9 Best Places to Get Free & Cheap Moving Boxes in Virginia Beach, VA

Planning a move in Virginia Beach, VA? Whether you're relocating within the city or moving out of state, expenses can pile up quickly—from hiring movers and renting a truck to covering deposits and more. One of the simplest ways to reduce overall moving costs is by finding affordable or free moving boxes near you. Here's where to search for free or low-cost boxes in Virginia Beach!

Should You Buy or Get Free Moving Boxes?

Choosing between buying new moving boxes and finding free ones comes down to your timeline, budget, and packing needs. Each option comes with advantages and disadvantages.

Purchasing new boxes typically makes the most sense if you're moving last minute or hauling a lot of items over a long distance. New boxes are easy to find, consistent in size, durable, and available in specialized types—making them easier to pack and stack.

Moving on a budget? You might find it worthwhile to track down free boxes in Virginia Beach instead. Using recycled boxes can not only help you save money, but it's also the more eco-friendly option.

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Where to Get Free Moving Boxes in Virginia Beach

Some of the best places to look for free moving boxes in Virginia Beach include online marketplaces, local liquor and grocery stores, and other retailers that receive regular shipments. Here's where to find free boxes near you.

Online Exchanges in Virginia Beach

Before driving to physical locations, consider looking for boxes online. Virginia Beach has several active no-buy groups, including Buy Nothing Kempsville/Indian River and Buy Nothing Virginia Beach. Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, Craigslist, and Freecycle are other reliable places to look for free or low-cost moving supplies. When meeting up with a stranger for pickup, prioritize your safety by choosing a well-lit, public spot and bringing a friend along. Or consider posting on your personal social media to see if any friends or family members have cardboard boxes to spare.

Liquor Stores in Virginia Beach

You may also be able to get free moving boxes from local liquor stores. Liquor stores regularly receive sturdy cardboard boxes, and many come with built-in dividers—making them particularly helpful for packing wine glasses, dishes, and other fragile items. Call ahead to Total Wine & More or Virginia ABC stores near you to ask an employee if they could set some boxes aside for you.

Grocery Stores in Virginia Beach

Grocery store boxes are another great option. Stores like Kroger, Harris Teeter, Food Lion, and Wegmans typically cycle through large quantities of cardboard each week, so they may be willing to give you some boxes for free if you call ahead. Before taking any boxes home, check them for stains, food remnants, and evidence of pests. Note that banana boxes often have large holes in the sides, making them better suited for packing large, non-breakable items.

Other Stores & Retailers in Virginia Beach

Other Virginia Beach retailers that receive regular deliveries may be willing to hand over boxes for free—including pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens, discount stores like Dollar Tree, pet supply stores like Petco, and bookstores like Barnes & Noble. Give these stores a quick call to see if they can save some boxes for you.

Where to Buy Cheap Moving Boxes in Virginia Beach

Affordable moving boxes in Virginia Beach are easy to find at big-box retailers, home improvement stores, and self storage facilities throughout the city. Prices generally range from $1.12 to $5.99, depending on box type and retailer.

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

Walmart

There are five Walmart Supercenter locations in Virginia Beach that carry moving boxes. Sizes range from 17x11x12 for $1.12 to 27x15x17 for $2.26. Walmart also offers other affordable packing supplies, including stretch wrap, mattress bags, and tape.

Home Depot

Home Depot carries boxes ranging in size from 10x8x10 for $1.28 to 24x20x20 for $3.98. There are three Home Depot locations in Virginia Beach that sell boxes, along with moving essentials like furniture pads, hand trucks, packing paper, and more.

Target

At Target in Virginia Beach, find moving boxes for sale in sizes ranging from 16x12x12 for $1.99 to 24x16x19 for $3.99. There are four Target locations in Virginia Beach that sell boxes, as well as packing paper, bubble wrap, and ready-to-go moving kits.

Lowe's

Get boxes sized from 16x12x12 for $2.08 to 22x21.5x22 for $4.18 at Lowe's in Virginia Beach. There are two Lowe's locations in Virginia Beach that provide moving boxes, plus moving blankets, mattress bags, packing foam, and other helpful packing materials.

Extra Space Storage

Extra Space Storage in Virginia Beach sells sturdy moving boxes in multiple sizes, ranging from 16.6x12.5x12.5 for $2.69 to 24x18x24 for $5.99. At one of seven Extra Space Storage facilities in Virginia Beach, you can also pick up moving supplies like tape guns, dish protection kits, tie-down ropes, and more.

Where to Recycle Moving Boxes in Virginia Beach

After settling in and unpacking, see if you can get rid of your empty moving boxes in an eco-friendly way. Pass along any boxes that are still in good condition through online marketplaces like Nextdoor, Facebook Marketplace, or Craigslist. Or take advantage of these convenient cardboard recycling options in Virginia Beach.

Landfill & Resource Recovery Center

Virginia Beach's Landfill & Resource Recovery Center accepts cardboard moving boxes for recycling. Bring proof of Virginia Beach residency, and be sure to follow all posted signage and instructions from on-site staff members. Their hours are typically Tuesday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Find the Landfill & Resource Recovery Center at 1989 Jake Sears Rd.

SPSA Landstown Transfer Station

The SPSA Landstown Transfer Station accepts recyclable materials like cardboard. Give them a call to see how much cardboard you can drop off for free. Their hours are typically Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Find the SPSA Landstown Transfer Station at 1825 Concert Dr.

City of Virginia Beach Curbside Recycling

The City of Virginia Beach offers a curbside recycling program, allowing residents to easily dispose of cardboard, newspaper, and other moving materials. All recyclables must be clean, dry, and placed loosely in your cart. Flatten or break down all cardboard boxes so they fit within your cart with the lid closed. Collection runs every other week on your designated trash day. Set your cart on the curb by 7 a.m. on your scheduled collection day—with three feet of clearance from other obstacles—to ensure pickup.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Midweek mornings tend to be the best time to get free boxes, as most stores have already received and unpacked deliveries by this point—leaving empty boxes to spare. However, it's always smart to call ahead to ask when shipments typically arrive and see if employees would be willing to set some boxes aside for you.

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

Taking boxes from dumpsters or recycling bins in Virginia Beach is not recommended, as they may be located on private property—which could lead to legal trouble. Instead, ask store employees directly if they can give you some boxes. You can also look for free moving boxes in your area via online marketplaces.

Does Extra Space Storage sell moving boxes and supplies in Virginia Beach, VA?

Extra Space Storage in Virginia Beach carries moving boxes in various sizes, along with other supplies like packing tape, bubble wrap, mattress covers, and more. This allows you to pick up everything you need in one stop and can help you feel more confident about the quality of your moving materials.

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

Extra Space Storage locations in Virginia Beach accommodate various packing needs with multiple moving box sizes, including:

• Small Boxes (1.5 cu ft): Ideal for heavy belongings 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 help keep them wrinkle-free during transit.

• File Boxes: Perfect for organizing and protecting photos, documents, and other important 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 Virginia Beach! And find more moving resources on our moving hub!