Austin Guide to Free & Cheap Moving Boxes (2024)

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Whether you’re relocating out of state or to a different area within Austin, moving costs can add up quickly. One great way to save money while moving is to search for free or cheap moving boxes in Austin. Use this guide to find the best places to buy moving boxes near you without breaking the bank!

  • Should You Buy or Get Free Moving Boxes?
  • Where to Get Free Moving Boxes in Austin
  • Where to Buy Cheap Moving Boxes in Austin
  • Where to Recycle Moving Boxes in Austin

Should You Buy or Get Free Moving Boxes?

While you should consider finding free cardboard boxes if you prioritize sustainability and saving money, you should buy new moving boxes if you’re seeking reliability or moving on short notice. Check out the pros and cons of each option in more detail below.

Why you should buy new moving boxes:

  • Uniformity: Professional movers prefer moving boxes that are consistent in quality as they’re easier to organize and stack.
  • Specific Sizes: You can choose from a range of moving box sizes to suit your specific packing needs.
  • Quality Assurance: New boxes are typically stronger and cleaner than used, free ones.
  • Convenience: Buying moving boxes is quicker and more straightforward than searching for used cardboard boxes.

Why you should get used, free moving boxes:

  • Cost-Effective: Free moving boxes save you money that can be used elsewhere during your moving process.
  • Sustainability: Reusing moving boxes reduces waste.

Where to Get Free Moving Boxes in Austin

There are many places in Austin to consider in your search for free boxes. Be sure to check local stores, visit online community boards, and stop by local recycling centers to find used moving boxes for free.

Online Exchanges in Austin

One of the best ways to find second-hand moving boxes is to look online! In Austin, you have options like Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, and Craigslist to search for used boxes for moving.

  • Austin Facebook Marketplace: The Austin Facebook Marketplace features listings of gently-used boxes for free or a low cost.
  • Austin Facebook Groups: Groups like Austin buy sell trade and Buy Nothing No Rules Austin can help you connect with local community members about taking used moving boxes off their hands.
  • Austin Craigslist: The Austin Craigslist “free stuff” page makes it easy to search for free packing boxes for your move.
  • Austin Nextdoor: A great way to see if your neighbors have free moving boxes they’re trying to give away is by using Nextdoor.
  • Austin U-Haul Box Exchange: Avoid the clutter of other online exchanges by using the U-Haul Box Exchange, where Austin residents list only free or cheap cardboard boxes.

Liquor Stores in Austin

Austin liquor stores are some of the best places to get free moving boxes. Liquor store boxes are typically sturdy and can be ideal for heavy belongings or fragile items like glasses, particularly if the boxes come with built-in dividers. Call these stores in advance to ask if they can save you some boxes and when you should stop by to pick them up.

Grocery Stores in Austin

Grocery stores are ideal for finding free, heavy-duty boxes in a variety of sizes. Give your nearest Austin grocery store a call to ask if they have boxes that can be set aside for you. Try to avoid boxes with large openings and holes so your items don’t fall out. Additionally, check for evidence of pests, stains, or particles of food before packing your belongings.

  • Central Market: This local grocery store is known to give away extra boxes to customers. Call either of the Austin Central Market locations in advance to check if they can reserve boxes for you.
  • H-E-B: After stocking shelves, H-E-B often has boxes left over that you might be able to use for your move. Check out any of the 26 H-E-B locations in Austin to get free boxes.
  • Wheatsville Food Co-op: With Austin locations on Guadalupe St and S Lamar Blvd, you can swing by this co-op to pick up extra boxes they may have from shipments. Call ahead to confirm they have sturdy moving boxes available.

Recycling Centers & Dumpsters in Austin

Some recycling centers in Austin may give away boxes. These free boxes should be inspected for stains, pests, and structural integrity before you use them. Since many recycling centers require customers to break down boxes, you may also need to tape any boxes you find to reinforce them. Contact these centers ahead of time to ensure they have boxes available and verify whether they are free or if there is a cost to obtain them.

  • Balcones Recycling: There may be corrugated moving boxes that have not yet been processed at Balcones Recycling. This local recycling center can be found at 9301 Johnny Morris Rd.
  • Break it Down: Located at 7400 FM 969, Bldg. B, this Austin recycling center has bins for cardboard where you may be able to find boxes to reuse.

