10 Best Places to Get Free & Cheap Moving Boxes in Troy, MI

Moving in Troy, MI? Whether you're relocating locally or moving out of state, there are a lot of costs to budget for—from movers to truck rentals. One of the easiest ways to save money during your move is by finding affordable or free moving boxes near you. Here are the best places to look for free or cheap moving boxes in Troy!

Should You Buy or Get Free Moving Boxes?

Whether you should buy new moving boxes or source used ones for free depends on your timeline, budget, and priorities. Both approaches have benefits and drawbacks.

If you're moving on a tight schedule or transporting a large number of items over a long distance, buying boxes new may be the more convenient option. New boxes are clean, structurally reliable, and uniform in size—making them easier to pack and load into a moving truck. You can also choose from different moving box types for your items, which makes packing more efficient and secure.

However, if you have more flexibility in your moving timeline, finding free cardboard boxes in Troy can help reduce your costs. While this option typically requires more prep time—since you’ll need to locate, inspect, and reinforce boxes as needed—it’s an eco-friendly and budget-friendly alternative to buying new.

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Where to Get Free Moving Boxes in Troy

There are a variety of local liquor stores, grocery stores, recycling centers, and other businesses where you can find free boxes in Troy. Online marketplaces are another great resource. These are the best places to start looking for free moving boxes near you.

Online Exchanges in Troy

One easy way to find free moving boxes in Troy is by checking online platforms. Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, Craigslist, and local groups like Buy Nothing Troy (Northwest), MI and Troy, Michigan Buy, Sell, & Trade often have listings for free or low-cost boxes. When scheduling a meet-up to get boxes, choose a well-lit, public location, and bring someone with you for added safety. You can also post a request on your personal social media page, as friends and family members may have cardboard boxes from recent deliveries or moves that they'd be happy to give you.

Liquor Stores in Troy

Liquor store boxes are known for being strong and durable, making them an ideal option for packing and moving. Some boxes even come with built-in dividers and reinforced sides—making them especially useful for packing wine glasses, china, and other fragile items. Call local stores like Red Wagon of Troy, Manny's Liquor Shoppe, and XO Liquor to ask if they can set some boxes aside.

Grocery Stores in Troy

Grocery stores receive a steady supply of clean, sturdy boxes from inventory shipments, making them one of the best places to get free moving boxes in Troy. Stores like Kroger, ALDI, Fresh Thyme Market, and H Mart often have usable boxes available after restocking. Give them a call in advance to see if they can save some boxes for you to pick up. Avoid taking any boxes with food remnants, stains, or signs of pests, and reinforce the bottoms with tape if needed. Note that banana boxes have ventilation holes cut into the sides, so they're better for larger, non-fragile belongings.

Recycling Centers & Dumpsters in Troy

Dumpsters and recycling centers in Troy—like the SOCRRA Recycling Drop-Off Center and the Department of Public Works Cardboard Drop-Off Location—are great places to check for free moving boxes. Call ahead of time to verify that removing boxes for your own use is permitted. Before taking any boxes home, ensure they're clean and free of stains or signs of pests. Keep in mind that you'll likely have to reinforce flattened boxes with packing tape.

Other Stores & Retailers in Troy

Many retail stores in Troy receive frequent shipments and are often willing to give away any leftover boxes. Check with pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens, discount stores like Dollar Tree, and pet stores like Petco. Calling these businesses in advance to ask if they can set some boxes aside for you is always a good idea.

Where to Buy Cheap Moving Boxes in Troy

New moving boxes in Troy are available for purchase at big-box retailers, home improvement stores, self storage facilities, and more. Cardboard boxes in Troy generally range from $1.12 to $5.99, depending on box size, box type, and retailer.

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

Walmart

Find affordable moving boxes ranging from 17x11x12 at $1.12 to 27x15x17 at $2.26 at Walmart in Troy. There is one Walmart Supercenter in Troy that sells moving boxes, plus packing essentials like mattress bags, bubble wrap, furniture covers, and more.

Home Depot

Buy boxes in sizes ranging from 10x8x10 at $1.28 to 24x20x20 at $3.98 at Home Depot in Troy. The city's single Home Depot location on Coolidge Hwy sells cardboard boxes, along with other moving materials like furniture pads, hand trucks, and packing paper.

Target

Get inexpensive moving boxes sized from 16x12x12 at $1.99 to 24x16x19 at $3.99 at Target in Troy. There is one Target location in Troy that provides moving boxes for sale, as well as other moving supplies like packing paper, moving kits, and more.

Extra Space Storage

At Extra Space Storage in Troy, choose from high-quality moving boxes ranging in size from 16.6x12.5x12.5 at $2.69 to 24x18x24 at $5.99. There is one Extra Space Storage facility in Troy that offers boxes, along with other moving supplies like tape guns, dish protection kits, tie-down straps, and more.

The UPS Store

The UPS Store offers moving boxes ranging in size from 6x6x6 to 24x24x24, with pricing varying by location. There are three UPS Store locations in Troy where you can purchase boxes, as well as packing tape, bubble cushion, labels, and other items.

Where to Recycle Moving Boxes in Troy

After unpacking and settling into your new home, consider eco-friendly ways to get rid of your moving boxes. Pass gently-used boxes along through online exchange sites like Nextdoor or Facebook Marketplace. For damaged or unusable cardboard, here are some options for cardboard recycling in Troy, MI.

Department of Public Works Cardboard Drop-Off Location

The Department of Public Works Cardboard Drop-Off Location accepts cardboard moving boxes. Their drop-off bin is open to the public and can be visited at any time. Break down cardboard before placing it inside the recycling bin. Find the Department of Public Works Cardboard Drop-Off Location at 4693 Rochester Rd.

SOCRRA Recycling Drop-Off Center

The SOCRRA Recycling Drop-Off Center accepts flattened cardboard boxes and other moving supplies like paper. They require proof of residency for entry and are open by appointment only—drop-offs can be scheduled online or by phone. Find the SOCRRA Recycling Drop-Off Center at 995 Coolidge Hwy.

Remove Recycle Remarket

Remove Recycle Remarket accepts cardboard moving boxes. There may be associated fees for their drop-off service. They ask that you text (248)-470-4503 around 15 minutes prior to arrival. Their drop-off hours are typically Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Find Remove Recycle Remarket at 1343 Rochester Rd.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The best time to find free moving boxes in Troy is typically weekday mornings or early afternoons, right after stores finish unpacking shipments. Boxes are usually broken down and recycled quickly, so arriving shortly after deliveries come in is ideal. For the best chance of getting boxes, it's smart to call businesses ahead of time.

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

Taking items out of dumpsters and recycling bins in Troy is not recommended, as they're often located on private property—which could lead to trespassing issues. A better approach is to ask store employees directly if they can set aside some boxes for you.

Does Extra Space Storage sell moving boxes and supplies in Troy, MI?

Extra Space Storage locations in Troy offer a range of moving boxes and packing supplies, including tape, bubble wrap, mattress covers, and other essentials. This allows you to pick up everything you need in one trip—and helps ensure high-quality materials for your move.

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

Extra Space Storage in Troy carries a variety of moving box sizes to accommodate different packing needs, including:

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

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

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

• Wardrobe Boxes: Designed for hanging clothes to keep them wrinkle-free during transit.

• File Boxes: Perfect for organizing and protecting documents and paperwork.

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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 Troy! And find more moving resources on our moving hub!