Written By Melanie Morris
Is It Better to Buy Moving Boxes or Get Them for Free?
Deciding between new boxes and free ones depends on your specific move. Buying new boxes saves you a lot of time. They’re clean, strong, and all the same size, which makes stacking them safer. Free moving boxes are great for your budget, but finding good ones takes effort. They work best for small moves when you have time to search.
Here’s a quick comparison to help you choose:
- Total cost: New boxes cost money up front, while used boxes are free but may require more tape for reinforcement.
- Time investment: Buying boxes is a one-stop trip, but finding free ones involves driving to multiple locations and spending time researching locations.
- Risk of damage: Used boxes may have weak corners or hidden moisture that can lead to tears or collapse.
If you’re moving a large home, buying uniform boxes is usually the best choice. It makes packing the truck safer and faster. If you’re moving a small apartment or dorm, saving cash with used boxes can be a smart move.
How Many Moving Boxes Do You Need?
The total number of boxes you use often changes your final cost more than the price of a single box. Use the table below to see how many supplies your specific home might need.
Estimated Boxes by Home Size
| Home Size | Estimated Moving Boxes | Total Boxes Required |
|---|---|---|
| Studio or Dorm | 2 small 5 medium 3 large | 10 boxes |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | 10 small 10 medium 10 large | 30 boxes |
| 2-Bedroom House | 20 small 20 medium 13 large | 53 boxes |
| 3-Bedroom House | 20 small 30 medium 26 large | 76 boxes |
| 4+ Bedroom House | 34 small 42 medium 26 large | 102 boxes |
Cheapest Places to Buy Moving Boxes (Price Comparison)
Buying moving boxes can cost anywhere from $18 to over $300. That’s a big range, but we checked prices for common moving box sizes at top stores to help you find the cheapest option. Use the table below to compare costs based on the size of your home.
Price Comparison of Top Retailers
| Retailer | Price Per Box* | Small (Studio/ 1bed) | Medium (2–3 Bedrooms) | Large (4+ Beds) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walmart | Small: $1.08 Med: $1.73 Large: $2.26 | $18 – $51 | $86 – $132 | $168+ |
| Amazon** | Small: $1.95 Med: $1.95 Large: $2.95 | $23 – $69 | $116 – $174 | $225+ |
| Lowe’s | Small: $1.78 Med: $2.28 Large: $2.78 | $23 – $68 | $117 – $176 | $229+ |
| U-Haul | Small: $1.77 Med: $2.27 Large: $2.87 | $24 – $69 | $118 – $178 | $230+ |
| The Home Depot | Small: $1.78 Med: $2.28 Large: $2.78 | $23 – $68 | $117 – $176 | $229+ |
| Sam’s Club** | Small: $1.88 Med: $1.78 Large: $4.80 | $27 – $85 | $136 – $216 | $263+ |
| Target | Small: $1.99 Med: $2.99 Large: $3.99 | $31 – $90 | $151 – $233 | $297+ |
*Pricing is based on publicly available information as of January 2026 and may vary by location or change over time.
**Pre-bundled moving box kits (based on home size) may not include the same size boxes you’d get if you bought them separately.
Where to Buy Moving Boxes — Retailer Breakdown
Knowing where to shop helps you stay on budget and keeps your move affordable. We compared prices at top retailers to find the best deals on the supplies you need.
Walmart — $
Walmart is the cheapest place to buy moving boxes on our list. It carries small, medium, and large sizes along with specialty items for TVs and dishes. The average price is just $1.69 per box. You can pick them up in the store or get free shipping on orders over $35. It’s the best option if you’re interested in keeping costs as low as possible.
| Purchasing Moving Boxes From Walmart | |
|---|---|
| Price Per Moving Box | Small: $1.08 Medium: $1.73 Large: $2.26 Specialty: $13+ |
| Moving Box Bundles | Bundles are available for small, medium, and large boxes. |
| Moving Kits | Kits are available, but it’s cheaper to buy the boxes separately. |
| Best For | People who need the lowest price on basic boxes. |
Amazon — $$
Amazon also sells cheap moving boxes, but they usually come in bundles. This means you might have to buy more than you actually need. The average cost is around $2.28 per box. While it has specialty boxes, the selection is smaller than U-Haul’s or Walmart. If you have Prime, you can get free delivery right to your door on orders over $35.