Other Stores & Retailers in Austin

You may be able to find second-hand boxes at other local shops in Austin, including bookstores and electronics stores. Remember to call ahead so you can find out if they’re willing to give away free boxes and to determine the best time to stop by!

  • BookPeople: Bookstores are a great place to find high-quality, free moving boxes in varying sizes. This local Austin bookstore is located at 603 N Lamar Blvd.
  • Discount Electronics: Electronics stores are one of the best places to get free moving boxes, especially because many people don’t consider looking here. Find Discount Electronics at 4005 W Parmer Ln, Suite D.

Where to Buy Cheap Moving Boxes in Austin

You can find new but affordable moving boxes in Austin at local moving supply stores, big chains, and self storage facilities. Moving box prices in the city of Austin can range in price from $1.28 for small boxes up to $5.39 for large boxes.

1/2 Price Boxes

Moving supplies at 1/2 Price Boxes in Austin, TX include everything from bubble wrap, moving blankets, tape, and dollies to heavy-duty packing boxes in a variety of sizes.

  • Sizes range from 12x12x12 to 24x18x24
  • Prices range from $1.29 to $3.14 per box
  • One location in Austin

Home Depot

Home Depot has a variety of cardboard box options, as well as other moving supplies like mattress bags, packing paper, stretch wrap, bubble cushion, and more!

  • Sizes range from 15x10x12 to 24x20x21
  • Prices range from $1.28 to $3.48 per box
  • Seven locations in Austin

Life Storage

Life Storage in Austin sells reliable moving boxes in a variety of sizes. Plus, you can pick up other packing supplies such as moving kits, stretch film, protective covers, bubble wrap, and tape.

  • Sizes range from 18.75×11.75×9.75 to 24x18x18
  • Prices range from $3.09 to $5.39 per box
  • 12 locations in Austin

Lowe’s

In addition to sturdy moving boxes, you can find moving supplies at Lowe’s like furniture sliders, moving straps, and packing tape dispensers.

  • Sizes range from 16x12x12 to 22×21.5×22
  • Prices range from $1.38 to $3.48 per box
  • Five locations in Austin

TexanBox Wholesale Packaging & Moving Supplies

Browse the packing supplies from TexanBox Wholesale Packaging & Moving Supplies—from various types of boxes to moving straps, bubble rolls, and labels—to find exactly what you need for your Austin move.

  • Sizes range from 16.5×12.625×12.625 to 24x18x24
  • Prices range from $1.35 to $3.47 per box
  • One location in Austin

Where to Recycle Moving Boxes in Austin

Once you’re finished moving into your new home in the Capital of Texas, you can recycle your moving boxes to reduce your waste, using recycling facilities like Balcones Recycling and Recycle & Reuse Drop-Off Center. You can also give away or resell your moving boxes online at Craigslist Austin, Austin Facebook Marketplace, and more.

Balcones Recycling

Balcones Recycling offers drop-off containers in Austin where you can recycle used cardboard boxes and other materials from your move for free.

  • Accepts: Cardboard, paper, plastic containers, and more
  • One location in Austin (9301 Johnny Morris Rd)

Recycle & Reuse Drop-Off Center

Recycling at the Recycle & Reuse Drop-Off Center is free for Austin residents. This center is open by appointment only, so be sure to schedule an appointment to recycle moving boxes and other moving materials here.

  • Accepts: Cardboard, paper, plastic bags, styrofoam (no peanuts allowed)
  • One location in Austin (2514 Business Center Dr)

Break it Down

Stop by Break it Down in Austin from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays and 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. on weekends to recycle cardboard and other packing materials. This drop-off center is free to use with no appointment necessary!

  • Accepts: Cardboard, paper, plastic, and more
  • One location in Austin (7400 FM 969, Bldg. B)

***

Check out our moving supplies guide to see what you can pick up in store at facilities in Austin.

Austin Guide to Free & Cheap Moving Boxes (2024)

FAQs

Austin Guide to Free & Cheap Moving Boxes? ›

Grocery stores are ideal for finding free, heavy-duty boxes in a variety of sizes. Give your nearest Austin grocery store a call to ask if they have boxes that can be set aside for you. Try to avoid boxes with large openings and holes so your items don't fall out.

