9 Best Places to Get Free & Cheap Moving Boxes in Winston-Salem, NC

Moving costs can add up quickly, whether you're moving locally or long-distance from Winston-Salem—but finding free or low-cost moving boxes near you can help you save money. Use this guide to learn where to find free and cheap moving boxes in Winston-Salem!

Should You Buy or Get Free Moving Boxes?

As you prepare to move, you'll be faced with the decision to buy new moving boxes or find free, used ones. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages.

If you're moving last-minute, new moving boxes are more convenient to find. Not only do many big-box and local stores carry them, but they're also higher quality and come in various sizes and types. Plus, they offer uniformity for easier packing and neatly stacking in the moving truck.

However, finding used boxes for free is a cost-effective solution if you're moving on a budget. It's also an eco-friendly moving supply option. Once you're done unpacking in your new home, you can take them to your nearest recycling center or pass them on to someone else who needs them to complete your sustainable move.

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Where to Get Free Moving Boxes in Winston-Salem

To find free moving boxes, contact your nearest liquor stores, recycling centers, grocery stores, and retailers—or browse through online marketplaces. Here's where you can find free moving boxes in Winston-Salem!

Online Exchanges in Winston-Salem

Online exchanges are one of the top solutions for finding free Winston-Salem moving boxes. Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and Nextdoor are popular places to begin your search. You can also request to join local groups like Winston-Salem Buy, Sell, Trade and Buy Nothing, Winston-Salem to see if anyone is giving away the boxes you need. Freecycle and Trash Nothing are other solutions for finding free or low-cost boxes. When arranging meetups with strangers online, practice safety measures like bringing a friend and meeting in a public area during the day. Alternatively, ask friends on social media if they have any boxes from recent shipments!

Liquor Stores in Winston-Salem

You can often find quality moving boxes in Winston-Salem at liquor stores. Liquor store boxes are known to be heavy-duty and may come with dividers, making it easier to safely transport dishes, wine glasses, fine china, and other fragile items. Triad ABC Liquor Store, Total Wine & More, and City Beverage Co may have boxes available, but it's best to call ahead and ask before stopping by.

Grocery Stores in Winston-Salem

Grocery stores are a safe bet for finding sturdy, free moving boxes in Winston-Salem. These boxes are generally resistant to minor impacts, so you can safely transport fragile or bulky items. Contact your nearest Harris Teeter, The Fresh Market, or Trader Joe's to see if they have any boxes available from recent shipments that they're willing to hold for you. Before taking grocery store boxes with you, inspect them to make sure they're free of food remnants, stains, and pests. You may want to avoid banana boxes, which have large holes through which smaller items could fall.

Recycling Centers & Dumpsters in Winston-Salem

You can typically find cardboard boxes for free at recycling centers in Winston-Salem, but it's best to call ahead and ask if you're allowed to take them. There are several Winston-Salem recycling drop-off locations throughout the city—including the Hanes Mill Recycling Center, as well as cardboard-only drop-offs next to local fire stations. Check your boxes for stains, structural integrity, and evidence of pests before you take them. Consider taping them up for added reinforcement.

Other Stores & Retailers in Winston-Salem

There are several other stores and retailers in Winston-Salem that may have quality moving boxes available for free. It's best to visit them midweek, when they typically unpack new shipments. Check your nearest TJ Maxx, Costco, or Target to see if they have free boxes available, as well as local businesses like The Bookhouse and Main & Mountain Bookstore.

Where to Buy Cheap Moving Boxes in Winston-Salem

Home improvement stores, big-box stores, and self storage facilities offer affordable Winston-Salem moving boxes. They can vary in price—generally from $1.12 to $5.99—depending on the size and type you need, as well as the specific retailer.

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

Walmart

Walmart offers affordable, quality moving boxes in Winston-Salem—as small as 17x11x12 for $1.12 and as large as 27x15x17 for $2.26. There are three Walmart Supercenter locations in Winston-Salem that sell moving boxes. They also offer moving supplies like packing tape, bubble cushion, and moving blankets.

