17x11x12 at $1.12 to 27x15x17 at $2.26. There are three Walmart locations in Spokane that sell moving boxes, as well as packing tape, stretch wrap, mattress bags, and other packing supplies.

Home Depot

Find cardboard boxes ranging in size from 10x8x10 at $1.28 to 20x24x20 at $3.98 at Home Depot in Spokane. There are two Home Depot locations in Spokane. In addition to boxes, Home Depot also carries moving blankets, hand trucks, lifting straps, and other moving essentials.

Lowe's

Get moving boxes in sizes ranging from 16x12x12 at $1.85 to 22x21.5x22 at $3.85 at the city's single Lowe's location. Lowe's in Spokane also offers moving supplies like bubble wrap, furniture sliders, bungee cords, and more.

Target

Purchase moving boxes varying in size from 16x12x12 at $1.99 to 24x16x19 at $3.99 at Target in Spokane. Three Target locations in Spokane sell cardboard boxes and other packing materials—including corner protectors, bubble cushioning, and packing tape.

Extra Space Storage

Extra Space Storage in Spokane provides high-quality moving boxes in a variety of sizes, ranging from 16.6x12.5x12.5 at $2.69 to 24x18x24 at $5.99. There are four Extra Space Storage facilities in Spokane that sell moving boxes, plus bubble wrap, tie-down ropes, furniture covers, and more.

Where to Recycle Moving Boxes in Spokane

Once you finish unpacking your home, you'll be left with lots of empty boxes—dispose of them responsibly! Consider donating or reselling gently-used boxes via Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or other online community groups. Or take advantage of one of these convenient Spokane recycling options.

Spokane Drop-off Recycling Locations

There are several drop-off recycling locations near Spokane that accept cardboard moving boxes, along with moving supplies like newspaper and packing paper. Ensure all recyclables are clean and dry before dropping them off. The following Spokane-area drop-off locations are typically open from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily—though seasonal hours may apply:

• Waste to Energy Facility Recycling & Disposal Site at 2900 S Geiger Blvd

• North County Recycling & Transfer Station at 22123 N Elk Chattaroy Rd in nearby Colbert, WA

• Valley Recycling & Transfer Station at 3941 N Sullivan Rd in nearby Spokane Valley, WA

Spokane Valley University Transfer Station

The Spokane Valley University Transfer Station accepts cardboard and other recyclable materials—like newspaper—at no charge. All cardboard must be clean and dry. The transfer station is typically open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Find the Spokane Valley University Transfer Station at 2405 N University Rd in nearby Spokane Valley, WA.

City of Spokane Curbside Recycling

The City of Spokane's curbside recycling program—operated by Waste Management—accepts cardboard boxes, as well as other moving materials like newspaper and packing paper. All recyclables should be clean, dry, and placed loosely in your blue cart by 6 a.m. on your scheduled pickup day—with lids open toward the street. Ensure three feet of clearance from all other obstacles. If not all boxes fit within your cart, break extras down and neatly stack them beside your cart. Residents can verify the collection schedule online.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

In Spokane, early mornings during the middle of the week are often the best time to get free boxes from stores, as that's when many retailers are finishing unpacking shipments from the weekend. Call ahead before stopping by to confirm whether boxes are available and can be set aside for you.

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

It's generally not recommended to take boxes from dumpsters or recycling bins in Spokane without permission, as this may be considered trespassing on private property. Instead, consider asking store employees if they can save some boxes for you, or check online marketplaces and community groups to connect with locals giving away used moving boxes near you.

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

Extra Space Storage locations in Spokane sell a variety of moving supplies—including durable moving boxes, as well as packing tape, bubble wrap, mattress covers, and more. Purchasing supplies directly from a storage facility can help ensure you have sturdy, reliable materials for your move.

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

Extra Space Storage in Spokane offers several box sizes to accommodate different packing needs, including:

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

• Medium Boxes (3 cu ft): Great for kitchenware, decor, and toys.

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

• Wardrobe Boxes: Allow clothing to remain hanging during transport, helping to minimize wrinkles.

• File Boxes: Ideal for organizing and securing paperwork, records, and 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 Spokane! And find more moving resources on our moving hub!