How many boxes does the average person need to move? ›

Number of recommended moving boxes based on home area
Square feetSmallLarge
900-1,200 sq. feet2210
1,200-1,600 sq. feet3215
1,600-2,000 sq. feet4020
2,000-2,500 sq. feet4525
2 more rows
May 18, 2023

Should I buy my own moving boxes? ›

Sourcing quality boxes is paramount to the preparation of a successful move. No matter how far you're relocating to, you'll need sturdy boxes to keep your belongings well protected in transit.

Can I walk into USPS and get free boxes? ›

You may already know that anyone shipping a package through USPS can walk into a post office, pick up a free Priority Mail® envelope or box, and pay a flat rate to ship it. But are post office shipping boxes free for businesses as well? The answer is yes, you can pick up free boxes at the post office.

Which carrier gives free boxes? ›

The US Postal Service (USPS) offers the greatest variety of free shipping boxes and free shipping supplies. Everything from Priority Mail Express Boxes to padded Flat Rate Envelopes is available – all free. You can even get shoeboxes, military care boxes, and DVD boxes for free.

What is the most common moving box size? ›

Medium boxes (18 x 18 x 15 inches, 22 x 16 x 15 inches or 3 cubic feet): The most common moving box, this size is good for office supplies, records, toys, small appliances, decor, photo albums and most household items.

How many boxes do I need to pack a kitchen? ›

With regards to other supplies, to pack large kitchens we recommended a mix of 15 to 20 large and medium boxes. For smaller kitchens, we recommended a mix of 10 to 15 large and medium boxes.

How many boxes of clothes should I have when moving? ›

Be prepared with 1-3 small boxes, 5-6 medium boxes, 5-8 large boxes, and 4-6 wardrobe boxes. The size of your closet also influences how many boxes you need to relocate your bedroom, so adapt the number of boxes to fit your clothes. All other bedrooms: These numbers vary based on whose room it is.

Do movers prefer boxes or bags? ›

To get a better idea of what kind of container is best for the job, we asked some professional movers what they prefer when packing their customers' items. The consensus is that boxes are usually the best choice.

Do movers expect everything in boxes? ›

In short, the answer to your question is, “It depends, but more often than not, yes.” Generally, if it will fit in a box, then it is a good idea to put said items in one.

What are the best boxes for moving a house? ›

Double walled boxes are the ideal type for house moving, because they are strong enough that they can be stacked on top of one another without breaking, and they can hold heavy objects inside of them without breaking. They will also protect the things that you put into them, so they help to prevent breakage.

Are Amazon moving boxes good? ›

These moving boxes were worth the money. They are nice thick boxes, I even saved a few because they are such good boxes. These boxes are clean and lightweight, sufficient for putting stuff in storage and maybe one move or two max.

Should I get moving boxes with handles? ›

Handles on the sides of the boxes make them easier to lift and carry. Reinforced handles are essential to have on moving boxes, especially when transporting heavier items. This is where cheap moving boxes without reinforced handles could have a negative impact on your move.

What is the best long distance moving box? ›

According to our research, the best moving container company is U-Haul U-Box. Other great alternatives are PODS and 1-800-Pack-Rat. On average, the cost to rent a moving container is around $3,000 for a long-distance move.

Will UPS send me free boxes? ›

Yes, UPS will box and package your item for you for free in most cases. There may be an added packaging fee for specialty or large shipments. Does UPS provide free boxes for Amazon returns? Yes, you can order free UPS boxes online from UPS.com in packs of 10 or 25.

Can you get free boxes from supermarkets? ›

Supermarkets often have numerous cardboard boxes lying around, and you get them for free by just asking nicely. Visit your nearest local supermarket and explain your situation. Hopefully, you'll get some free boxes in good condition.

Do post offices sell boxes? ›

Our Royal Mail Postal boxes are available in single, double, or triple walls and can arrive plain or printed. From small parcels to PIP (Royal Mail large letters), we have the right box for you.

Can you ask shops for boxes? ›

Ask Supermarkets and Local Shops

Most large supermarkets chains will give away cardboard boxes of varying sizes, you simply have to ask. As most supermarket chains have items delivered in bulk, the boxes are likely to be large and strong, especially those used to carry heavy items such as alcohol.

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