| Purchasing Moving Boxes From Amazon | |
|---|---|
| Price Per Moving Box | Small: $1.95 ($19.49/bundle) Medium: $1.95 ($19.49/bundle) Large: $2.95 ($29.50/bundle) Specialty: Varies |
| Moving Box Bundles | Moving boxes are only available in bundles of 10. |
| Moving Kits | Various moving kits are available, but it’s cheaper to purchase the boxes in bundles than in kits. |
| Best For | People who want boxes delivered quickly without leaving the house. |
Lowe’s — $$
Lowe’s offers a wide range of moving boxes and supplies, including kits for specific rooms. It’s a bit pricier than Walmart, but it’s often cheaper than U-Haul or Target. You can pick up your order in the store to save on shipping costs. It also offers free shipping on larger orders, though some rules apply. The average price for standard sizes is $2.28.
| Purchasing Moving Boxes From Lowe’s | |
|---|---|
| Price Per Moving Box | Small: $1.78 Medium: $2.28 Large: $2.78 Specialty: $18+ |
| Moving Box Bundles | Bundles are available for small, medium, and large boxes, but the price per box actually increases with the bundles. |
| Moving Kits | Lowes offers moving kits for a variety of rooms and home sizes. The price per box is the same as when ordered separately, and many of the kits are customizable, which makes it easy to order exactly what you need for your move. |
| Best For | DIY movers who need a mix of standard and specialty boxes. |
U-Haul — $$
U-Haul has an excellent selection of specialty boxes for items like bikes, lamps, and dishes. Its prices are competitive, averaging about $2.30 per box. The best part is its buy-back guarantee. If you buy too many boxes, U-Haul will buy back the unused ones. This helps you avoid the hidden moving costs of wasted supplies.
| Purchasing Moving Boxes From U-Haul | |
|---|---|
| Price Per Moving Box | Small: $1.77 Medium: $2.27 Large: $2.87 Specialty: $5+ |
| Moving Box Bundles | Boxes are available in bundles of 25 (small) and 15 (large and medium). The price per box is lower when you buy a bundle. |
| Moving Kits | Customizable moving kits are available for a variety of rooms and home sizes, but it’s cheaper to purchase the moving boxes in bundles than in kits. |
| Best For | Those who want specific boxes and the flexibility to return extras. |
The Home Depot — $$
The Home Depot carries boxes from small to extra-large. The average cost is around $2.28, but you can save money by buying bundles. Unlike other stores, it offers many bundle sizes, so you don’t run the risk of buying way more than you need.
| Purchasing Moving Boxes From The Home Depot | |
|---|---|
| Price Per Moving Box | Small: $1.78 Medium: $2.28 Large: $2.78 Specialty: $13+ |
| Moving Box Bundles | Various bundles are available for all box sizes, and, most of the time, purchasing a bundle will get you a better price per box. When it comes to small moving boxes, the 10-pack is the best deal. |
| Moving Kits | The Home Depot also offers moving kits, but boxes are cheaper when bought outside of a kit. |
| Best For | People who want bundle discounts without buying huge bulk packs. |
Sam’s Club — $$$
Sam’s Club has fewer options than other stores. You can usually only buy small and large boxes in bundles. The average price is higher at $2.82 per box, and shipping is the most common way to get them, which is free for Plus members on large orders.
| Purchasing Moving Boxes From Sam’s Club | |
|---|---|
| Price Per Moving Box | Small: $1.88 ($46.88/bundle of 25) Medium: $1.78 Large: $4.80 ($71.98/bundle of 15) Specialty: $23+ |
| Moving Box Bundles | Bundles are the only option for small and large boxes. Medium boxes are also available in bundles but are much cheaper when purchased individually. |
| Moving Kits | Sam’s Club has one moving kit with 8 medium boxes and 6 large boxes, priced slightly lower than if you bought the same boxes individually (which isn’t an option). |
| Best For | Sam’s Club Plus members who are already placing a large online order. |
(Note: If you’re wondering about Costco, we checked, and the store’s moving box selection is limited and only available through the Costco Business Center.)
Target — $$$
Target is the most expensive place on our list, with an average cost of $2.99 per box. It also only offers standard sizes and some specialty options. While the boxes cost more, Target is very convenient if you shop there often. You can grab what you need during your normal grocery run or choose free in-store pickup.
| Purchasing Moving Boxes From Target | |
|---|---|
| Price Per Moving Box | Small: $1.99 Medium: $2.99 Large: $3.99 Specialty: $20+ |
| Moving Box Bundles | Bundles are available for small, medium, and large boxes, but only the medium boxes are cheaper in a bundle. |
| Moving Kits | Kits are available, but it’s cheaper to buy the boxes separately. |
| Best For | People who value convenience (if they’re already doing their regular shopping at the store). |
Cheapest Place to Buy Moving Boxes by Situation
Choosing where to shop ultimately depends on your budget and how much time you have. Here’s a quick guide to help you find where to buy moving boxes based on your situation:
- Small moves with little time: Walmart is your best choice for a studio or dorm. You can pick up cheap individual boxes without buying huge bundles.
