10 Best Places to Get Free & Cheap Moving Boxes in Tulsa, OK

Whether you're moving locally to a new Tulsa neighborhood, or moving cross country to a new state—the cost of moving can add up quickly. To help you stay within a reasonable moving budget, finding free or cheap moving supplies can be a great solution. Check out our guide to find affordable moving boxes in Tulsa for your upcoming move!

Should You Buy or Get Free Moving Boxes?

As you prepare to move, you'll need to determine whether you'd like to buy new moving boxes or find used cardboard instead. There are several things that will impact your decision.

Choosing to buy new moving boxes gives you more control and consistency. Big box retailers typically carry a range of standard and specialty sizes, which makes it easier to pack boxes efficiently and stack them neatly in a moving truck or storage unit. New boxes are also sturdier and free from damage, moisture, or weak spots caused by previous use. And if you’re on a tight schedule, buying boxes in-store or online is usually much faster and more convenient than sourcing quality used boxes from multiple places.

On the other hand, opting for free moving boxes can significantly reduce your moving expenses. Reusing boxes keeps perfectly good materials out of the landfill and supports a more eco-friendly move. If you’re willing to spend a little extra time collecting and inspecting them, free boxes can be a smart, budget-friendly alternative.

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Where to Get Free Moving Boxes in Tulsa

Some of the best places to find free moving boxes in Tulsa include online exchanges, liquor stores, grocery stores, recycling centers, and other local retailers. Here are a few spots to check when searching for free boxes in Tulsa.

Online Exchanges in Tulsa

There are multiple online marketplaces where you can find free moving boxes in Tulsa. The free listings on Tulsa Facebook Marketplace are a good place to start. Consider checking out moving box listings in groups like Buy, Barter, and Sell and Tulsa Really Really Free Market. You can also check out Tulsa Craigslist, the Buy Nothing Project, or the Nextdoor application to help you find people near you who are giving away free moving boxes. And you can find free moving boxes via the U-Haul box exchange. When arranging pickups, choose a well-lit public location when possible and consider bringing someone with you like a family member or friend for added safety.

Liquor Stores in Tulsa

Liquor stores are a top resource for free moving boxes because their boxes are typically heavy-duty and designed to carry glass bottles. Some even include cardboard dividers that are perfect for protecting fragile kitchenware like wine glasses. When looking for free moving boxes near you, Tulsa liquor stores like Parkhill's Liquors & Wines, B&B Liquor Warehouse, Deep Discount Liquor, and Ranch Acres Wine & Spirits may have extra boxes available after shipments, so be sure to call ahead and ask if they'd be willing to set some aside for you.

Grocery Stores in Tulsa

The leftover boxes at grocery stores are a great option for people looking for used cardboard. Grocery stores frequently receive shipments in sturdy cardboard boxes that can work well for moving. Around the Tulsa metro, stores like Reasor's, WinCoFood, Oasis Fresh Market, or CashSaver may have extra boxes available after deliveries and restocking. Be sure to inspect boxes for stains, food residue, or signs of pests before using them. And keep in mind that banana boxes have large holes and may not be ideal for smaller or loose items.

Recycling Centers & Dumpsters in Tulsa

Tulsa recycling centers can also be a good place to look for free moving boxes. The Metropolitan Environmental Trust (MET) and Feeding Mr. Murph operate several drop-off recycling sites in the Tulsa area where flattened cardboard is commonly collected. If you consider retrieving boxes from a store’s dumpster or recycling bin, always ask for permission first to avoid violating property rules. Inspect boxes carefully and reinforce them with packing tape if needed.

Other Stores & Retailers in Tulsa

When looking for free cardboard in Tulsa, consider visiting your local bookstores, pharmacies, thrift stores, and even craft stores. Try calling retailers like Hobby Lobby, Dollar General, or Walgreens to see if they have any extra cardboard boxes available for pickup.

Where to Buy Cheap Moving Boxes in Tulsa

You can find affordable moving boxes in Tulsa at national retailers, home improvement stores, and self storage facilities. Moving boxes in Tulsa range in price from around $0.82 for small boxes to $5.99 for extra large boxes.

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

The Box Store

Purchase moving boxes ranging in size from 6x4x4 at $0.82 to 24x18x18 at $4.12 at The Box Store locations in Tulsa. Some prices may be cheaper when boxes are bought in bulk. There is one The Box Store location in Tulsa that sells moving boxes, where you can also find other moving supplies like foam pockets, tape, moving blankets, and moving kits.

Walmart

In Tulsa, you can buy cheap moving boxes sized from 15x12x10 at $1.24 to 27x15x17 at $2.26 at Walmart locations in Tulsa. There are 10 Walmart locations in Tulsa that sell moving boxes along with other moving supplies like bubble wrap, stretch wraps, and packing tape.

Home Depot

Moving boxes range from 10x8x10 at $1.28 to 24x20x21 at $3.78 at Home Depot locations in Tulsa. There are four Home Depot locations in Tulsa that sell moving boxes. Home Depot locations also sell other moving supplies like packing paper, foam cushion, and moving blankets.

Lowe's

Buy moving boxes from 16x16x12 at $1.85 to 22x21.5x22 at $3.85 at Lowe's locations in Tulsa. There are three Lowe's locations in Tulsa that sell moving boxes. Tulsa locations also sell other moving supplies like packing paper, mattress bags, bubble wrap.

Extra Space Storage

At Extra Space Storage, you can find moving boxes ranging in size from 16.6x12.5x12.5 at $2.69 to 24x18x24 at $5.99. There are four Extra Space Storage storage facilities in Tulsa that offer affordable moving boxes. You can also buy additional packing supplies such as protective covers, bubble wrap, furniture covers, glassware protection kits, and more.

Where to Recycle Moving Boxes in Tulsa

After settling into your new home, it's time to get rid of your moving boxes in an eco-friendly way. You have the option to resell them online on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and other platforms, or donate them to the Tulsa Really Really Free Marketplace. And, you also have the option to find a Tulsa recycling center near you.

Metropolitan Environmental Trust

Metropolitan Environmental Trust accepts cardboard moving boxes, plus other moving supplies like plastic bags, newspaper, and office paper. Their hours are typically 9 a.m. to 12 p.m at their Downtown Tulsa location and 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at their Central Tulsa location. Find Metropolitan Environmental Trust at 1101 S. Cincinnati Ave and 3825 S. 79th E. Ave.

Feed Mr. Murph

Feed Mr. Murph accepts cardboard boxes, and other moving items like mixed paper and newspaper. You can drop off your recycled cardboard any of their 600+ locations around Tulsa.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

In Tulsa, early mornings, especially midweek after restocking, are often the best time to gather free boxes. Arriving early increases your chances of getting boxes before they’re broken down for recycling.

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

In Tulsa, it's not necessarily illegal to retrieve items from dumpsters, however, you should be considerate of whether or not you are trespassing. To avoid any issues, it's always best to ask permission.

Does Extra Space Storage sell moving boxes and supplies in Tulsa, OK?

Yes, Extra Space Storage self storage facilities in Tulsa sell moving boxes and moving supplies like tape, bubble wrap, and more.

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

Extra Space Storage in Tulsa offers a range of boxes from small to extra large, as well as specialty boxes like wardrobe and dish packs that are perfect for protecting your belongings during a move.

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