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.
- Twin Liquors: Large shipments of wine and spirits make this popular Texas liquor store a good place to try finding boxes for moving. There are 24 Twin Liquors locations in the city that may offer sturdy boxes.
- Spec’s Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods: Find used corrugated boxes in Austin at this well-known liquor store, which has seven locations throughout the city.
- Chris’ Liquor: Check with this local liquor store to find used boxes from beer, wine, and liquor shipments. There are two Chris’ Liquor locations in Austin—one on W Gate Blvd and one on S Lamar Blvd.
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)
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Check out our moving supplies guide to see what you can pick up in store at facilities in Austin.