Best Places to Find Cardboard Boxes for Your Next Move
When planning a move, packing up your belongings is one of the biggest tasks on your to-do list. You’ll need plenty of sturdy boxes to protect everything from kitchen dishes and books to clothes and décor. But if you’ve ever tried to buy moving boxes, you might be wondering, “Where to get cardboard boxes for moving?”
The good news is that there are several reliable places to find moving boxes, both free and for purchase. Whether you want to save money or ensure top-quality boxes for your fragile items, you have plenty of options. Below, we’ll go over the best places to get moving boxes, how to choose the right types, and what to keep in mind before packing up your home.
Why Moving Boxes Matter
Moving boxes are more than just containers; they’re the backbone of a smooth, organized move. Good-quality boxes protect your items during transport, make stacking easier in the truck, and help you stay organized when unpacking. Using the right size and type of box also prevents damage to delicate items like glassware and electronics.
Poor-quality boxes or mismatched sizes can lead to frustration, crushed belongings, and wasted time. Investing in (or finding) the right boxes early on can save you a lot of headaches later.
Best Places to Buy Moving Boxes
If you prefer new, sturdy boxes that can handle heavy loads, here are some of the best places to buy moving boxes conveniently and affordably.
1. Home Improvement Stores
Stores like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Canadian Tire are among the most popular places to buy new moving boxes. They offer a wide variety of box sizes, including specialized options like wardrobe boxes and dish-packing kits.
- Cost: $2 – $5 per box, depending on size.
- Perks: Consistent quality, plenty of options, and bulk discounts.
2. Moving Supply Retailers
Companies like U-Haul, Uline, and The UPS Store sell professional-grade moving boxes designed specifically for relocation. U-Haul even offers box bundles and kits based on home size (e.g., 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, etc.).
- Cost: Around $1.50 – $6 per box.
- Perks: Boxes are sturdy, uniform in size, and can often be returned if unused.
3. Online Retailers
Websites like Amazon, Walmart, and Staples carry large bundles of moving boxes that can be delivered straight to your door.
- Cost: $1 – $3 per box when bought in bulk.
- Perks: Convenient delivery, often cheaper per box, and bundled with tape or markers.
4. Local Moving Companies
Professional movers, such as Aleks Moving’s Mississauga Movers, often sell or provide moving boxes as part of their packing services. These boxes are high-quality and designed to handle long-distance transport.
- Cost: Included in packing service or available for purchase.
- Perks: Movers provide the exact number and type of boxes you need, saving time and guesswork.
Best Places to Find Free Moving Boxes
If you want to save money, there are also plenty of ways to find free moving boxes; you just need to know where to look.
1. Grocery and Liquor Stores
These stores receive shipments daily and often have sturdy boxes that are perfect for packing. Liquor boxes are especially strong and great for smaller, heavy items like books or kitchenware.
- Tip: Ask the store manager politely and visit early in the morning before boxes are recycled.
2. Big Box Stores
Retailers such as Costco, Walmart, and Best Buy frequently have leftover boxes from product deliveries. Many of them are clean, well-sized, and easy to reuse.
3. Local Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist
Many people give away their moving boxes after finishing their move. Search for listings under “free moving boxes” or “packing supplies.”
- Bonus: You can often find bubble wrap or packing paper included for free.
4. Community Centers or Libraries
These places sometimes collect boxes for recycling or donation. You can ask if they have any available for pickup.
5. Recycling Centers
Check local recycling drop-off points. They often have piles of gently used boxes that can be reused for packing.
Choosing the Right Boxes for Moving
Not all boxes are created equal. To protect your belongings and make packing easier, it’s important to choose the right box type for each category of items.
| Box Type | Best For |
| Small boxes | Books, tools, canned goods |
| Medium boxes | Kitchen items, small appliances |
| Large boxes | Bedding, clothing, lightweight items |
| Wardrobe boxes | Hanging clothes |
| Dish or glass boxes | Plates, glassware, ceramics |
| Specialty boxes | TVs, mirrors, or artwork |
Avoid overloading large boxes, as this can cause them to tear or collapse. It’s better to use more small or medium boxes for heavy items and reserve large ones for lighter belongings.
Tips for Packing Boxes Efficiently
Once you have your boxes, the next step is packing smartly. Here are some professional tips from movers to make the process easier:
- Label every box clearly with the room and contents.
- Use bubble wrap or packing paper to protect fragile items.
- Seal boxes securely using heavy-duty packing tape on both top and bottom seams.
- Distribute weight evenly — place heavier items at the bottom and lighter items on top.
- Avoid gaps by filling empty spaces with soft materials like towels or paper.
These small steps can prevent damage and make unpacking faster once you arrive at your new home.
When to Buy vs. When to Reuse Boxes
If you are moving short distances or have access to gently used boxes, reusing can be cost-effective and environmentally friendly. However, for long-distance or high-value moves, it’s better to buy new boxes.
New boxes offer:
- Consistent durability for stacking in trucks.
- Clean, odor-free packaging that won’t attract pests.
- Uniform sizing that makes loading more efficient.
Used boxes, on the other hand, are great for clothes, linens, and non-fragile items.
How Many Boxes Do You Need?
The number of boxes you’ll need depends on your home size and how much you own. Here’s a rough estimate:
| Home Size | Approximate Number of Boxes |
| Studio or 1-bedroom | 20 – 40 boxes |
| 2-bedroom home | 40 – 60 boxes |
| 3-bedroom home | 60 – 80 boxes |
| 4-bedroom home | 80 – 100 boxes |
| 5-bedroom home | 100+ boxes |
It’s always smart to buy or collect a few extra boxes since last-minute items almost always appear during packing.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right moving boxes doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you prefer to buy brand-new boxes from home improvement stores or get free ones from grocery stores or community groups, there are plenty of options to fit your needs and budget.
Remember, sturdy and properly sized boxes make packing, moving, and unpacking significantly easier. A little preparation goes a long way toward protecting your belongings during your move.
If you’re planning a move in Mississauga or nearby areas, Aleks Moving can help you with packing, moving, and unpacking — including providing high-quality moving boxes and supplies. Our team of professionals handles everything with care and efficiency so you can focus on settling into your new home. Contact Aleks Moving Mississauga Movers today for a free estimate and stress-free moving experience.
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Find out more articles that can help you below:
- How to Pack Up a House for a Move
- How to Pack for a House Move Checklist
- How Long Does It Take Movers to Pack a House
