9 Best Places to Get Free & Cheap Moving Boxes in St Louis

Relocating can be costly, whether you're moving a short distance or across the country. Finding budget-friendly moving boxes and supplies is a smart way to save on moving costs. Check out this guide to learn where you can get cheap or free moving boxes in St. Louis!

Should You Buy or Get Free Moving Boxes?

Deciding whether to buy new boxes or repurpose used ones is one of the many decisions you'll need to make when moving. Each option has its own pros and cons to consider.

One benefit of using new moving boxes is their quality and uniformity, which makes packing, labeling, and stacking more efficient. They’re also typically easier to find, and you can choose box sizes that match your specific needs—making the moving process more organized and predictable. You may even be able to find many of the moving supplies you need like packing tape in the same stores!

That said, used moving boxes can be a great choice if you're moving on a budget. In addition to being more affordable, opting for used boxes in St. Louis is also more environmentally friendly, since reusing boxes reduces waste.

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It can be difficult to know exactly how many moving boxes you’ll need. Our free moving supplies calculator does the math for you, giving you recommendations for box sizes, quantities, and packing supplies based on your home and belongings.

Where to Get Free Moving Boxes in St. Louis

Major retailers, liquor stores, grocery stores, and recycling centers are great places to find free moving boxes. There are also a number of handy online resources you can try. Here are some of the top places to check for used cardboard boxes in St. Louis!

Online Exchanges in St. Louis

One way to find moving boxes for free in St. Louis is to browse online marketplaces. Popular options include Facebook Marketplace St. Louis, as well as local Facebook groups like Buy Nothing St. Louis County and Buy, Sell, and Trade St. Louis. You can also look for box listings from people in your area via Craigslist St. Louis, Freecycle St. Louis, and Nextdoor St. Louis. When arranging a pickup, it's best to meet in a public place and bring a trusted individual with you for safety. If you're not having luck with these options, consider reaching out to friends and family on social media and asking them to save boxes for you.

Liquor Stores in St. Louis

Liquor store boxes are a great option for moving, as their sturdy design makes them ideal for safely carrying heavy or fragile items. Some liquor boxes may even come with dividers perfect for packing glassware. Try calling liquor stores like Stadium Liquor, Randall's Wines & Spirits, or James Henry Provisions to see if they have free boxes you can take for your move.

Grocery Stores in St. Louis

Grocery store boxes tend to be sturdy and built to withstand minor impacts during shipping, which makes them a reliable option when looking for free cardboard boxes in St. Louis. Before visiting nearby grocers like Whole Foods Market, Schnucks, or Straub's, call ahead to ask if they're willing to set aside used boxes for you. Additionally, remember to check the boxes for food residue, stains, or pests—and keep in mind that some types, like banana boxes, often have large holes where small items could fall out.

Recycling Centers & Dumpsters in St. Louis

Another place to find free cardboard boxes in St. Louis is at dumpsters and recycling centers. Just remember to make sure the boxes you pick up are free of stains and pests, and reinforce them with tape before you start packing your belongings. You can often find discarded boxes in St. Louis at government-owned drop-off recycling locations throughout the city.

Other Stores & Retailers in St. Louis

Department stores, warehouse clubs, office supply stores, and similar retailers may have spare boxes available for your move. Check with large chain stores like Marshalls, Sam's Club, and Office Depot to see if they have free, sturdy boxes on hand. You can also try local businesses—bookstores like Left Bank Books, for example, often receive heavy shipments in durable boxes. Just be sure to call ahead before stopping by.

Where to Buy Cheap Moving Boxes in St. Louis

You can find affordable moving boxes in St. Louis at supermarkets, hardware stores, self storage facilities, and more. Prices typically range from $1.78 to $5.99, depending on the size, type, and where you buy them.

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

Home Depot

With boxes ranging from 16x10x12 for $1.78 to 24x20x21 for $3.78, Home Depot in St. Louis has no shortage of options. There are three Home Depot locations in St. Louis that sell moving boxes and other moving supplies, like packing paper, moving blankets, mattress bags, and more.

Lowe's

The Lowe's location in St. Louis is another great source for affordable moving boxes. Cardboard boxes at Lowe's range from 16x12x12 for $1.98 to 24x18x18 for $5.48. You can also find cheap moving supplies like moving blankets, packing tape, and stretch wrap.

Target

Target moving boxes come in sizes from 16x12x12 at $1.99 to 24x16x19 at $2.99. There are three Target locations in St. Louis, each selling moving boxes and supplies like packing paper, bubble wrap, and stretch wrap. You can also purchase moving equipment like foldable utility carts and utility knives.

Extra Space Storage

Extra Space Storage has sturdy, budget-friendly moving boxes in St. Louis, with options ranging from 16.6x12.5x12.5 at $2.69 to 24x18x24 at $5.99. There are 19 Extra Space Storage locations in St. Louis where you can buy boxes and various packing and moving supplies—including protective covers, tape, and bubble cushion.

Where to Recycle Moving Boxes in St. Louis

Stay eco-friendly by recycling your moving boxes when you're done with them. You can sell or give them away on platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Freecycle, or take them to government-owned drop-off recycling locations or other recycling centers in the St. Louis area.

City of St. Louis Recycling Drop-Off Sites

The City of St. Louis Recycling Drop-Off Sites accept cardboard moving boxes, packing paper, aluminum trays, plastic containers, and more. Although most sites are open 24/7, check your closest site's hours before arrival. You can find 25 drop-off sites throughout the city at locations such as:

• 2910 South Jefferson Ave (Engine House #1)

• 2600 LaSalle St (Engine House #7)

• 814 La Beaume Ave (Engine House #9)

• Macklind Ave & Wherry Ave (Street Receptacle)

• N 13th St & Branch St (Street Receptacle)

City of St. Louis Recycling Center

The official City of St. Louis Recycling Center, formerly Earth Circle Recycling, accepts all recycling materials without sorting. This includes plastics, aluminum, cardboard, metals, and more. The site operates Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and can be found at 1660 S Kingshighway Blvd, near St. Louis Water.

University City Recycling Center

The University City Recycling Center is located just outside St. Louis. You can use their on-site recycling bins to dispose of flattened cardboard, mixed paper, glass jars, and metal containers. Find them on 975 Pennsylvania Ave in University City, where they operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Early mornings are the best time to find free moving boxes in St. Louis, MO, as most stores unpack shipments before opening. Mid-week mornings tend to offer the greatest variety of boxes, as most of them have not yet been sent to recycling.

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

It’s not recommended to take boxes from dumpsters in St. Louis without permission, since they are on private property. Instead, ask employees if they can hold boxes for you. Alternatively, search local online communities for free options.

Does Extra Space Storage sell moving boxes and supplies in St. Louis, MO?

Yes! Extra Space Storage facilities in St. Louis carry moving boxes, packing tape, and other protective materials to help make moving easy. These supplies are durable and designed for safe transport.

What moving box sizes are available at Extra Space Storage in St. Louis?

Extra Space Storage in St. Louis provides a range of box sizes:

• Small Boxes (1.5 cu ft): For books, fragile keepsakes, or kitchen utensils.

• Medium Boxes (3 cu ft): For clothing, dishes, or toys.

• Large Boxes (4.5-6 cu ft): For lightweight blankets, throw pillows, and soft stuffed toys.

• Wardrobe Boxes: For hanging clothes and outerwear.

• File Boxes: Designed to keep important paperwork, records, and documents secure and organized.

These convenient box sizes keep packing for your move in St. Louis simple and organized.

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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 St. Louis!