- Large homes or fragile items: Choose U-Haul. It has specific boxes for everything, like TVs and dishes. Plus, it buys back unused boxes, so you never waste money even if you get something you end up not needing.
- Low budget: You can hunt for free boxes if you’re on a really tight budget. However, you’ll need time to drive around to check local stores or online groups to save cash.
- Delivery needed: Amazon is the most convenient option if you can’t get to a store. It delivers right to your door, often more quickly than other options, which is great for those with busy schedules.
Where to Get Free Moving Boxes
If you have some extra time, you can find plenty of free boxes in your community. This is a great way to save money on your move. Just make sure each box is clean and sturdy before you pack it.
Here are five of the best places to find free boxes:
1. Online Marketplaces
After a move, people usually have too many boxes. They often list them for free on sites like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or Freecycle. Just type “moving boxes” into the search bar. If you find some that look good, meet the seller in a safe public place to pick them up.
2. Grocery and Liquor Stores
Stores receive shipments every day. Managers are often happy to give away empty boxes after they’ve served their purpose. If you can, visit your local grocery store at 7 am or 9 pm. This is usually when staff members are stocking shelves and have a lot of empty boxes.
3. Local Retailers
Large retailers, bookstores, and fast-food chains always have excess cardboard boxes in the back, at least until they dispose of them. Bookstores are especially helpful because their boxes are designed to hold heavy items without breaking. Check with these types of businesses for the best chance at finding boxes:
- Big stores like Target or Walmart
- Bookstores
- Arts and crafts stores
- Wholesale clubs like Costco
- Hardware stores
- Pharmacies
- U-Haul locations (sometimes they have a bin for used boxes)
4. Recycling Centers
Recycling centers are great spots for finding piles of flattened boxes for free. Cardboard is usually kept separate from other trash, so it stays cleaner. Just check them carefully to make sure they’re not wet, torn, or weak before you take them home.
5. Offices and Schools
If you want a lot of boxes of the same size, try office buildings or schools. They go through a lot of paper and supplies, which all come in similarly sized containers. Call the main office to ask if they have any extras. If they don’t have any right now, ask when they might have some available so you can pick them up later.
When You Should Not Use Free Boxes
While free moving boxes save money, they’re not always a good idea. You should avoid boxes with signs of moisture, food stains, pest damage, or soft corners. A weak box can collapse under weight and break your expensive items, sousing a damaged box might end up costing you more if you have to replace your broken belongings. If you’re packing fragile glass or delicate pieces, new boxes are much safer.
Also, remember that “free” boxes still have a price. You have to spend money on gas to drive around and pick them up. It also takes time to coordinate with people and sort through bad boxes to find the good ones. If you’re busy, your time is worth money. Sometimes, buying fresh moving supplies is cheaper than the stress and effort of hunting for used ones.
Money-Saving Tips for Buying Moving Boxes
Beyond choosing the right store, there are several ways to keep your costs low. Use these tips to get the best deal on your moving boxes and supplies:
- Check for coupons: Before you buy, look for coupons or store promo codes. A quick search can save you 10% or more.
- Compare bundle prices: Buying in bulk often saves money, but not always. Check prices carefully to see if the “deal” is actually cheaper per box.
- Save your receipts: You can return unused boxes to some stores. U-Haul will even buy back any box you don’t use. This means you don’t have to pay for what you don’t need.
- Don’t buy too many large boxes: Large boxes are hard to carry when full. Stick to small and medium boxes for most items to save money.
- Mix new and used boxes: You don’t have to buy everything new. Buy strong boxes for breakable items like glasses, and use free, used boxes for soft things like pillows and towels.
- Take advantage of seasonal sales: Home improvement stores often have sales throughout the year. If you have space, buy your boxes whenever prices drop so you have them on hand when you’re ready to start packing.
- Ask your friends: Do you know anyone who moved recently? Ask if you can take their empty boxes. It helps them clean up and gives you free supplies.
The Best Place to Find Moving Services
Finding the cheapest place to buy moving boxes is just one part of a successful move. You also need to stock up on quality tape, packing paper, and markers to stay organized. Taking the time to plan your supplies now will prevent a lot of stress on your big day.
If you need more help, our platform can connect you with experts for a local full-service move. We only partner with top-rated companies that are fully licensed and insured. You can compare clear, up-front quotes side-by-side to find the right fit for your budget.
Karen Bodkin