Home Depot

Visit your nearest Home Depot in Winston-Salem to find moving boxes ranging from 10x8x10 for $1.28 to 24x20x20 for $3.98. There are two Home Depot locations in Winston-Salem that sell moving boxes, along with moving supplies like mattress bags, packing tape, and bubble cushion.

Lowe's

Lowe's locations in Winston-Salem offer a variety of low-cost moving boxes—ranging from 15x10x12for $1.98 to 22x21.5x21.5 for $3.85. There are three Lowe's locations in Winston-Salem that sell moving boxes, plus other moving supplies like packing paper, moving straps, and furniture sliders.

Extra Space Storage

Find affordable, reliable Winston-Salem moving boxes at your nearest Extra Space Storage location—with options ranging from 16.6x12.5x12.5 for $2.69 to 24x18x24 for $5.99. There are nine Extra Space Storage locations in Winston-Salem that sell moving boxes and other moving supplies—including mattress bags, packing tape, stretch film, and more.

Where to Recycle Moving Boxes in Winston-Salem

Settled into your new home? Get rid of your moving boxes in a sustainable way by giving or reselling them to someone else via online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. Or, dispose of them through these Winston-Salem recycling drop-off locations and curbside pickup program!

City of Winston-Salem Recycling Drop-Off Locations

Drop off cardboard moving boxes along with any other materials accepted by the local recycling program—like newspaper and packing paper—at one of the city's recycling centers. Flatten boxes before placing them in the bin. Find a Winston-Salem recycling center near you:

• Hanes Mill Road Landfill: 325 West Hanes Mill Rd, Winston-Salem, NC; open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

• Forsyth County Center Number 1: 445 Lindsay St, Kernersville, NC; open Tuesday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Forsyth County Center Number 2: 6328 Yadkinville Rd, Pfafftown, NC; open Tuesday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

City of Winston-Salem Cardboard-Only Drop-Off Locations

Winston-Salem also offers cardboard-only drop-off at several local fire stations. These locations do not accept any other recyclables. Make sure your boxes are clean and flattened—and stop by another location if a container is full. All Winston-Salem fire stations are open 24/7. Find a cardboard drop-off location near you:

• 4700 Country Club Rd

• 290 S Martin Luther King Jr Dr

• 651 Marshall St N

• 771 Palmer Ln

• 2417 Reynolda Rd

• 2745 Waughtown St

• 325 W Hanes Mill Rd

City of Winston-Salem Curbside Recycling

The City of Winston-Salem's curbside recycling program accepts various materials, including cardboard moving boxes and other moving supplies like newspaper. Recycling is typically collected every other week. Place your cart out by 6 a.m. on your collection day and make sure it's not blocked by cars, trees, or other carts. Check the city's Solid Waste Collections page to find your collection day.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Early mornings in middle of the week are the best time to retrieve free boxes in Winston-Salem, NC, since this is typically when stores receive and unload new shipments. This gives you a variety of sizes and types to choose from—increasing your chances of finding the boxes you need.

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

While dumpster diving in North Carolina may not technically be illegal, retrieving boxes without permission from store dumpsters and recycling bins may violate private property laws. Instead, ask a store employee if you can take boxes—or browse through online marketplaces like Craigslist.

Does Extra Space Storage sell moving boxes and supplies in Winston-Salem, NC?

Extra Space Storage facilities in Winston-Salem, NC sell moving boxes, packing supplies, moving kits, and more. Buying moving supplies in-store is convenient and helps you ensure they're durable and ready for your move.

What moving box sizes are available at Extra Space Storage in Winston-Salem?

Extra Space Storage in Winston-Salem has a variety of moving box sizes, including:

• Small Boxes (1.5 cu ft): For heavier or fragile items like tools, books, and dishes.

• Medium Boxes (3 cu ft): Pack decor, kitchen utensils, and small appliances.

• Large Boxes (4.5-6 cu ft): Ideal for oddly-shaped or bulky items like comforters and lamp shades.

• Wardrobe Boxes: Hang your clothes for a smoother transport.

• File Boxes: Keep track of important documents in this easy-to-carry box.

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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 Winston-Salem! And find more moving resources on our moving hub!